CURRENT MISSION

See the world, draw with everyone

ABOUT ME

Currently (2016) a chef and illustrator in my hometown Bristol, UK. I'm a firm believer in creativity - making something everyday, even if it means cooking your dinner. I want to see more of the world, all of it, as much of it as I can; meeting people from different cultures and listening to their stories. If I happen to come across artists on the way, all the better. Would love to see more, do more and live more.

PHILOSOPHY

Creativity & curiosity- that thing you had when you were a child, when nothing was out of bounds until proven otherwise, it fades away with society and work; but hang on to it and nurture it anyway you can. It's one of the best and most interesting things that can open so many doors for you.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My first experience was in Copenhagen and circumstances meant I ended up going solo on a one-way ticket. Everyone I met there were genuinely great and helpful. Even went to Berlin and made some Danish friends there. Still my best adventure to date! There are so many people you're yet to become friends with from somewhere else, it's incredible to share that.

Interests

I enjoy drawing, with ink and brush; also interested in type, calligraphy and sign painting.

Here's my work www.hukurouillustration.com

I like plants a lot, trying to learn more about gardening and growing seeds. I enjoy going to gigs, supporting my local cinema, eating out with friends, cooking for friends, art exhibitions, independent art/zine/comic fairs. When I have the time I like planning birthday cakes and making them, it's super satisfying knowing you can make a unique cake for your friends especially if there's dietary specialties, I like the challenge.

Music, Movies, and Books

I love being recommended films and music, there's too many to list but if you must - ambient electronic, minimal classical, jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul, motown; Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Chet Baker, I have a soft spot for pianists and trumpet players. I enjoy Murakami's books, also music psychology and how visual or sound affects us; Oliver Sacks. Ghibli films have a special place in my heart, as an (amateur!) animator. The Red Shoes, Casablanca, Coffee & Cigarettes. Then food ones; Mind of a Chef, Chef's Table, Cooked, Jiro Dreams of Sushi (David Chang, Christina Tosi, Rene Redzepi are my heroes)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Paragliding in Thailand is the most amazing one I can think of but that was so many years ago. ..

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy learning about cultures and love learning languages to better communicate with people. Right now I'm teaching myself as much Japanese (reading & writing) as possible before going in November! I'm on HelloTalk if you want to chat and learn. It's been my dream to go visit and I can't wait! I can teach you how to read music and share some great Jazz albums. I'm teaching myself trumpet when I have time so maybe we can jam!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can give you tips for a good home cooked meal (and/or dessert!), quite good at fixing things so might be able to find solutions for things around your house (don't be shy!), I can professionally sharpen kitchen knives. I can show you how to draw from observation, maybe paint something for you? Or teach you some English or Cantonese.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom