Zusammenkunft.

I was asked to get involved with an exhibition called Fortified, at JamFactory in Seppletsfield, which aimed to pair artists and designers with Barossa Valley producers. I was paired with Tanunda based bakers Bec and Martin from @mehlsourdough. Through spending time with them, hearing their story, and watching their making process, I responded with a piece based on this experience.

'Zusammenkunft (Gathering)' is a timber breadboard and breadbox which draws on the German heritage of Martin, and the Barossa itself. I wanted to explore the ritualistic nature of bread in German culture, as a staple for most meals, commonly shared amongst family.

We sourced old wine staves from the Barossa, and this informed my making process. By adapting barrel-making techniques, I created a form which resembles a whole grain and is designed to preserve a loaf of bread. The breadboard also has stave offcuts oriented to their end grain so that they resemble the aerated appearance of a slice of sourdough, Mehl’s bakery mainstay.