Cher Monsieur Marcolini,
« Et si chaque chocolat évoquait un ÉLÉMENT présent dans tout ce qui vous entoure,
vous réconforte, incluant votre propre corps ? »
Dans le chocolat comme à l’intérieur de vous-même, trouverez-vous:
L’ ÉLÉMENT TERRE: la Terre Noire, l’Équilibre Naturel, un Jardin Enchanté, des Racines Profondes, la Sérénité Terrestre, l’Instant Présent ?
L’ ÉLÉMENT AIR: un Souffle Léger, une Brise Enchanteresse, un Nuage de Délice, une Évanescence Aérienne, un Tourbillon Doux, ou une Volupté Céleste?
L’ ÉLÉMENT EAU: une Délicate Ondulation, une Fluidité Exquise, une Sensation Aquatique, une Note Aqueuse Rafraîchissante ou des Ondes Délicates de Plaisir ?
L’ ÉLÉMENT FEU: la Flamme Ardente, des Éruptions de Saveurs, un Rayonnement Rougeoyant, une Torréfaction Intense, ou une Incandescence Exquise ?
Je souhaite qu’un jour l’on reconnaisse ces 4 éléments en toutes choses, y compris le chocolat, la haute cuisine, la mode, mes œuvres d’art et surtout en nous-mêmes, le plus grand miracle.
Nathalie Ishizuka
LETTER TO PIERRE MARCOLINI : THE FOUR ELEMENTS AND CHOCOLATES
Dear Mr. Marcolini,
“What if each chocolate evoked an ELEMENT present in everything that surrounds you, comforts you, including your own body?”
In chocolate, as within yourself, will you find:
- The EARTH ELEMENT: Black Earth, Natural Balance, an Enchanted Garden, Deep Roots, Earthly Serenity, the Present Moment?
- The AIR ELEMENT: A Light Breath, an Enchanting Breeze, a Cloud of Delight, Aerial Evanescence, a Soft Whirlwind, or Celestial Voluptuousness?
- The WATER ELEMENT: A Delicate Ripple, Exquisite Fluidity, an Aquatic Sensation, a Refreshing Watery Note, or Delicate Waves of Pleasure?
- The FIRE ELEMENT: The Blazing Flame, Eruptions of Flavors, a Glowing Radiance, Intense Roasting, or Exquisite Incandescence?
I hope that one day these four elements will be recognized in all things, including chocolate, haute cuisine, fashion, my works of art, and above all, in ourselves—the greatest miracle.
Nathalie Ishizuka
See Pierre Marcolini Logo and Artworks Link to Virtual Exhibition
SEEKING NEW PARTNERS FOR ARTISTIC CREATION AND DISCOVERY OF THE FOUR ELEMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC
In March 2024, Nathalie Ishizuka envisioned a unique collaboration with Pierre Marcolini for an event at the Japanese Embassy. Her idea was to sponsor a collection of paintings representing the four elements, accompanied by an interactive musical experience that would engage the audience with the artwork. Ishizuka’s vision extended beyond just seeing, hearing, and moving with the paintings—she wanted the public to taste the elements in a meditative experience.
However, due to the Marcolini group’s extensive expansion in Asia, with a considerable number of new shops opening at the same time, Ishizuka was unable to connect or meet with Pierre Marcolini to propose his sponsorship for the event at the Japanese Embassy. Despite this, the experience sparked her imagination, leading her to explore new creative collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs and other culinary artists who have the ability to transform their craft with innovation.
Ishizuka’s approach is always driven by spontaneity and intuition. “I was immediately attracted to Marcolini, because I foremost enjoy his chocolates, but also because of his presence in Japan a country for which I feel a deep affinity and love. I want to re-invent things in Japan with great artists, with innovative creators and Marcolini is always open to innovation and expansion. And there is nothing more expansionary in the universe, then meditation,” says Ishizuka with a laugh.
Ishizuka’s style involves making direct, unplanned contact—whether by visiting the Marcolini shop in Sablon just before Christmas, reaching out to his new CEO from HEC (Ishizuka’s alma mater), or contacting the company’s headquarters. Ideally, she would just like to bump into him and see if there is a fit.
Ishizuka continues to savor Marcolini’s dark chocolates and wishes him success in Japan and beyond. Ishizuka hopes their paths will cross one day, perhaps in Japan or through a shared meditation.
Nathalie remains inspired and open to collaborating with Mr. Marcolini and his team, as well as with other chefs, chocolatiers, tea makers, and creators of sweet delicacies for the tea ceremony.
With a family background in Michelin-starred cuisine—her French side of the family includes an uncle chef who had the good fortune to have as a short stagiere Alain Ducasse when he was starting out—Ishizuka remains drawn to chefs who are also artists and to those who aspire to reduce sugar in sweets and innovate and expand into new realms.
She is also open to the idea of meditating with chefs and their teams during the process of selecting, preparing, and creating the finest ingredients. For her, everything matters, including the packaging, which she views as an essential part of preserving and sharing the energy and vibrancy of something living and beautiful.
CHEFS, CHOCOLATIERS IN FRANCE, BELGIUM OR TOKYO, TEA MAKERS, & THOSE WHO WORK WITH PEOPLE IN MEDITATION AND TEA CEREMONIES CONTACT THE ARTIST DIRECTLY FOR POSSIBLE NEW CREATIONS