AN MFA DESIGN THESIS

This thesis explores new systems of gathering and archiving the complexities of cultural traditions and personal relationships. Specifically, the role of food as an amplifier and catalyst for these relationships was investigated. Eat/Gather illustrates this parallel in a book series chronicling the making of seasonal Japanese American foods. In each volume, personal stories told by the Nisei (2nd generation Japanese Americans) are woven together to narrate the shared process of making one specific traditional food.

For many Japanese American families, the art of preparing these cultural treats is being lost to the convenience and demands of a modern lifestyle. Today's generations must take a moment to listen and learn from the Nisei so that these beautiful traditions of Japanese American culture will be available for future generations.

The Eat /Gather series is meant not only to inform generations of Japanese Americans about their rich cultural heritage, but to inspire an environment within local communities and individual families where stories about such traditions can be shared.

This website is meant not only as a place to showcase this series, but offer a venue for all audiences to share their own cultural traditions. You can join the Eat / Gather community by visiting the SHARE page.