I am excited to be participating in this timely project. I plan to focus on the Roblar Road Quarry in Petaluma which has been proposed numerous times by a local construction company. Along Roblar there are homemade signs saying “No Quarry” about which I have been curious. I plan to interview and make audio recordings of members of the community talking about their views on the quarry going forward, then I will incorporate them with my own musical compositions, studio recordings and field recordings creating a sound installation to be presented in a gallery setting at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts in 2021.

This project takes its inspiration from traditional Fairy Tales. The tales have been refurbished and refreshed in an attempt to put a new spin on the old by reconstructing their meaning in the form of original recorded compositions. In these sonic tales you may find things such as; wolves who do not get what they deserve, spinning wheels that colide with modern machinery, and horses, chickens and witches who may be sucked down a kitchen sink drain in a matter of seconds.

The MilkBar in Richmond is an artist curated salon series, established in 2004 as an environment for the intersection of innovative, contemporary and experimental dance, music, theater, film, the written word and visual arts.

The MilkBar’s co curators are: Mary Armentrout, Merlin Coleman and Ian Winters. Our shared curatorial aesthetic produces the MilkBar salons in a vibrant and intimate forty seat venue. These salons host a dynamic and diverse range of artists creating a unique collage effect of mixed disciplines such as modern Dance, experimental film from around the world, mixed media photo installations, performance art with audience participation, and a diversity of musical acts.

Over the past 15 plus years The MilkBar has evolved into the site of dialogue between artists a swell as artist and audience while remaining focused on its primary role as studio and workspace.

I am currently offering an artist residency program in a converted water tower on the land where I live in Northern California. I continue to be moved and inspired by the quality of work that is happening there and the delight I find in interacting with these gifted artists.The residency is meant for anyone serious about their artistic work and in need of focused time and space. I think it lends itself especially to writing yet all who feel the space could be useful are welcome.

Please contact me directly if you are interested in learning more or would like to apply.

I have been learning Taiko drumming with this group for around 5 years now and continue to enjoy drumming with them while deeply appreciating the community and mission they are creating. “To build a community of acceptance, harmony, and respect through our love of taiko. With that love for the various aspects of this art-form we gather a community that reflects the best and fullest natures within us all.”