My good friend Christian Salisbury is one of the most amazing artists I know. Christian is Luthiery, a guitar builder, craftsman, artist. His instruments are stunningly beautiful and amazing to play. I dream of some day owning a one of a kind Christian Allan guitar. Until then I still get the pleasure of photographing his work and taking them for test drives. Here’s a “Resonator” that he just finished… this thing played itself and sounded like a dream!




Here’s a couple more shots of the S Series guitar. This one is for sale on his website…. my birthday is in October if anyone’s interested 🙂

Here’s a couple of JR Halliday’s guitars.. he’s the guitar player from ZuhG. JR likes to get rough with his instruments and Christian is kind enough to nurse them back to health. There’s a Japanese re-issued 1963 Telecaster and an original 1963 Fender Jazz Master. Please be nice to that Jazz Master JR or I might have to place it in some kind of guitar protection program at my house.

Visit Christian’s website and if you need a guitar worked on hit him up. Christian leads a very spiritual life and is always a pleasure to visit with and talk to. This guy radiates loving energy and you can feel it in his work.
Peace, Love and Granola!

It’s hard to not be fascinated by physical feats and the movements of athletes.  This is part of a body of work that is celebrating art of dancing and the similarities to skateboarding.  The ballet has always been a well respected form of performance art and appreciated by the high society whereas skateboarding has been struggling to shed the counter culture / rebellious image that the public has placed on it.  Behind the preconceived notions and stereotypes of the these two activities you will find a vast amount of similarities.

In both fields you will find a artistic people who push themselves to the limits of their physical capabilities and are slightly obsessed with style in movement. So next time you see a skateboarder zipping through a busy sidewalk or a dancer spinning through the air remember they are the future of our creative landscape and the mediums for a beautiful world.

Enjoy!

“I fall in love way too easy” Ryan remarked as we walked down the steep city streets of Nevada City; “I think I’ve fallen in love 3 or 4 times already today.” In Sacramento it’s hard for a long haired hippy to get the time of day from the average girl in the streets, but it’s different up in the foothills. Everyone has long hair! Well, mostly everyone and those that don’t are in the minority. Nevada City is the kind of town that attracts the kind of heart. People up there smile at you and look you in the eye when you pass on the street; it’s really amazing and it makes love at first sight much easier!

We decided to go up to the hills and hang out at the Miners Foundry. If you haven’t heard of or been to this place you have to go up there and check it out sometime. It’s kinda like beatnik but about 4 times the size. They had dozens of vendors, crafters, jewelers, clothing, art, beer and of course amazing music. Did I mention it was only $3 to get in and see 18 bands? Exquisite Corps, a phenomonal orchestral indie rock band from Sac, was the reason we decided to go and I must say it was more than worth the trip. Nevada City loves Exquisite Corps! I was amazed to see the turnout and the support from the crowd up there and it couldn’t have been sweeter as they energized the room with an outstanding performance.

We hit up the Auburn and the Grass Valley skateparks so needless to say we were hot and anxious for a swim. This spot on the Yuba River is no secret but it is one of the most amazing stretches of river canyon you could ever ask to swim in. We hit up a couple underwater tunnels, did some cannonballs, sipped a couple cold brews and headed out. If you’re ever in Nevada City and it’s hot, take 49 toward the San Juan ridge and when you get to the bridge you’re there, can’t miss it.



Then we did a couple ollies and bombed the hill back into downtown Nevada City. Ryan’s got some hops. So long foothills I’ll be back very soon!