“A woman’s place is the kitchen” - a well known, and oft-used phrase, yet when you look around most professional kitchens and read top chef lists, why do women feature so little?

Throughout history as cooking moved beyond the home and into a more commercial world, tasks that were once dominated by female “cooks” became those performed by male “chefs”. In recent times though, things are shifting. Flicking through instagram and the pages of food magazines, I see innovative female chefs rewriting the restaurant game, using their feminine appeal to reach new audiences. I see bloggers creating cooking revolutions from their home kitchens. What was once a place of oppression, has been subverted by many women to bring them success and personal agency. 

This project examines the changing role of modern women in the domestic and commercial kitchen. Each subject is a forerunner in their field, helping to defy preconceived notions of gender bias. By showcasing the women in a hyper-feminised manner, I hope to evoke reflection within the viewer, on how much has changed in this industry over the past half century, and what we still have yet to achieve.

Poi is the General Manager for Odettes and Hugo’s Bistro here in Auckland.

If you’ve ever been to Odettes, you will fondly remember Poi, where you will have been warmly greeted by her smiling bright red lips.

Everyday for Poi is different as she juggles tasks to meet the needs of two busy and successful venues.

The styled image for sale is printed on Fine Art Stock, in two sizes sizes and includes delivery in NZ in a print tube. 

Leslie owns Apero with her husband Mo. She sorts the food, and he sorts the wine. Between them, you’re guaranteed a delicious time, with elements that are carefully sourced, thoughtfully prepared and lovingly served.

Leslie, a Mum and classically trained French Chef spends much of her day in the kitchen, head down, preparing delicious food from scratch. She’s been awarded many times over for her innovative approach.

The styled image for sale is printed on Fine Art Stock, in two sizes sizes and includes delivery in NZ in a print tube. 

Estelle works with For the Love of Bees, an organisation seeking to further social sculpture that began in Auckland, learning together to regenerate our spaces to make them safe again for pollinators, microbes + humans.

The styled image for sale is printed on Fine Art Stock, in two sizes sizes and includes delivery in NZ in a print tube. 

Judy is a woman of many talents. Accomplished performer, Wine Maker and Teacher. These days she is found in the classroom, helping educate the next generation and tending to her wine collection from her own vineyard.

The styled image for sale is printed on Fine Art Stock, in two sizes sizes and includes delivery in NZ in a print tube. 

Hannah is an accomplished butcher creating delicious cured meats from New Zealand bred animals with salt from Malbrough and foraged Spices.

Trained in an innovative seam-cutting technique, Hannah’s respect for each animal is evident with her nose to trout approach to utilising every part of the animal ensuring minimal waste.

The styled image for sale is printed on Fine Art Stock, in two sizes sizes and includes delivery in NZ in a print tube.