Oakland

  I went with Paul Desomma to drop off some lapidary wheels for resurfacing in Oakland. We drove in on Highway 17 and like most urban areas now you can not see into the neighborhoods due to the high walls and fences. Our exit deposited us in a very industrial and gritty part of town. I am not sure what I expected the machine shop to be like but it was awesome (in the Webster's version of the word). Five ton cranes, presses that looked like they could bend 4 inch steel, and amazing water jet cutters. It kind of felt like I slipped into a Coen brothers' movie, sparks flew as motors whirled and pictures of topless women hung at work stations.

We left the machine shop and Paul wished to make another stop at a stone yard for sculptors. Robert Black and his wife Rose are the proprietors, Robert's sculptures in various stages of completion were everywhere. The place is nestled in all this urban industrialness and yet it is as calm and serene as a zen garden. It was a wonderfully inspiring visit, seriously what artist can claim to have never had the desire to carve stone. 

Music at the Moment

Andrew suggested that I keep you all updated on what I am listening to. It would be great if everyone could respond and let me know what your summer jams are. If you respond I will send you a mixtape!(i will need an address) you can email it to: one1three@gmail.com

The Roots ....... How I Got Over

Menomena............... Mines

(two new albums I bought, both great)

then a bunch of singles

   La Roux and Skream...............Finally

  Kid Cudi, Best Coast, and Rostam................ All Summer

Bun B ......................................Put It Down

INXS...........................Don't Change (thanx Lane)

Welcome to California

I worked my first day for Paul Desomma and Marsha Blaker-Desomma today. We pulled everything out of their shop cleaned it and put it all back in. It was great and a good way to see what I am in for. Paul and Marsha have a great shop, right in their backyard. It is basically a glassworkers dream. Oh, and they might be the nicest people ever. It will be a couple more days of just getting the shop ready and then the hot stuff.

Had another first today.....
      got in the Pacific Ocean for a swim and though it was cold; it felt great.

Santa Cruz is as beautiful as everyone says it is, come for a visit while we are here.

                                                  This is one of Paul and Marsha's pieces.