A common theme has recurred lately: art as a reflection of its creator.
At Smyrna, Tarik Sengul’s food reflects a Turkish upbringing, years in American kitchens with classical French training, and a new life in Charlottesville. At Sono, Sechul Yang’s food emerges from a Korean childhood and formative years cooking Italian food at Maialino. Neither set out to fuse cultures. Who they are just became what they make.
Likewise, Ramona Martinez’s genre-defying music grew out of her unique experiences and influences and formed a product no one else could create. With a mother who worked for the U.S. State Department, Martinez spent her childhood at military bases around the world – Finland, Russia, Japan, Australia – raised on Americana culture from afar, like the Turner Classic Movies on her family’s television…