An
Artist's Reflection
by
Scott Clark Woolley
Often I
have been asked: "How did you get into such a unique profession?"
To answer that question and for those who haven't read the intro to my
book, "Cakes by Design", here is a brief synopsis of that circuitous journey
into what I lovingly call "Cakeland".
As a youth
in York, Pennsylvania, I reveled at picking cherries from a tree in my
backyard; and, with the help of my mother, turning them into delicious
pies before our eyes! I was significantly influenced by the nearby Pennsylvania
Dutch as well, some of the most talented bakers in the world of Germanic
extraction. I continued on my own to develop a slew of tasty sweet treats
from the kitchen that only thrilled my voracious family.
While growing
up, I also began to adopt an interest in the performing arts exposed too
much by my father, a voice teacher; and my mother, who had explored acting
when she was young. So, at twenty in 1975, I left for New York City to
pursue a career in show business, particularly musical theater. Years
of training ensued, but getting only occasional short-run musicals and
small stints on the soaps like, "Another World", just did not provide enough
income. It
was clear I needed more regular work. So, I decided to utilize my talent
and love of baking to earn extra money in between acting jobs. I sold desserts
to restaurants in my neighborhood from my upper west side of Manhattan
apartment. By and by, customers began asking for decorated cakes; and suddenly,
unbeknownst to me, my business, "Cakes by Design", was born in 1978.
Soon, enjoying
the imaginative and creative element of cake designing, I gradually lost
interest in the challenging path of show business and decided to make a
career of cakes. By coincidence, my last experience in show business was
performing for the Gershwin Organization's production of the rare musical
called ironically, "Let Em Eat Cake!" The Universe was screaming loud at
me, "Do cakes!" It was also at that time that I met my beloved life partner,
Michael Farace, who committed with me to making "Cakes by Design" a success.
In 1988, we
discovered the magical art form of gum paste flowers and were off to ourselves
for the next few years exploring and developing our style and technique
with sugar flowers. As time progressed, we started a school of cake decorating
in 1991 called the "Academy of Cake Art" in our studio to share what we
were learning about cakes and sugar flowers with many aspiring cake artists
in the Tri-state area. Soon, in the back of our minds, was the idea of
a future book where we could share everything that we had learned with
the entire world. So, as each cake decorating opportunity came along, we
began carefully capturing the work on film; hopefully, later to be published
into a book. To our great pleasure, after seven years of writing, illustrating,
& photographing 94 cakes and 36 sugar flower displays, "Cakes by Design
- The Magical World of Sugar Art" was published.
It was not
too long after that publishing triumph, that life handed a very difficult
blow. After 16 years together, my partner, Michael, suddenly passed
away in 1998 as a result from an internal hemorrhage. The world had lost
a talented, sweet, kind and loving heart; and I had lost a business partner,
lover and friend. Michael always adored books of any kind. He would
have
called himself a true bookworm growing up. His dream was one day to have
published a book he was proud of. I can confidently say that dream was
realized - a life goal achieved. Without Michael's unique writing ability,
this book would never have gotten published. It is this article that I
wish to gratefully dedicate in his loving memory. Those that truly knew
him, miss Michael dearly.
But, life marches
on, and we often end up opening our hearts when tragedy strikes in order
to serve mankind. My choice was to put most of that heart energy into my
school of cake decorating to help others achieve, with just a few lessons,
what took me years of exploring to develop. I sort of look at myself as
a pioneer holding the lamp for others to find the joyful path of creation.
It so happens I feel it comes naturally for I happen to have pioneer blood
in me, being the great, great, great, great grandson of Daniel Boone, the
American pioneer of the 1700's. I simply want to stretch the boundaries
and limits of what is possible in "Cakeland".
This is, basically,
my journey from aspiring actor to cake and sugarcraft artist. Most importantly,
along "yellow brick road", I have learned that working patiently, step-by-step,
is the key to unlocking the imagination and an effective way to develop
one's gifts and talents. It is my belief that everyone is an artist capable
of great accomplishment. Simply, believe in your own power, Dorothy, and
the glorious shining gates of Oz will be opened up for you.
Butterfly wings
to all,
Scott Clark
Woolley
About
Scott Clark Woolley
by
Diane Shavkin
It is truly
an honor and blessing to have someone of such high esteem and talent to
grace my web site with his sharing of talents and skills for my viewers
to enjoy. As soon as I asked Mr. Woolley to do an article, he graciously
agreed, and, within a week, the materials arrived via email!
Scott Clark
Woolley's talents and creations are magnificent and above belief.
He is truly gifted; not only in the area of skills, but in the area of
kindness, caring and generosity of sharing his knowledge as clearly and
precisely with his students and through his demonstrations such as at the
International Cake Exploration Society's annual Cake Decorating Show and
Convention. His book, "Cakes by Design - The Magical World of Sugar
Art" is truly one item that should be a "household item" for the cake decorator.
(Please see the picture of the cover of his book and the information to
obtain the book toward the end of this article).
Now, I would
like to share with you the raves and credits in regard to Mr. Woolley:
"Guests
were delighted with the cake...a great success!" Glorious Food
"Fabulous!
A beautiful work of art." Cartier
"Loved my
wedding and baby shower cakes!" Caroline Kennedy
"The portrait
cake looked just like me. A home run!" President George W. Bush
"The children
were thrilled with the cake!" Jim Henson Prods.
"The smash
hit of the party!" USA Today
Seen on ABC
News, CNN, NHK-TV and the Food Network
For nearly
a quarter century in New York City, Scott Clark Woolley, in his confectionery
studio on the upper west side of Manhattan, has created nothing short of
spectacular wedding and novelty cakes. World renowned as a
master cake
artist, his creations, touted by many as true works of "heart," have graced
the pages of Bride's Magazine and Martha Stewart's book, Weddings.
Considered
one of the foremost teachers in the art of Gum Paste Sugar Flowers, his
book on the subject, Cakes by Design, features over 90 stunning wedding
and celebration cakes. His talents include mastery of hundreds of species
of lifelike flowers, sculpted and painted in sugar dough. In 1991, he founded
The Academy of Cake Art, a school for beginner and advanced students in
the fine art of cake decorating. He has also demonstrated at the French
Culinary Institute, Peter Kump's Cooking School, The Learning Annex, The
Seminar Center and The International Cake Exploration Society (ICES).
Currently, Scott is working on his second book.
"Absolutely
amazing cakes! Buy this book!!" ~David Rosengarten, The Food Network
Other
Notable Clients
Princess Aga
Kahn
Maria Shriver
Christie Brinkley
Beatrix Potter |
Phil Donahue
Stephen Sondheim
Erté
I. M. Pei |
Gourmet Magazine
Ms. Magazine
Self Magazine
Essence Magazine |
Parker Brothers
Jim Henson
Prods.
Bloomingdales
Saks Fifth
Avenue
Tiffany &
Co.
Met Museum
of Art |
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