miya ando

There is a tendency and trend in any field to compare oneself to colleagues and peers. While certainly convenient and practical, that confinement not only limits the exploration of new potential but also often leads to contentment within the mundane and ordinary.

On a higher and ultimately simpler plain, there can be a beautifully poetic exchange and profound inspiration found when seemingly different media cross paths when escorted by like minded individuals. Upon the most simplistic examination, the root of that intent and drive is rarely divergent at all and while the language may appear to be different the communication is exactly the same.

I have always been intrigued by what I consider to be genius in other fields, the force of which is paramount to me personally as I approach my craft. There are unique individuals who, grounded in tradition, never find themselves fettered by it. Instead they have the courage and confidence to reinterpret classicism and to sculpt it into an entirely new medium. Chefs such as Pierre Gagnaire and Grant Achatz as well as the Icelandic vocalist Björk have been instrumental in shaping my pursuit. Similarly the artist Miya Ando has lead me through this personal and professional journey. Not only do her works offer me inspiration and solace, I continually reflect on her process as it applies to how I perceive the growing of wine. Her Japanese monastic heritage matched with a distinctly urban artistic field result in emotionally fueled pieces that are eerily complex within their sincere simplicity. Throughout the repetitive nature of her process, one is also made aware of the liberation of mind and spirit which she then, consciously or unconsciously, weaves back into her work.

I increasingly espouse myself to her aesthetic and approach my craft within its spirit. The more I consciously surrender and submit to her ideals, the more pure and refined the wines become. Her work provides a safe refuge to which I can escape and simultaneously a sanctuary within which I can self reflect.

Miya’s work, much like the artist herself, is such a transparent and honest example of how exquisitely differing components can harmonize within the same context. All at once there is kindness and sensuality coupled with risk and acute discipline. While I have never been surprised by her talents, I am continually taken aback by her capacity to orchestrate the relationship between a naturally serene landscape and steel, fire and solvents. The harmony that she achieves through the juxtaposed tension and study of gradients spiritually fuels me as I navigate through every step of my process. Her vision and guidance are unquestionably one of the greatest contributors to my work, and I am forever grateful for the lessons that she has so humbly and quietly taught me.

- Greg Brewer