OP: Notes from a Kitchen (3 vols)

Tatroux, Dallas, TX, 2011, 2014. Hardcover in slipcase. Fine. Signed first printings.

For many years now, chefs have been lionized and revered for a depth of focus and passion that supersedes the heat, pressure, and drudgery of true kitchen work. Multimedia artist Jeff Scott (1963– ), in this three-volume, self-published passion project, captures his own obsession with the intricate lives of chefs and their restaurants.

With a seemingly effortless interview style and a keen artistic eye, Scott evokes the movement and chaos of kitchen work in his still photography, while also effectively navigating the introspective and passionate moments his subjects share with coworkers, purveyors, and themselves. He even includes excerpts from kitchen notebooks.

Volumes 1 and 2, published simultaneously in 2011, feature Sean Brock, Johnny Iuzzini, Neal Fraser, Michael Laiskonis, George Mendes, Emma Hearst, Joel Harrington, Matt Gaudet, Zak Pelaccio, and Jason Neroni. Volume 3 followed in 2014, featuring Jordan Kahn, Dominique Crenn, Juan Contreras, Justin Cogley, Joshua Skenes, Shawn Gawle, Alex Stupak, Vinny Dotolo, David Chang, Julian Van Winkle, Jenna Rozelle. Originally planned as a two book set, Volume 3 is billed as Part 1, but the ambitious project ran out of funds before the second part could be actualized.

The visually arresting volumes were well received while still available but have become quite uncommon in the secondary market. We are pleased to offer here all three books in fine condition, including their clothbound slipcases. Volumes 1 and 3 are both signed by Jeff Scott on one of the many illustrated vellum pages inserted in the front material. An important contribution to understanding process and creativity in the early 21st century.