Cynara cardunculus var. sunbeamus

...it has been some time since I finished a new botanical print...this one belongs to a series of  Iron artichokes.
I love the artichoke family... for, among other qualities,  architectural structure, scale and their rich coastal fog flavour...those elusive tule (tulares) fogs that haunt the taste buds of memory...among which sour dough bread Frisco style.... Molinari's deli salami (North Beach), cheap, cheap Chianti, avocados and artichokes are some of the most powerful.
Artichokes summon up William Saroyan, Muriel Rukeyser, John Steinbeck, Henry Miller and Robinson Jeffers (among others)...saline writers. Artichokes are Big Sur, Pescadero, Half Moon Bay, Bean Hollow,  Año Nuevo beach...Jones Gulch, Haskins Hill, my dad, my brother and the lagoons of San Gregorio. The drive inland past artichoke fields of misty grey green giants, roadside stands and farmers like Joe...passionate, Portuguese, teasing, gritty... gods at their labour.

botanical absurdos...the gallery

primary colour & dumpster oxides

Some days the sun crisps my cheeks even though my fingers are cramping with cold and the colours sing in the depot air...

Grater metropolis...pre byrd

a gentleman caller   2005

a towering collection of graters,  jello fish, wooden hangers, type set wooden letters  and a moon made of dragonfly wings, wisps of snakeskin, cast cedar paper, moth shadows and insect breath....
this is an old piece....circa 2007. 12" x 12". 
Came across this while clearing out some old files....most of the components are studio debris. The moon mask (below) was made for an exhibit of my paperwork.

cast red cedar paper mask covered with insect wings and snakeskin....about 4" diameter....circa 2007
...used photo negative for grater metropolis...
both pieces in private collections

Fondu moon...broken microwave glass
private collection

Make a game of Housekeeping...
one of a series of small boxed mosaics
...broken oven glass, sewing pattern and women's health advice circa 1940s...
private collection

music appreciation

 

Valentine for Love Byrds

Reds recycled

are you making a mess?

eave-sedum...2

corrugated metal  roofing  ... coils, spirals and rain...a bowlful

February 2012

Sunbeam Iron Artichoke Heart with 'Back space'