Playa Painting- Mussels

My most recent effort with my pal, and longest running assistant, JonPaul. It is based on space filling techniques employed by quilters. You see, after the filling has been placed into the blanket, the individual panels need to be sewn down to prevent bunching up of the fill. Many decorative stitches, which often have a very organic process to them, have been devised to accomplish this. As in the piece I made, the design practically creates itself!

World Beach Art Festival

photo from helicopter

I took part in the Island of Jersey's World Beach Art festival (lies between England and France). There were 3 other artists. We each chose a beach from the many fine ones on the island. I 'won' my beach in a coin toss. I was psyched. The location gave me something that would give life to the designs I had been working on.

photo from the stairs

The design started from the back of the cave, interacted with the rocks as it emerged, turned into vines and then flowers, which created 'fruits' that were then floating away. 

It was an honor to create art for the event. Thank you to the MyMemory.com and the Jersey tourism board for making the event possible and providing the participants with such fine accommodations and hospitality. Its a beautiful island with great people and fabulous beaches.

Here are a couple of videos I took at ground level walking along the design.

A write up on my most recent piece

From the blog Se Petites Mains 

A fews weekends ago, we happened upon Ocean Beach which I find to be ridiculously dramatic--for the tide, the cliffs and, the typically, very foggy weather.

And this day, lived up to expectation. But the little ones still threw themselves into the surf, clothes and all, just like any other day at the sea. And as they swam, the most remarkable bit of art was being created behind them, just to the reaches of the tide.

photo: Beth Miles

Andres Amador, an artist known for his impermanent sand designs, which can cover enormous swatches of beach, was creating a marriage proposal request in the sand below the cliffs. It was amazing to watch him, so calmly sculpt the sand, with his rake, as the tide skimmed right up to the edges. A few times, the tide would erase a piece here and there, only to have Andres re-sculpt the edge.

I felt like we had been privy to one of nature's magical creations. And also part of some couple's very romantic afternoon.

photo: Beth Miles

Thanks Andres, it was lovely to see. Hope you all enjoy something magical this weekend, too.

Discovery Channel

I just got filmed by the Canadian Discovery Channel!

In preparing for it, I wanted to do something that was science-y to go along with the program filming me. I was looking towards a geometric oriented design comprised of organic shapes. Going through tons of design concepts, looking through my books of inspiration, I found my self returning to the artwork of Ernst Haeckel and his drawings of aquatic plant life. The ultimate idea was of a kelp forest/coral reef feeling.

Developing the resulting drawing got me moving in new directions with the art, which is really exciting. I can see that there is lots more to develop, that aspects of this drawing could use refinement. And yet the elements of something really awesome are there.

Its tough to go for new terrain, especially when being documented. While I would like to have another go at this design, ultimately I'm happy with the result.

They filmed me leaving my house and driving down the street and then interviewed me afterwards. It is set to aire in September and I'll post it!
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Update
Here's the video!

Wedding Invitation- Group Art Outing

This lovely couple, Rik and Lou Ann, hired me to coordinate her family and friends in making an artwork that would be their wedding invitation. It was a gray SF summer day on the beach but that didn't diminish the fun. They even had a caterer bringing us munchies as we worked :-) The group was a delight to work with.

These group projects oriented around meaning-infused events such as proposals and weddings and 70th birthdays are really special to be a part of. I appreciate leading them, facilitating an experience with so many enduring facets.

Photography was done by my buddy Gene Kosoy who does very good event and wedding work.

In Yahoo News!

I just found out that my marriage proposal design got listed in Yahoo News! They picked up a write-up done by 7x7.com. Fun! The article has an interview of the participants and a rundown of the whole project. Its a great little read which you can check out at the link.

7x7.com 

Update:
I got invited to create the cover image for the Best of San Francisco edition. Here's a link to a vid they did of the photoshoot that day.

Selling off my Music Gear

The time has come to say farewell to my collection of music gear. It is a beloved set of equipment that stoked my creativity and floated me away for endless hours. I thought I would be able to bring the gear out for use, but after being in storage for nearly the past 5 years, I must concede that that era is over. Everything in the image below is for sale (plus a few other items). Follow the link for more info...



the complete page (hover over images for descriptions, prices): https://picasaweb.google.com/pickletruck/MusicGearForSale#

Here's the list of items:

CD Decks:CDJ100- classic cd deck. some scuffs but works perfectly. has been in storage for 5 years ~$75
DMP555- almost looks new. Also in storage nearly 5 years ~$150

Sound modules:
electribe em-1 ~$250
Electribe er-1 ~$200
Alesis Air Synth ~$220
Access Virus A ~$600
Nord Micromodular ~$375

Effects:
Korg Kaoss Pad kp1~$55
Alesis Air FX ~$165 
Alesis Wedge effects processor~$50
T.C.electronic m-one effects processor ~$300
behringer shark feedback eliminator ~$50
Boss DD-3 delay foot pedal ~$70
Rogue GEQ-5 Graphic Equalizer foot pedal ~$15
Rogue SCR-5 Stereo Chorus foot pedal ~$15
Danelectro 'Pepperoni' Phaser foor pedal ~$15
Danelectro 'Milkshake' Chorus foor pedal ~$20
Rogue VP-201 Volume Foot Pedal ~$20

Audio gear:
Behringer mixer 16-04: $70
Roland ED-30 pc audio interface ~$20

Midi Gear:
midiman oxygen 8 ~$40
midiman thru 1x4 (no power cord) ~$40
midiman midisport usb 4x4 ~$50
Motu Fastlane usb midi~$30

Speakers:
Behringer ultrawave b300 powered speaker~$150