Edible Artists Network Magazine Fall 2015 | Page 14

By Chef Jörg Amsler
As a young man, approaching the long awaited end of
my miserable and extremely unsuccessful school career,
I was faced with the life-altering question, what’s next?
Growing up in the Swiss Alps, surrounded by grazing milk
cows, a sweet tooth and few options, the choice was easy.
I was going to become a Swiss Chocolatier. It also helped
that my dad approached me one day and told me, “Son,
unlike your siblings who are very smart and academically
inclined, you’re not! Don’t try to become a doctor or lawyer
or anything that involves studying, reading, memorizing,
taking exams and boards. You will fail miserably at it. Use
your hands, create, construct, sculpt and paint. Stay true to
what you are passionate about. You’re not the type to wear
a suit and tie with matching belt and shoes. You need to
jump in and get your hands dirty!
Of course, I was a bit insulted, but didn’t hesitate for a
second to take his advice. It turned out to be the best
advice I have ever received and my dad has always been
my hero. After all, I was not an easy kid, always got into
trouble and my dad was always supportive regardless.

So, I started my apprenticeship at one of Switzerland’s
finest chocolate shops. I remember well my first day,
mainly because I overslept. And just for the record, that
was the only day I have ever shown up late for work. I do
have that Swiss clock built into my head and am always
on time. But the smell when walking into the building
that day also made it quite unforgettable. All the different
candy molds, specialty tools, creative displays and large
chocolate sculptures made it seem like the perfect fit.
Finally I was done with school, homework, studying,
listening to teachers and feigning interest while constantly
falling asleep, looking like a chicken pecking corn. I could
work with my hands and avoid straining my brain; it came
to me very easily. I am and always was, just like so many of
us artistic people, a visual learner. Don’t hand me written
instructions, manuals, complicated descriptions or verbal
explanations. Show me, let me touch it, feel it in m H[