kyle bean crafts mouth-watering mixed media meals during lockdown

british designer kyle bean specializes in hand-made models, sets and tactile illustrations. his work is extraordinarily detailed and uses a range of everyday materials and found objects including paper, wood and even eggshells. mixed media meals is his latest ongoing personal project which recreates different meals made out of materials and objects found in his home studio.

‘fish tacos’
images by kyle bean

kyle bean started the mixed media meals project during the COVID-19 lockdown and set himself the challenge of only using materials found at home. the result is a mouth-watering series that includes dishes like tofu ramen, a halloumi burger, pesto pasta, sushi, tacos and a lasagne. the designer documents the process of making the ‘meals’ and then photographs the final creation on a brightly colored background.

ingredients: corn tortillas ~ thin cork; white fish ~ cotton wool; shredded red cabbage ~ purple pencil shavings; sliced avocado ~ green foam; sweetcorn ~ yellow map pins; sour cream ~ packaging string

the behind-the-scenes images give us a glimpse into kyle bean’s creative world. the images showcase his incredible attention to detail as well as the necessary precision needed to create these meals. ingredients include, but are not limited to, paper, elastic bands, acetate, table tennis balls, sponges, straws, thin wood veneer, felt and balloons among others. continue scrolling and get some inspiration for your next meal.

‘lasagne’

ingredients: lasagne sheets ~ thin wood veneer; mince (meat or veggie) ~ brown felt; spinach ~ green felt; carrot ~ orange balloons; red pepper ~ red felt; béchamel sauce ~ white felt; grated cheese ~ yellow string; salad garnish ~ paper

‘tofu ramen’

ingredients: noodles ~ elastic bands; broth ~ paper & yellow acetate; egg ~ table tennis ball, paper; carrot ~ painted matchsticks; marinated tofu ~ sponge; spring onion ~ green straws

‘halloumi burger’

ingredients: halloumi ~ rubber erasers (x4); pea & mint guacamole ~ green tissue paper; tomato ~ red balloon; lettuce ~ green balloons; brioche bun ~ 9cm wooden ball, halved & stained; cocktail stick ~ cocktail stick

‘sushi’

ingredients: sushi rice ~ polystyrene; tuna ~ felt; avocado & cucumber ~ green coloring pencil; egg & radish ~ cleaning sponge; carrot ~ painted matchsticks; chives ~ green drink straws; seaweed (nori) ~ paper; pickled ginger ~ wood veneer; wasabi ~ felt

‘pesto pasta’

ingredients: spaghetti ~ yellow twine; pesto ~ green modelling flock; tomatoes ~ wooden balls (halved & painted), paper; rocket leaves ~ paper; parmesan shavings ~ string clippings; basil garnish ~ paper

project info:

name: mixed media meals

artist: kyle bean