LOUIE AND TIM

If you’re ever in the mood for a virtual dose of something delicious, take a look at Louie Waller’s work. This London-based food stylist and art director creates sharp, painterly images that inject light and life to food - and teaches us a thing or two about how to set a table. Her work has appeared everywhere from Wallpaper and the Sunday Times to Gourmand, and she’s partnered up with the biggest names in the food game, from Heinz to Hardie Grant.

She and her partner Tim have spent lockdown side by side at home, perfecting their baking skills, practicing yoga, hanging out with their dog Johnny and tending to their plants. Here, Louie talks to us about evening light, recreating Indian classics and creating the perfect tablescape (even during lockdown).

Louie, where did your fascination with food come from?

I was really lucky to grow up with a mother who was (and is) an excellent cook. She taught me everything I know, from laying tables to how to cook the best Bolognese. She used to cater a lot of events, so from a young age, I liked watching her work and being given tasks to do around the kitchen.

A lot of your images of fruits and vegetables resemble still lifes. Are your photographs inspired by classic paintings?

I love fruit, I think it's so beautiful. It’s also so easy to make it look good.

Do you take the time to style your food and set the table when you’re cooking for yourself at home?

We've been pretty lazy during lockdown and there have definitely been more dinners on the sofa in front of a movie. I do try to make sure we have a few nights a week where we have a set table, it makes me feel happy, and recently small things like that have become important.

Do you have any tips for creating a beautiful plate of food?

I think taking little a bit more time with the detail, like adding herbs or a wedge of lemon on the side always helps. Picking a pretty plate helps, if you have one.

What cookbooks have you been using the most?

I've been using the Dishoom book a lot, which has been nice because we recently travelled to Mumbai (before lockdown) and have been happily trying to recreate meals we had there. Also a book I styled recently called Take One Tin by Lola Milne. The recipes are delicious, clever and make use of things you might already have in your cupboards. There’s a sweetcorn fritter recipe in there we have been making every week, so good.

Tim, as someone who travels a lot to take photographs, what has your lens shifted to during isolation?

My everyday, the things I tend to overlook normally have become fascinating all of a sudden.

Have you found inspiration within the home to focus on while adventures further afield are restricted?

I think like a lot of people I have got into gardening during lockdown, and have found inspiration in that. We have a small terrace at the front of our place and I have become very interested in my plants and their wellbeing.

How have you been keeping creative as a couple and individually whilst at home?

We have had a few projects we have worked on together during this time which have kept us busy, we also made a colouring book for my niece, Naree.

And what has been bringing you a sense of joy?

Our dog Johnny, going for walks with him, the light in the evening and wine.

How do you bring fun to your every day?

Hanging out with Tim and Johnny = constant fun.