May 7, 2015

Rated ART’s Dynamic Duo – Becca Kallem and PinStripe’s Jesse Davis

By now you might have heard about our upcoming gala Rated ART. We chose this theme to prepare you to explore the role of inspiration. As promised, we’re back to share some of what inspires our artists, chefs, and mixologists.

Rated ART combines AAC’s stunning gallery spaces with food and drink inspired by the artwork of AAC Resident Artists. But the excitement and adventure doesn’t stop there! Throughout the night, guests will enjoy interactive installations and participate in a special performance piece. A night of discovery and invention awaits you at Rated ART!

To entice and tempt you, we’ve asked our chefs and artists to answer a few questions about their work, their inspirations, and their superpowers! First up, the dynamic duo of PinStripes – Georgetown and AAC Resident Artist Becca Kallem!


Artist: Becca Kallem__________________________________

Years in the Industry: 12
Credentials:MFA in Painting from the University of New Hampshire, BA in Art and Spanish from the College of William and Mary

Chef Jesse Davis____________________________________

Pinstripes-Logo

Years in the Industry: 20
Credentials: Graduated from Baltimore Culinary Arts School


Becca Kallem, Can’t Stop, 2015, acrylic on linen, 32 x 18 x 2.5 inches, $850
Can’t Stop, 2015, acrylic on linen, 32 x 18 x 2.5 in, $850
What made you decide to enter the culinary/art world and why did you want to become a chef/artist?

Becca: Ever since I was a toddler I have loved to draw, paint, and make. Nothing else brings me the same combination of passion and peace.

Jesse: I have always gravitated towards the culinary arts!

I was influenced at a young age by my grandfather who was a theatrical editor for the New York Daily News. I accompanied my grandfather to the shows and often was treated to amazing dining experiences all over New York.

<--Pictured here is Becca's artwork, which Jesse used for his Rated ART dish and drink inspiration


What gets your creative juices flowing for your next piece/plate? Tell us about your thought process…

Becca: I find visual inspiration in the materials at hand as well as the things I see around me – a bright scrap of string, an image of a favorite “masterpiece,” a cast shadow.

I am also inspired by my teaching work and reading about learning and language.

Jesse: I like to impress people with good food! People are more aware about cuisine, so being creative and exploring new dishes is exciting.


What’s your art/culinary superpower?

Becca: Drawing portraits.

Jesse: Being able to improvise on the spur of the moment! I can show my creativity in a very short period of time.


What are your art /culinary turn-ons?

Becca: Hot pink, gold leaf, and chiaroscuro.

Jesse: Simple, well executed dishes! To me eating is a social thing; it’s no fun to eat alone. I like to evoke emotions from my dishes and make someone’s dining experience through the food.


Who are the top three chefs you really admire?

Jesse: Norman Van AkenThomas Keller and Gerard Mandoni


What’s the most extraordinary piece of art you’ve ever seen?

Becca: Hmmm….maybe Susie J. Lee’s “Still Lives”


Becca's studio space
Becca’s studio space

Finally, give us a hint about your creation for Rated ART!

Becca: My piece is inspired by an old school German board game.

Jesse: Home, home on the range.


Where can we find you?

Becca: Website | Instagram

PinStripes: Website | FaceBook | Twitter


Get your Rated ART tickets today!

Rated ART is brought to you by:

Rated ART Sponsors

DC MAGAZINE | THE PINKLINE PROJECTBALLSTON BIDBB&T NOVA CAT CLINIC CORPORATE APARTMENT SPECIALISTS, INC. | STRONG TONIC TEAM CATHELLMATZ, BLANCATO, & ASSOCIATES | AFR EVENT FURNISHINGS

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