Cake! magazine by Australian Cake Decorating Network November 2015 | Page 107

How has the event changed and
evolved throughout the years?
Thankyou, it has been a helleva ride!
Time stands still for no one, so to
answer your question, yes the show
has changed considerably over these
twenty-two years, primarily because
the past fifteen years has seen the art
itself evolve and redirect at a rapid
pace. To stay relevant the show has
always been a leader and trendsetter;
competing artists and visitors alike eye
the designs and draw inspiration from
the showpieces exhibited. Themes
and content are constantly changed;
this year’s rules will no longer apply
in 2016. Basic skill expectation stays
constant for all levels, but they never
know what I am going to throw at
them. That’s the fun of being the show
director.
This year you had the most entries
you’ve ever had in the show’s history,
which is just amazing! How many
entries (on average) do you receive
each year for the competition?
Normally we have around 600 to 625,
this year it went over 700. Astounding
really, but that said the show is
a natural magnet for competitors
so we consistently have excellent
registration. I can always count on a
few artists that over promise and can’t
meet expectations but it really doesn’t
affect the overall because we calculate
for the attrition ahead of schedule.
I see it as a duty to be a mentor to
contestants and I am their advocate by
making myself available as a resource
and guide: Just call me Dr Cake! Love
to help them bounce ideas around then
distil those thoughts and point them in
the right direction before sending them
on their way and I never tell. I want
them all to do very well and everyone
of value knows it. They call me Mother
Cake and Momma V viewing me in
positive terms. I am hands-on helping
them to haul themselves up by their
bootstraps t