Gjournals

Share this post
Gjelina’s Moveable Feast of Photos (2008)
gjournals.gjelinagroup.com

Gjelina’s Moveable Feast of Photos (2008)

"I was always on the hunt for shots I thought would be interesting for the menu."

Robert Schwan
Jan 13, 2022
7
1
Share this post
Gjelina’s Moveable Feast of Photos (2008)
gjournals.gjelinagroup.com
By Robert Schwan 
“Robert Schwan is a Managing Partner, and the founding General Manager of Gjelina. While Roberts' many talents and interests have meant that he has reduced his time with us in the space, his presence is very much felt with every menu that hits the floor throughout the day. I am fortunate enough to benefit from his support, advice, his art work in my home, and his creation of bags and tee shirts at Gjusta Goods.”
— Shelley Armistead, Partner/Gjelina Group CEO
Photo by Robert Schwan
Photo by Robert Schwan

From the beginning in 2008, Gjelina always felt like an art project. Every detail, from the food to the architectural design, to every glass and fork that would be used was thoroughly vetted. One of those details was the look and feel of the menu. We were working with graphic artist David Irvin and he showed us paper from journals he had saved from his college days because he thought it would make a good background for the menu. We agreed. 

Photo by Robert Schwan
Photos by Robert Schwan

The menu would change daily depending on the farmers market and seasonality, and the idea was that the photos on the menu would change as well. When the question arose as to where the photos would be sourced from, Fran knew I liked taking pictures and said, “Robert can take them,” and that was that. 

Photo by Robert Schwan
Photo by Robert Schwan

At first the shots were primarily focused on our Venice neighborhood and the birth of Gjelina. With the menu changing twice daily, we needed a lot of pictures so everywhere I traveled in and out of the city and country, I was always on the hunt for shots I thought would be interesting for the menu. I was lucky to have a family that indulged the many stops along the way while I took pictures. 

Photo by Robert Schwan

As time went on, we discovered many talented artists amongst the ranks of our staff. Their photos and photos of their artworks became included in the rotation. 

Photo by Robert Schwan
Photos by Robert Schwan

I think of the menu photos as a ‘moveable feast’; a unique touch that contributes to who we are.

Photo by Robert Schwan

About Robert Schwan:

Robert Schwan is a Managing Partner, and the founding General Manager of Gjelina. He is Executive Producer of Prize Fight Records, nurturing and developing great talent such as Foxtrails, which consists of a large portion of Gjelina Group’s former colleagues. Foxtrail’s new album Kaweah is out now. Robert’s photography and art can be viewed at robertschwan.com.
1
Share this post
Gjelina’s Moveable Feast of Photos (2008)
gjournals.gjelinagroup.com
A guest post by
Robert Schwan
I produce music through my record label Prizefight Records. @prizefightrecords.com My art and photography can be viewed @robertschwan.com I am on the board of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy and a Volunteer at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
1 Comment
Mary Anne T.
Jan 16, 2022

Hello Robert, Fran, don’t tell anyone but I have the menus from each time I came in 🤫from the early days. Glad to have been there in the beginning. Wishing you good fortune in staying open and well.

Expand full comment
ReplyCollapse
TopNewCommunity

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Gjelina Group
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing