Hi! I’m Samantha Hahn, an illustrator and author. Each edition of this newsletter features a notable person in the food space who shares a favorite recipe and treasured memories tied to it. Blending editorial illustration with interviews and personal narratives, Art Basil lives at the intersection of art, food, and culture. More than a collection of recipes, it’s an illustrated archive of the stories we carry with us, and the meals that continue to nourish them. On a personal note, I have a complicated relationship with food, so I come to these narratives with curiosity more than as a cook.

I aim to distill the memories and the meaning food holds by sharing them and lovingly painting them, making them less ephemeral. Each post is more akin to a special meal than something served daily, and I hope every piece feels like a dish imbued with care and intention.

Recommended for those who love watercolor illustrations, exploring connections through conversation, and stories at the intersection of food, family, and culture.

More thoughts below…

I’m fascinated by people’s “spark” moment and have noticed that people in the food space often have one, whether it’s cultural or due to a deep connection with a loved one. We all eat, but the amazing people I feature here are compelled to share their art, love, memories, and culture with us and have built their lives around doing so (just as I have with my work). What they cherish about a recipe goes beyond its taste. It’s about the memories it evokes, as well as the people who share it.

Featured Guests Include:

Bobbi Brown • Peter Som • Gab Bois • Lucas Sin • Julia Turshen • Natasha Pickowicz • Jeff Gordinier • Victoria James • Camilla Marcus • Aran Goyoaga • Kat Lieu • Sana Javeri Kadri • Abi Balingit • Mariana Velásquez • Colu Henry • Fabrizia Lanza • Erin Gleeson • Meryl Feinstein • Marti Buckley • Camilla Wynne • Casey Elsass • Jessie Kanelos Weiner • Rōze Traore • Arnold Myint • Alessandro Giannatempo • Chloé Crane-Leroux • Grace Farris

Thank you so much for joining me at my table.