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.

                                                  

found a battery in the desert

           We spent a couple of days in Austin TX checking out the culture, people, and nature in and around.  Art is everywhere in the town and there were a few glass shops. Austin seems to be one of those places that really has “it” going on.

            Christy and I have never traveled by car across country and it has been breath taking.  Getting closer and closer to the sky and watching the horizon stretch. I now realize why the Native Americans of the southwest use such vibrant blues, reds, and yellows in their art.

            Santa Fe is an aesthetic paradise; even the city parks look like Jun Kaneko and Richard Deacon collaborated. Best of all, it has a glass scene that has momentum and direction. I visited facilities and passed out resumes, looking to make some connections.

   All this traveling is great but it is also completely necessary. In this lead up to working for great and amazing artists for the next few months, this time to recharge is crucial. I feel my batteries coming back on line and inspiration sparking its lighter.  

         

moving West

    I hear a voice as I move, watching the land change.
West.

Stopped to taste local cuisine.
Andrew, has gotta try some creole sausage

In Texas tonight, looking at the sun
           waiting for tomorrow's adventures in Austin.

Red and Scalloped

    We took two boats out on St. Joseph bay to dive for scallops. Most of the bay is only three to six feet deep. It was beautiful to snorkel along sifting through the sea grass and examine, new to me, marine life. I have lived in Florida most of my life but have never developed an immunity to the sun. I floated around and periodically reapplied sunscreen, but still got a little burned.
   I am really enjoying these moments of relaxation before we travel west. It is also very nice to hang with family I might not see for awhile.

Florida.... Day 1

Thank you Tennessee for the best goodbye party ever!

We arrived in Apalachicola Florida last night at 10:45pm.  Today we woke up and went to the beach. The oil is not here yet. 

It was great to see lots of people out enjoying the beach and hopefully spending some money at the local businesses. I saw oyster harvesting going on in the bay, and BP is employing local fisherman for some of the boom laying and moving operations.  

            Tonight we are off to a cook-out at my sister-in-law’s and whatever it is that the Apalachicola night brings.