In the simplest and broadest sense, art is the human ability to make things.

Skill implies great proficiency in doing something, as "a skilled artist".

If we use this definition from Webster, we leave no doubt that cake decorating is an art form.

Cile Bellefleur Burbridge wrote what is, among professional cake decorators, the definitive book on The Fine Art of Cake Decorating. If you take a few minutes to walk into a bookstore and glance into her book, you will find she presents adequate evidence for her claim that cake decorating is a fine art. It is especially interesting that she makes her case so well using black and white photography.

Cile Burbridge's interests were food and dressmaking before she studied at the New England School of Art in Boston. This was her academic preparation where she learned the basic principles that allowed her to practice her art of cake decorating at a very high level, although she admits, "Cake decorating is one of the few arts where total destruction fs the artist's highest tribute."

While in the bookstore, also take a look at Martha Stewart Weddings. Martha's book uses an opposite approach: A lot of gorgeous color photography carries the same message that cake decorating is a fine art.

These are not all ornate wedding cakes. There are party cakes meant for fun, and even a cinnamon cookie cake properly dressed for the grandest occasion. All are executed with a high degree of professionalism.

I have proven to myself that I can neither grow nor purchase a flower that is more symmetrical and perfectly formed than any flower I will form with a piping tube or on the head of a pin.

However, this does not mean that you and I cannot decorate a cake that is artful and pleasing to the eye.

Consider this, after frosting your cake, run simple piping around the edges of the layers to give them a finished look. This can be done easily with a piping tip attached to a plastic storage bag that holds the frosting.

Then, use fresh flowers to decorate. On a day when humidity is low, frost some of the petals with a light brush of egg white sprinkled with sugar.

Always pay careful attention to composition. You will achieve a very pretty and professional look when you occasionally step back and take a careful look as you work.

A last word from Mrs. Burbridge, "A good cake decorator never shows her mistakes - she eats them."

Learn more about this author, Joan Mccord.
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