Food and our connection to it
Sophie Merkens takes us on a journey across Aotearoa, meeting 37 inspiring women who find meaning and connection through food. From mothers, gardeners, hunters, chefs and hobbyists, their conversations dive deep into how food influences their lives. Grow — Wa¯hine Finding Connection Through Food is a refreshingly honest and insightful book about women, food and connection.
We asked Sophie some questions:
Tell us a little about your book Grow and how this project came about. Grow is a collection of photographs and soulful conversations with 35 food-connected wa¯hine. It's a book celebrating women, food and connection. The idea for the book had been brewing for a while, as they tend to do but then Covid-19 hit and our world changed forever. I suddenly had no contracting work so I had time to reflect. Lockdown was a catalyst as I looked at what's important to me. I want to help tell and share empowering local stories. The idea bloomed and I realised it needed to be a book, so I got to work.
Who are some of the wa¯ hine who feature in Grow? Every woman in Grow is amazing and inspires me, though some are more well known than others (which was intentional to range from hobbyist to expert). I am so grateful to have met and interviewed Fleur Sullivan, Dr Jessica Hutchings, Angela Clifford, Donna Kerridge, and Kay Baxter, amongst other inspirational wa¯hine.
How did you select the women who are in Grow? That was tough! There are so many amazing women doing incredible things. For Grow I knew I couldn't fit everything or interview everyone but I wanted a range of conversations as well as disciplines, so that helped me choose. For example, there are two professional beekeepers in Grow but the focus of our conversations are completely different. Jessie Baker lives in Ta¯maki Makaurau Auckland and rescues and rehomes swarms, so our conversation focused on the importance of bees. Whereas, Marara Murray-haig lives in Mango¯ nui in Northland and has taken her kids out beekeeping with her since they were 2 weeks old. Our ko¯ rero dove into the importance of wha¯nau and teaching (who she describes as) her ‘free-range kids’ the skills to provide for themselves whilst honouring and respecting the environment. I love that variety.
I wanted Grow to be diverse and so you meet women from all different backgrounds and locations (from cities to countryside to islands). Everybody's got a story, it's about taking the time to honour it.
Grow: Wa¯hine Finding Connection Through Food by Sophie Merkens, Beatnik Publishing, $59.99
What inspired you to write this book? During the first nationwide lockdown, while standing in line at the supermarket to buy supplies, I saw how disconnected many of us are from our food, we've become dependent urban hunters and gatherers. I come from a family of gardeners who dabble in foraging and know the positive effects that can have on your mental and physical health. Covid-19 was a wakeup call for me. I wanted to celebrate those connected to their food. I want to use my skills to tell local empowering stories. Food is a huge part of my life and identity, so telling food connected stories brings me so much joy.
You got out on the road to create this book, can you tell us about your journey?
It was such a pleasure to travel for Grow .Iam incredibly grateful that I got to traverse Aotearoa. I purchased a self-contained van, named Zephyr Florence, for the trip. I had a mini home on wheels to travel in, which meant I could work on the road whilst having the comforts of a gas stove, subsequent hot coffee, and a double bed. Zephyr took me on some epic travels, down dirt roads and all around this marvellous country. Now all I want to do is explore Aotearoa more.
Do you have a favourite photograph from the book? Why is it your favourite? My favourite photograph in Grow is of Rene´ e Taylor playing her pu¯ta¯tara before we went diving (yes, Grow also features some underwater photography). The pu¯ta¯tara has deep personal and cultural significance in Rene´ e's journey. The photo captures Rene´ e in her power. It's a personal moment that I'm so grateful to have witnessed.