Food for Thought Artist Aishwarya Bavle | Filter Coffee

Food for Thought
Call for Entries Accepted Artists

Artist Aishwarya Bavle

Louisville, Kyaishwaryabavle.com

Filter Coffee
Oil Painting

Artist Statement
This painting depicts South Indian filter coffee served in the traditional steel tumbler placed in a wide metal saucer with raised lipped walls. Filter coffee is essentially the espresso of my country. It is a hot and frothy drink made with dark roasted arabica or robusta coffee beans which are native to the region. An additive chicory comprises 20-30% of the coffee mix . While the coffee is drunk from the tumbler, it can be cooled if needed by pouring it out on the saucer.

The preparation of filter coffee is an art-form in itself. The mixture of roasted coffee powder, chicory, hot milk and sugar is repeatedly poured back and forth between the saucer and the tumbler in huge arc-like motions of the hand. This mixes the ingredients and most importantly aerates the coffee, producing a rich froth.