Get your sweet tooth ready!
The cake freak of Berlin, Rust Cakes, aka artist and baker Hana, creates the vegan sugary sculptures of our wildest dreams (or nightmares?). From otherworldly chocolate chrome confections to heaps of delicately airbrushed frosting, a Rust Cake rarely resembles the treats we know from this dimension. As if they popped out of a portal, Hana understands that a cake isn’t just a cake, but the main character of your event – and they should be adorned as such <3.
We shot Hana 10 questions to get a closer look (or should I say taste?) at her beautiful, drool-worthy practice.
Why cakes? What first drew you to working with them?
I always enjoyed bringing baked stuff for my loved ones as a teenager, but in adulthood, it was more of a practical decision when I realized its less stressful and more enjoyable than being a savoury chef. It also felt like I could be more creative without so much pressure.
When did you start focusing on the design and artistic side of your cakes?
In 2019-2020.
Most recent source of inspiration?
Capturing flying throughout textures as a yearning for freedom <33
What’s the last thing you saw that made you think, “That should be a cake”?
A baby snail I found in parsley, I plan on keeping until spring.
What recurring themes or ideas do you like to focus on in your work?
Ethereal motives, insects, wings, chrome.
Does the temporary nature of cakes influence your practice?
It definitely takes pressure off and gives me freedom to always create something new.
Are your cakes meant to be eaten or witnessed?
To eat is to witness :3
What does “too much” mean to you, and do you ever cross it on purpose?
Too much is something I would view very pragmatically, like literally using too much decoration that the design gets kinda lost. I often cross it on purpose just to see what happens when I do, especially within me, as it can feel unsettling to purposely push an idea out of the comfort zone.
What kind of moments feel right for a Rust Cake?
The best moment for me is when I’m able to tap back into my creativity after having a block, when it feels natural and not forced. Of course, I’m grateful for every block, as it wouldn’t be possible for me to always have a new flow without them.
What are you curious to try next?
I really wanna try to make something that moves, but for now, just maybe try to host and bake in different cities.
Images courtesy of Rust Cakes
Words by Gabriella Meshako
