Food as Art
Creating • Curating • Consulting • Writing
Explore the creative universe of Carolyn Tillie, where art, food, and history converge in thought-provoking and visually stunning ways. As a jewelry artist, curator, and culinary historian, Carolyn brings a unique perspective to each of her projects, blending her passion for craftsmanship with a deep understanding of cultural narratives. Whether you’re seeking bespoke jewelry, curatorial insights, or a deeper understanding of the rich stories food tells, Carolyn’s work invites you to discover new layers of creativity and history. Join her on a journey that celebrates the intersections of art, culture, and cuisine.
Carolyn Tillie
Carolyn Tillie is a culinary historian, artist, curator, and consultant. Combining gastronomic and artistic passions, she specializes in creating and exhibiting food-themed jewelry and artwork, lecturing on various culinary historic themes, and consulting with art galleries and museums to organize and present gastronomically interactive events. With an MFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from CSULB, she obtained a Certified Master Chef certificate from Epicurean school in Los Angeles, and a Level Two certification from the Wine Spirit Education Trust.
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![ALEISTER CROWLEY]()
NEW ATLAS OBSCURA: THE DECADENT DIET OF ALEISTER CROWLEY
rom sex-magick oysters to fantastical haggis, his diaries reveal an adventurous gourmand and accomplished chef. In this introductory article, Carolyn has begun the research for an upcoming book on the gastronomic excesses and culinary adventures of the Victorian era’s favorite bad boy, including some of his own, unpublished recipes.
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GASTRONOMICA: MIXED EMOTIONS—CUTTING AND PASTING THROUGH LOSS, DETRITUS, AND FORCED ISOLATION DURING COVID-19
Documenting the growth of her Mixed Emotions multi-media art form, Carolyn expands upon the sensation of the loss of loved ones and missed opportunities to share meals by delving into the Duchampian art form of repurposing vintage cookbooks and culinary material goods left behind by those who passed away due to COVID-19.
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![Metalsmith Good Enough to eat: Explorations in food jewelry]()
METALSMITH: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT—EXPLORATIONS IN FOOD JEWELRY
Carolyn profiles a selection of artists who use edible materials as a primary medium, which necessitates unusual ways of working - CNC milling roast beef, for example - as well as an exploration of the themes and associations related to food.
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ENTERPRISING WOMEN - WOMEN MAKE WINE
In this cover article, Carolyn profiles six female wine makers: Laura Zahtila of Zahtila Vineyards, Mary Rocca from Rocca Family Vineyards, Susie Selby, owner of Selby Winery, Robin Lail of Lail Vineyards, Julie Johnson of Tres Sabores, and Vicky Farrow of Armista Vineyards.
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![Metalsmith Suzanne Pugh]()
METALSMITH SUZANNE PUGH: POST PASTORALIA
Metalsmith Suzanne Pugh staged the same work of art in two very different gallery settings. Read Carolyn’s critique here.
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![THE WORLD OF FINE WINES]()
THE WORLD OF FINE WINES
Carolyn has written several articles for Hugh Johnson’s World of Fine Wines magazines. Stemming from her decade living in Napa and blogging about the wine industry, she was tapped to provide first-hand reports of harvest conditions as well as insight into business dealings on multiple levels.
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THE WORLD OF FINE WINES
Carolyn has written several articles for Hugh Johnson’s World of Fine Wines magazines. Stemming from her decade living in Napa and blogging about the wine industry, she was tapped to provide first-hand reports of harvest conditions as well as insight into business dealings on multiple levels.
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WINES & VINES TRACK SALES & DEPLETION WITH WINERY-SPECIFIC SOFTWARE
With the rise of the technology in winery management, Carolyn investigates various software companies’ offerings to track sales and depletion.
Books
Carolyn has written three books exploring jewelry design, upcycling, and artistic expression. Her work shares inspiration, techniques, and the stories behind her creations.
Jewelry
For over thirty years, Carolyn has been exploring a wide variety of styles in jewelry creation, from the mystically-inclined to Art Nouveau-influences. In 2006, she started experimenting with incorporating reclaimed and recycled items such as Champagne tins (known as plaque de muselet) into miniature wearable pieces of art.
Art
Carolyn Tillie transforms everyday moments into fantastical narratives, weaving food, folklore, and historical motifs into finely detailed works of art. Her pieces blur the line between reality and imagination, inviting viewers to explore a world rich with charm, curiosity, and storytelling.
View Past Exhibits
Carolyn Tillie's art blends intricate detail with whimsical surrealism, often incorporating food, mythology, and historical influences. Her work invites viewers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, merging fine craftsmanship with playful storytelling.
Upcoming events.
Join Carolyn Tillie for her upcoming events where art, creativity, and storytelling come together in unique and inspiring ways. With a passion for blending artistic expression and cultural influences, Carolyn’s events feature a collection of her signature jewelry designs, as well as workshops and exhibitions that explore the beauty of upcycling and the power of transformation. Whether showcasing her latest creations or sharing her knowledge through hands-on experiences, Carolyn’s events are a must-attend for anyone looking to discover the intersection of art and everyday life.
