As a culinary pop artist, he's The Amazing Cresskin

The chef's artistic inspiration comes from culinary ingredients and human expression, and he created each plate personality from items including vegetables, fruit, meats, fish, grains and sweets.

Sodamin began to design and photograph his stylized food faces several years ago as a labor of love. He has since captured hundreds of distinctive characters through his lens, now gathered in a tome published by Welcome Books, an imprint of Rizzoli, and available for purchase in bookstores across the US.

In the forward to 'Food Faces,' Thomas Keller, chef, restaurateur and cookbook author, writes: 'Rudi has a keen eye, playful sensibility and a willingness to let inspiration take him where it will. Rudi puts happiness front and center.'

Calling Sodamin an 'icon in the cruise industry,' known for innovation, HAL president Orlando Ashford congratulated the chef on his new book.

'Rudi is esteemed throughout the world for his passion for his craft and his ability to translate that creative energy into serving thousands of guests each day on our ships,' Ashford said. '"Food Faces" allows people to be inspired by Rudi’s work every day in their homes.'

Diners in Sodamin's Sel de Mer pop-up restaurant on HAL ships will see 'Food Faces' on exclusive limited-edition plates made by Bernardaud, the leading French manufacturer of Limoges porcelain. Each charger features a different image, creating an original and whimsical table setting.

'Food is an international language, understood by all, and everyone in the world, regardless of race, gender, experience or social status, can communicate and connect through food,' Sodamin said.