From local memories to international recognition: how a historic diner inspired Amy’s award-winning gouache painting When Amy Pak decided to enter Domestika’s Urban Landscape Contest, she didn’t just submit a painting—she captured a piece of her city’s soul. Her winning piece, Home of the Garbage Plate, is more than a depiction of a building; it’s a heartfelt homage to Nick Tahou’s, a century-old restaurant famous for its iconic dish and for the memories it holds in her community. For Amy, this artwork was a way to preserve the bittersweet beauty of a place that has seen better days but still holds a special spot in her heart. “I like painting scenes from around my hometown and city, especially ones that have history and memories attached,” she says. “The area has changed and is looking more run down, which created a melancholy feeling for me. This contest gave me the perfect opportunity to capture that.” Working in gouache, a medium she’s embraced over the last year and a half, Amy skillfully balanced realism with impressionistic touches, allowing the piece to evoke both nostalgia and a sense of time passing. Her creative process blends photography, sketching, and keen observation—always ready to capture those fleeting moments when the light hits just right or a scene tells a story worth remembering. Read Amy Pak’s full interview to discover how she developed her unique style, overcame creative challenges, and found confidence through competition.
@richardstarak
Johannesburg, South Africa
Teacher, writer and occasional comedic centre piece.
A course by Maddy Bellwoar
Illustration
A course by Sarah van Dongen
