This clock is cholla root mounted on a duct grate and a block of wood.
Simplicity is key, the cholla root provides the complex lines and curves.
Superstition Skies
Superstition Skies is a classic honkytonk in Apache Junction, AZ.
When Elvis was filming Charro, his last movie, at the famed Apacheland Movie Studio, he would have lunch at Skies. He had a table in the corner that he reserved, and would invite locals to dine with him.
Last year, Merle Haggard’s son Scott played there. After the gig he hung around at the bar and chatted with us locals.
The panting is oil on canvas, and features Liz’s late nephew Mike (in the foreground, his back to us) on the last time he spent the evening with us there.
Skies has had its ups and downs, but somehow survives, like the desert plants weathering drought and all too few rainy days.
Raritan Valley Community College Mosaic Mural
Raritan Valley Community College Mosaic Mural… Liz had completed one solo mosaic at the AtlantiCare women’s facility and we worked together on a triptych for the Maurice River Senior Center and a diptych for the Gloucester County Health Department before we landed this project.
The Raritan Valley Community College is located in Somerset, NJ. They wanted a showcase entrance tot he Performing Arts Center.
We completed this 27-foot long mural in just under two weeks, in the heat of the August sun. The mural was accented by ceramic pieces created by students of the arts department. We were assisted by a student, Laura Ilsley. She remains good friends with us to this day.
This was our final large scale installation in New Jersey, we soon relocated to Arizona.
New Religion
New Religion
Wall ornament cross, American flag, gas company credit cards…
What happens when religion gets enmeshed with corporate interests and nationalism? Somehow I don’t think this is what Jesus died for…
EGO
EGO
How fragile!
Cigar tin, golf tees, egg shell, Sculpey and Scrabble pieces.
Anything can be turned into art!
Time
It amazes me how much trash people dump in the desert. Much of the rusted iron I find if years old. Oil can lids abound… when was the last time you saw an actual oil can?
Here I am putting other people’s garbage to good use.
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center mosaic mural
This mosaic mural, measuring 10 feet tall and 65 feet wide is at the entrance of the Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, NJ.
Two blocks from the ocean, it survived hurricane Sandy.
The terrazzo was all hand cut, and consists of ceramic tile, stained glass, and mirror. Two weeks of prep work cutting the glass, four weeks of install. This mural is now considered a landmark in Atlantic City. Continue reading “AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center mosaic mural”
Jesus was a Communist
Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Just sayin’…
Found object assemblage – cigar box, religious statue, a page for the bible…
Gil Bear’s
Gil bears was the epitome of a Millville Neighborhood bar.
The Kerr Glass 3rd shift workers would congregate at Gilbears when their shift ended. 8am would bring a packed bar.
With the demise of Kerr Glass, and the glass industry in general, Gil’s took a hit. There wasn’t enough of a neighborhood to support a bar.
Pretty soon, Gil was open only a few hours a day, and on Sundays for the dart league.
Sadly, a few years ago the landmark tavern burned to the ground. I managed to get a few good paintings before he closed the doors for good.
Desert Detritus Clocks
This clock was made from a chunk of cholla root I found in a wash after monsoon. Polished by the sun and wind and rains in the desert, it had a very sculptural feel to it.
The base was a wood base most likely from an old lamp. The lid to an old oil can (remember those?) fit over the base.
It took a little bit of work with the Dremel to hollow out the back so that the clock works would fit. The only finish is a few coats of linseed oil to keep the wood fresh.