‘Baking Heaven’ Magazine’s (German edition) interview with Lindy Smith about her love of sugar art

“Lindy Smith und ihre liebe zur zuckerkunst” is the title of the interview that I give to Food Heaven’s German edition of ‘Baking Heaven’ magazine.  It seems that I am  proving to be a bit of a hit over in Europe as my ‘Contemporary cake decorating bible’ book has now been translated into 4 European  languages,  however its in Germany that I am creating the biggest stir! This article says “Es gibt kaum noch jemanden, der lindy Smith und ihre Zuckerkunst nicht kennt” – that there is hardly anyone that doesn’t know me – I doubt that this is strictly true but I do have a German fan Facebook page!

The feature is in the current Summer 2013 magazine – can you spot my name on the cover?

Here is the English version of the interview – Enjoy!

Question 1: You have been working with cakes and cake decoration for more than 20 years – what was the original event or influence leading you to that kind of business? Did you absolve any kind of training or education, let’s say as baker, pastry cook or cake decorator?
“I was inspired by my own wedding cake back in 1991 to take evening classes in cake decorating. I have always loved it right from my very first lesson, which by the way was how to make sugarpaste – no manufactured paste was available then! I have tried many crafts over the years but sugarcraft is the one I love the most, it combines my love of baking, art and design and of course colour, what could be more perfect! Originally cake decorating for me was just a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed but as my skill levels grew and I discovered I had a flair for cake design my career took off”

Question 2: Where do you get the inspiration for all your amazing projects, the ideas for your own beautiful range of cutters and stencils?
“Anywhere and everywhere! For example, I have used buildings in Barcelona by Gaudi to inspire my Gaudi’s Grandeur cake in the Contemporary Cake Decorating Bible. The inspiration for the Cushion Stack from the Contemporary Cake Decorating Bible, came from a wall hanging I bought on a trip to India. The Patchwork Heart Cake, from the same book, was inspired at a friends house party by the interior decoration of her downstairs toilet! Inspiration for designs are simply all around me all the time, I often look at something and say ‘that would make a good cake!’ I am passionate about design and designing and love challenging myself to come up with new ideas never seen before.

For my own range of cutters and stencils, the inspiration likewise can be from anywhere. The species rose stencil, was created from a montage of photos taken of a rose bush in my garden. My platform stiletto shoe cutter was brought out when this style of shoe first appeared, as I like my products to be as on-trend as possible. Sometimes I design my products to allow me to create a certain type or design of cake other times it’s my customers that requests that influence what I produce. The paint splat, Russian doll and camper van cutters are all designs that were asked for by my customers.”

Question 3: How many books have you written on cake decoration over the years – 10 or 11? Do you have a favourite which you like most?
“I have actually written 13 and I’ve just signed a contract for my 14th. As for a favourite one, it has to be the one that is being published this year ‘Creative colour for cake decorating’. I am very excited about the whole concept behind this book, which shows readers how to find and use colour inspiration and how to apply colour theory when decorating their cakes. I also love the mix of projects, which are all very different, the photography is also stunning!”

Question 4: You are an internationally renowned artist and therefore travelling a lot – not only in Europe. Could you imagine living in any other country besides the United Kingdom?
“I have always love travelling, seeing the world and being influenced by it however I also love coming home to England. England also has the perfect climate for cake decorating, not too hot or too cold and not to dry or too humid. When I teach around the globe I experience and hear about so many climatical challenges that I always tell my UK students how lucky they are!”

Question 5: Creativity cannot be forced. How do you manage writing these fascinating books always showing contemporary and modern ideas and projects besides all the workshops, shows, trips and sales of your products? Do you have more than 24 hours a day?
“Sometimes I wish there was more than 24 hours in a day, as for me my work is a constant balancing act. I have a small team that operates my online shop and customer service side, so I don’t get involved in the day to day running of this. However I do teach all my own classes and my books are all my own work, also I have to oversee the running of my business as well as the design work. I love what I do but it is a juggling act and I do work long hours!”

Question 6: Your latest book „The Contemporary Cake Decoration Bible” has been selling very successfully, not only in England. It has been translated into Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German and we heard through the grapevine that there are plans for even a Thai edition. How do you feel about imparting your ideas to so many people all over the world?
“I am passionate about what I do and love the fact that so many people want to learn from me and that they appreciate my skills. I am often told that I am peoples ‘cake idol’ and I certainly feel flattered that I am held in such high esteem by so many.”

Here is the printed version from the magazine:

Happy Baking and decorating

Lindy