It's that time of year again, though it doesn't really end we just take a short break over the summer! Cake Competitions/Sugar Art Shows are in full swing, with the Satin Ice sponsored CakeFair in Orlando which just ended and the upcoming Oklahoma Sugar Art Show (OSSAS) first weekend in October. There's Cake International in the UK in November, The Cake Masters Awards as well and then the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique Culinary Art and Exhibit in NY. Lots to do, lots to see and lots of amazing people to see, talk with and learn from.
I love doing these competitions because it gives me an opportunity to create works of edible art that my customers necessarily wouldn't ask for and to try something new and different. Yes, it can be stressful, like how do I get my cake there? Drive, fly, ship it out? What if my cake is damaged? Should I bring a tool kit? Do I have time to fix it? I've gone through all of these experiences doing shows and you always seem to work something out and be able to get a piece on the table.
I compete not to win, but to push myself further, learning new techniques and trying different styles or designs that I would never think of. If I win, great an added bonus but my goal is to get something that I'm happy and proud of out there for other people's enjoyment.
I also love the camaraderie of the cake community. Love seeing old friends and making new ones! I love taking in all the other competitors' pieces and seeing so many different takes on a certain theme! Learning what to do and what not to do. Taking classes so I can further myself along and bring back what I learned for my customers.
As I'm writing this I have finally completed my 3, yes 3 pieces for the OSSAS show. I decided to enter in some other categories that I usually don't do work for. Figured I would try something different this year! Oh and I'm also competing in the LIVE cake challenge as well! Crazy I know but I am so looking forward to the show, seeing my friends, talking cake and seeing what's next!
Its a busy 4 months with more pieces to create but in the end its all fun! If you have a chance to see a show in your area, come on out! You won't be disappointed!