Pie in the Sky explores the relationship between food, nature, animals, and people through a series of ten distinct food narratives. Each narrative is designed to offer viewers a unique experience, relating to themes of the absurd and navigating the uncanny. With my passion for food photography and cooking, I wanted to merge my interests with surrealism and reimagine my subjects in new ways through food styling, art direction and post-processing. This series takes a playful approach to examining both metaphorical and literal juxtapositions while staying grounded in the beauty of the natural world.
The raw photos I captured are like basic ingredients in a recipe, essential yet unrefined. It is in the editing process, however, that they are transformed into something new and unexpected. This focus on detail allows the unusual elements in my images to stand out, creating captivating photos that hold the viewers’ attention. I aim for my work to create tension, not just between subjects, but between the viewer and the image itself, evoking a strange, yet whimsical feeling while showcasing food and nature.
Pie in the Sky is inspired by the source: animals, raw ingredients and life itself. It is a project rooted in life, brought to life and transformed by detail and imagination.
Sophia Markelj is a food and lifestyle photographer and food stylist, who seamlessly combines both skills to deliver exceptional visuals. With a solid foundation in technical production and design, Sophia has a knack for creating bold juxtapositions and visual metaphors in her work. Passionate about all things colourful and quirky, she loves creating images that make people do a double take.