Featured on Cleveland.com: Ceramics artist, chef emphasize creative, functional designs in the restaurant world

Aug 8

Gina DeSantis partners with restaurants to create artistic ceramics that compliment the culinary environment.

Written by Marc Bona, Originally published on Cleveland.com July 18, 2018

Excerpt:

"Ceramics artist Gina DeSantis spends much of her time in the Screw Factory in Lakewood, sculpting, molding and firing an array of creative pieces and teaching.

Matt Spinner's creative art space is the well-regarded Ushabu in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood where, as executive chef, his focus remains on preparing flavorful and regional Japanese dishes.

Together they create art.

DeSantis has crafted - actually carved, formed and shaped - her way into the culinary design world. What they do requires teamwork and a focus that must balance creativity and functionality.

"I feel like it is as important as a canvas is to painting," Spinner said. "To stretch my canvas with Gina is really important to us. You run into homogenization of what's on the plate (in some places). Design plates around what the dish is going to be - it's really special. This is the finish I want, the color, the diameter ... that canvas elevates the food you put on it. "