Growing up, "belonging" meant a kaleidoscope of conflicting identities. I was caught in a constant tug-of-war of "which box do I fit in?" Am I black? Or am I Mexican? It always felt like I was searching for that elusive place where I fit perfectly, where I was at home in the world and in myself.
I started researching my genealogy in 2020 in order to find myself and where I fit in the world. In 2021, my husband gifted me a DNA test from Ancestry. The results surprised me. They showed that my heritage is more intricate than "either/or." It is a rich combination of cultures and histories.
Taking up genealogy made my heart swell with pride. I feel so connected to my family, to Texas, to Austin, and to the countries I am rooted to genetically. It's exciting to find a relative in some old newspaper or see a photo of our ancestors from long ago.
"A Taste of Ancestry" is a celebration of my "belonging" through a culinary spectacle featuring dishes from the countries to which I have the highest genetic connection: Mexico, Spain, and Nigeria. This project is a smorgasbord of colors, a global atlas of textures, and a buffet of spices. Together, we explore a feast that transcends time and geography.
My hope is that the exploration I have undertaken with this project inspires others to look into their own family trees and embark on what could be the greatest journey of self-discovery.
TEAM CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mica McCook
FOOD STYLIST: Olivia Caminiti
ASSISTANT FOOD STYLIST: Hannah Casparian
PROP STYLIST: Audrey Davis
TALENT: Maryjane Castro, John R. McCook, Alicia McCook-Torres,
Raul Torres Jr., Aubriella Torres, Nora Torres
SPECIAL THANKS:
Aaron Clift (Husband and Dog Wrangler)
Ana Sousa (Food Runner)
Charlotte Bonavida (Donated produce from her vegetable garden)
Amy Clift (Mother-in-law for donated props used)
Mica McCook
Photographer
My name is Mica (pronounced me-kuh) McCook, and I'm a food photographer based in Austin, Texas. I create timeless theatrical art marinated in lavish colors and deep, simmering shadows. Every shot is a grand, meticulously composed culinary performance.
I bring a unique flair that can be described as a telenovela: dramatic, excessive, and over-the-top. In short, I wrap drama in a burrito, douse it in hot sauce, and photograph it.
You can find me dining out at a favorite restaurant with my husband, Aaron. Or taking our two dogs, Moxy and Charlie, on a walk around Zilker Park. When not creating or photographing food, I delve into my Texan roots through genealogy, escape into a good book, or go antique shopping.
217 Centre Street, Floor 7
New York, NY 10013
East Coast: 212.279.2252
West Coast: 310.341.3132
Midwest: 312.735.8835
ALL VISUAL MATERIALS PRESENTED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE ORIGINAL WORKS BY THE AMP MENTEES ©2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THESE MATERIALS MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER.
Designed by Kristine Arth of Lobster Phone & Darnell Scott / Site Development by Bruno Tatsumi + Mariana Torres of U.I.W.D & Darnell Scott