Internationally acclaimed artist David Shrigley and Manchester based artist curator Mike Chavez-Dawson have collaborated with Teacup to create a new herbal tea.
Aptly titled ‘David Shrigley’s Anti-Psychotic Tea’, it delivers an unequalled uplifting infusion of Damiana, Hibiscus, Vanilla and Bergamot. Mike Chavez-Dawson chats to David about his exhibition at The Cornerhouse, and how he likes a brew.
Mike Chavez Dawson: So, we’ve made bread and now tea as a curatorial extension to your show, are you happy with the blend we arrived at?
David Shrigley: Yes. It’s delicious and makes me feel much less psychotic than normal.
MCD: I know you like a good cuppa, what are your favorites, apart from the one we have just made?
DS: Hojicha green tea cannot be beaten. But fresh peppermint is also up there.
MCD: Beyond the context of ‘How Are You Feeling?’ Would you like the ‘Anti-Psychotic Tea’ to be widely available for all tea & art lovers?
DS: I think they should give it to airline passengers to prevent ‘air rage’ and also to politicians.
MCD: How much tea do you consume a day?
DS: Green tea: 2 cups. Peppermint: 2 cups.
MCD: You created a fantastic giant ceramic tea cup and skillfully nailed a rich tea biscuit to a gallery wall – is tea often on your mind?
DS: Sort of. Perhaps tea is a metaphor for daily life, routine, the ordinary.
MCD: Do you feel there’s a kinship between art and tea?
DS: If there wasn’t before then there is now.
MCD: We know there are beautifully ritualized and meditative tea ceremonies – how would a Shrigley tea ceremony go?
DS: I read the instructions on the packet. Then I make the tea.
MCD: When formulating the blend we went for natural uplifting flavors, and ingredients such as bergamot, vanilla and damiana. Due to unforeseen circumstances the rose petal got swapped for hibiscus, but I think this was a happy accident as it blends really well without being overpowering, thanks to the floral bitterness of the damiana. Will you experiment in the future with herbal tea blends?
DS: Only with your help.
MCD: Can you give an example of another happy edible accident that surprised your taste buds?
DS: I got stoned once and had a banana and brown sauce sandwich. It was nice at the time. But I wouldn’t recommend it.
There are also some heavily sought after hand-drawn boxes which will be sold via silent auction, with proceeds donated to a mental health charity. The boxes are on display at Teacup on Thomas St. Interested parties can send bids to events@teacupandcakes.com. The auction will close at midday on Monday 10th December.
More on David Shrigley at www.davidshrigley.com
