what's up

new fixtures for The Picnic Basket

2011-08-06T12:46:03Z

Here are some new fixtures we created out of "outdated" flatware.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...

2011-06-28T14:34:22Z

Grapevine Chaos

2011-02-24T17:05:23Z

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...

2011-02-24T00:03:48Z

The Nexties 2.0

2011-01-26T00:21:52Z

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

classic lines make for an extreme couch makeover

2010-12-25T23:00:29Z

Here are some pictures of a sofa make-over for L'Atelier Salon I completed last week. I have had this piece for a couple years. It's been dying for attention and it finally got it!
The goal for me was to strike a balance between bold, sophisticated, feminine and masculine. I had new arms made from walnut and thanks to Gabe Statsky, master woodworker and furniture maker, not only is the grain stunning, but they feel like butter when you rest your arms on them. So sexy. I think the end result is perfect for it's new home and life.
This is a good example of how some calculated design decisions can give a simple piece a whole new life, without breaking the bank.

Piatti La Jolla

2010-11-14T12:11:00Z

Some commissioned pieces I made out of steel and grapevines for the renovation of Piatti's La Jolla. Final pictures to come!

getting ready or the grand opening!

2010-11-03T11:49:03Z

This is the sign I designed and fabricated to coordinate with the other custom design work I did for the interior of this store. More pictures of the store to come! Thank you to Gabe Statsky for the woodworking skills, Advanced Laser for the metal cutting, and Eric and Ellen Gil for letting me do my thing.

the "up-cycle metal arts party" was a success!

2010-05-25T04:46:37Z

In April, I donated an "up-cycling/art party for 10 people" to the Gault Elementary School Fundraising Auction. Since the schools are desperate for funds, I was just trying to think of ways I could help raise money by selling my skills and knowledge. I really had no idea what the details of the party would be, nor did I have a location in which to do it in, but I knew I could figure out a way to help 10 people "create" for an afternoon, and have fun. A couple weeks later, the possibility of moving in to this studio space came up, and "The Lab" (what I'm calling it for now!) was born. It's been 6 weeks since that time, and I have set up my shop/studio with many tools, mostly for metal working. The party was purchased among 10 women at the auction and raised several hundreds of dollars for the school.

When planning this, my goals for them were: to learn something new, have fun, and leave with a finished product. I created a prototype for the project that had boundaries so they had some starting point, since they were only there for 4 hours and most of them have never worked in metal before. My idea was for them to create functional garden art out of materials I had gathered, all of which had a previous "life". I made it possible for them to include their house numbers by having them cut out of scrap metal ahead of time on a water jet cutting machine. It was fun to see how different they all turned out by working from the same frame work. In the end, my goals for them were met. It was a blast.

I could not have done it without the help of my friends Tom, Kim, and Courtney. Russ, from Above Board Fence and Chris Johnson of Studio Zyante were there to help as well, and Roy was standing close by if I needed him. I felt supported in making this a great experience for these women. Thank you all!

We started with some little yummy snacks and beverages then went on a tour with Roy Johnson (Johnson Art Studio) and he showed us all of the different processes he uses to fabricate his fixtures. Then I took them in to Chris Johnson's glass blowing studio. We did a demonstration, which was exciting for everyone to see.

After all of the creative juices were flowing, I gave them the parameters for the project of the day and they were quickly on their way to creating.

Forging metal was a big hit (no pun intended :) ) They really got in to that process. How can you blame them? Pounding on hot metal is fun! They were able to see how MIG welding is done and use other metal fabrication tools. It was great to see everyone make something they were proud of. That was satisfying. I would definitely do it again.

the "move-in" has begun

2010-04-29T05:30:23Z

I started moving in to my studio space last weekend and things are coming together. Roy Johnson of Johnson Art Studio, is my landlord. He has been so generous and helpful through this process. I feel very fortunate to be renting from him. He lends an extra hand, he lends his fork lift, he is running wires and conduit for my "new to me" 3 phase MIG welder and Drill Press I just bought, he also happens to have built that cool electric go cart that Marshall gets to ride while he's there!. He has really made me feel welcome and it makes taking this leap just that much more exciting.

My push to get set up is for my first studio event on May 23rd. I donated a party to the Gault School Auction that allwos 10 Women to an "up-cycle party" at my studio where they will spend the afternoon creating things out of found metal scraps/objects and other materials that inspire them. Kate is bringing a pair of metal urns she has wanted to make in to table lamps so, I'm going to help her make that happen. They will weld, braze, cut, drill, shear, and just have fun. If we're lucky, Christopher Johnson, the glass artist next to me, will be blowing glass and they can see a demonstration. At the end of the afternoon, they will all leave with a new creation, some new knowledge, and hopefully inspiration to continue to make things. So, it is important that I get the place looking good for the ladies!

If you are on 17th Ave. in the near future, stop by and say "Hi". The address is 1055 17th Ave. Santa Cruz.