Last fall, I had the pleasure of wandering through the workshop and warehouse at Artik in San Jose. They were starting the process of shutting down the architecture and art business and were giving away tons of materials and tools to artists. I found this eye-shaped piece of perforated steel, plus a whole bin full of copper wire. It spoke to me of my Alchemy series, and I began to slowly plan this new piece. It took me a while, but I finally finished “Shout.” It’s 15”x38” with an integrated steel frame. Beautiful patina!
A Public Art Key Tower
Most of my work isn’t meant to be displayed outside, so I designed a new tower of keys that could comfortably live out in the elements as a potential public art piece.
Everything is metal, and I designed custom-welded hooks to prevent the keys from falling off or being misappropriated (by human or animal).
The whole piece has a beautiful layer of rust!
Perhaps this would look perfect in your garden or on your porch! Contact me for details.
A trio of new key collections
I recently completed three brilliant new Key+Cage pieces, thanks to a productive trip to the flea market.
First up: a round container in the form of a repurposed wood and wire sieve - about 15” wide.
Next: this rustic basket made from chicken wire. I just love the undulating sides and the bold X through the middle.
And last but not least: a remarkable home-made pet carrier that now contains a swarm of keys. Check out the handle and door latch!
A Cage of Cages
Can we use the word “meta” anymore without referring to the parent company of Facebook and Instagram? I hope so, because this new piece of mine definitely has some meta qualities.
Introducing the Cage of Cages - a huge vintage parrot cage that houses a whole community of tiny birdcages.
This piece took a long time to get right, and before that, the inspiration took an even longer time. Sometimes it works that way, and in this case I am so thrilled with the outcome! Ask me about how it all came to be.
Alchemy in Gold Country
My “Alchemy” series (plus a few photos) are on display at the Yorba Wines tasting room in Sutter Creek, CA through the end of April, 2023.
Opening Reception
Letter Stacks
I love old sign letters, and I started experimenting with using them in new ways. These letter stacks are the result - subtle works that are as much abstract sculpture as messages.
Marfa, TX
I spent a couple of days wandering around Marfa, TX. Wonderful art galleries - and even more wonderful art to be found along the back roads and abandoned places.
Cages and Keys
Although I started this series before covid-19 locked us all inside, it has turned into an apt project for what I am feeling, with all of the appropriate complexity and contradictions. See all of the Keys series.
Graham Crackers
A few weeks before we began sheltering in place, I decided (perhaps presciently) to explore my nearby world with my camera. I made these images on our local bike path. When my kids were little, they used to call these yellow markings “graham crackers”.
Covid Lockdown
Photos made from within my yard - March 30, 2020
The intersection of Photos and Sculpture
Photo prints on aluminum, built into cubes with wire, expressing vintage weathered vehicles.
Salton Sea
I spent two days exploring the devastated communities around the Salton Sea in the southern California desert. There is a lot of sadness, and also some incredible beauty.
Glen Alpine Springs
Exploring the places where human creations intersect with nature. Which is taking over which?
Angel Island
Angel Island is a treasure trove. Old buildings, equipment, and a Nike missile base. Of course there are also beautiful views of the whole Bay Area, but who needs that?
Copper Wire and Alchemy
Using perforated steel, copper wire, vinegar, and salt, I am creating a new series of sculptures full of beautiful textures and colors. Each piece is 13”x13” and suitable to hang in any available space. $650 each. And there are more to come!
Alviso Take 2
I returned for another look at this town rich with Bay Area history. There was lots of construction, but that proved to be rich fodder for my lens.
Exploring Redwood City
A heavy equipment rental yard was a feast for my camera!
Rambles Around Palo Alto
I finally made the time to explore some edges of Palo Alto I have often passed, but never photographed. These images are from a stack of construction equipment on the side of Foothill Expressway, a natural gas regulator on Arastradero Rd, and the railroad trestle next to El Palo Alto.
Return to Sutro Baths
It’s an interesting artistic exercise to revisit locations after some time has passed. Recently I went back to the Sutro Baths in San Francisco - an improbably preserved ruin with a prime view of the ocean.
These images were made in January of 2019:
These images were made in February of 20016:
Wandering Hunters Point
Even in a city being rebuilt and modernized at every turn, there are still some glorious spots to discover where time has already added its beauty.
