Photography

It is a little unusual to snow here this early in December. But today was the day - the first snow of this winter. And sure as ever, out came the cameras along with the white precipitation. Here are a few pictures of nature's show today and the last few weeks - Fall & Winter 2010 Album.

Digital cameras have made it ever so easy and inexpensive to go on clicking (and deleting) until you feel like your perfect picture has arrived. Photography is a way of pausing a moment and freezing it into a permanent record (assuming you let the picture live) for reminiscence later.

However, it is difficult to capture the joy of the season's first snow in a few pictures, especially with point-and-shoot cameras. When I graduate to a Digital SLR (Santa, hope you heard me!), I will be posting more of my experiments with photography.

Cooking

Have you wondered if cooking is an art or a skill? In my opinion, you can acquire a keen skill for dishing out palette-teasing food. But when you do so consistently, you have mastered the art.

The TV channel Food Network showcases people who understand and practise the art of cooking. I could sit and watch these folks cook for an entire day and still want to see more of their tricks. I'm not sure the shows always inspire my culinary creativity. But there is something so ideal and artistic about the well-lit, aethetic kitchen settings; the perennially new-looking pots and pans; the fresh and colourful veggies, fruits and herbs... I could go on.

The chefs work towards their promise on each of their shows. I find Rachael Ray's 30-minute meals especially engaging. It is a dream to have to spend just 30 minutes in the kitchen (one hour tops, inclusive of cleaning up). I may not exactly recreate her platters in my kitchen, but I certainly try to mimic her fast and efficient style where possible.

Who is your favourite Food Network chef, and what about the chef or the show do you like most?

Papercutting

All you need for this craft work is a pair of sharp scissors and any kind of paper. But to take it to the level of art, you also need special fingers – those that can stop the scissors when you want them to, those that can make the finest cuts without tearing the design apart, and those that can curve their way around tiny, delicate nooks.

My friend, Sid, has what it takes. Inspired by his large, impressive collection (which incidentally, dates back to his high-school days), I set out to make a humble attempt. Below is one fairly successful outcome, of the many pieces of paper I killed over the last few days.

A simple Google search for ‘Papercutting’ will yield plenty of information, and images of some mind-blowing creations. But don’t be overwhelmed by the intricacy of some of these. Just pick up your scissors and an old newspaper, and get snipping!