Selles-sur-Cher

oil on wood, 8x10"

Selles-sur-Cher, original artwork by Mike Geno

This commission was enjoyable and also a learning experience for me. Firstly I had to obtain this specific delicate French goats milk cheese. Then as I did some research, as I usually do, before taking it to the studio, I found it wasn't "authentic" in a way. Well, it would be more correct to say it's unusually young.

The Fresh cheese is dusted with wood ash to encourage the blue/gray molded rind which should become almost brainy in appearance. This wheel, however, has the look of a being newly peppered with ash. I found that in the US, importing it the way the French serve it with raw milk, is impossible according to American law (another FDA bummer). And, it seems the beautifully aged Geotrichum rind is a rare find too. Mostly it gets made with pasteurized milk and often aged stateside which makes it more affordable. As one cheesemonger explained to me, the youthful appearance of my model is mostly what's available (at least in my area) because of the cost to age it to it's brainy state of beauty.

It's flavor however, is rich yet spring fresh and light. It's a beautifully delicate cheese.

Country of Origin: France

Availability: sold