new fixtures for The Picnic Basket

Here are some new fixtures we created out of "outdated" flatware. We stuck the flatware in a forge and then twisted and turned then to end up with a playful new fixture perfect for the energy at the delicious new eatery and cafe.

Splitrail vines their way to Nashiville...

Grapevine Chaos

My van, which I lovingly refer to as "Sanford and Son" because it's always filled to the rim with this that and they other, is currently filled with Syrah and Chardonnay grape vines from Split Rail Vineyards up Tindell Ranch Road in Corrolitos, CA. We went and picked grapes up there for our friend John Benedetti this past year. (Look out for his wines and beers at his new tasting room in Capitola, CA opeing in June!) so, I have developed a relationship with them and have an open invitation to gather vines as needed, making producing these panels over and over again more sustainable. These vines will be used to make two more wall panels for another Piatti Restaurant located in Danville, CA. Not only do these vines produce amazing wine, they are also going to produce amazing wall panels because they have interesting character, are super long, and flexible with just the right amount of "woody-ness" that I like. (It almost sounds like I'm describing a wines characteristic! ) But it's true, these panels are so simple in nature, that they rely on the inherent character of the vines themselves. I am just here to choreograph them.

I will post pictures of them when they are done.

Thank you to Kelsey, Brownie, and John for letting me in to your fantastic Split Rail Vineyard world. I look forward to being up there more!

check it out...

The Nexties 2.0

We did it. For the 2nd year in a row, we completed the design, creative direction and installation for the 5000 sq ft space transformation of the NEXTies 2011 so that four amazing community members could be recognized for the fantastic work they are doing in our world. There will be more pictures to come, but here is a sneak peek of our live statues performed by Santa Cruz Dance:

NEXTies 2011 Photos