Sketches: Wall, Chiharu Shiota, AAMSF - 5/2026

The Asian Art Museum San Francisco is hosting the Bay Area debut of Japanese-German artist Chiharu Shiota, "Two Home Countries". Shiota is known for her immersive thread-art installations; we've seen her work before at LA's Hammer Museum. Although the walk-through thread installation was impressive, I was equally intrigued with her previous performance work using herself as part of the art. In "Wall," Shiota, appearing unconscious, is laying on a tangle of clear plastic tubing as it is slowly filled with a red liquid, looking like blood.

Wall, Chiharu Shiota, Asian Art Museum SF, 5/2026

The audience is left wondering if this is a medical treatment or a science experiment gone wrong. It is very effective.

CoWaBunGA  

Sketches: San Francisco Ferry Building, 5/2026

While working on a ferry project for the GGBHTD, I was located in downtown San Francisco at the Ferry Building. This was when the Ferry Building had just been renovated with new shops and restaurants; it was fantastic. I enjoyed walking through the Building during lunch and trying to find a delicious meal for a reasonable price (although I really wanted to try everything). 

SF Ferry Building, 5/2026

It hasn't changed much over the years, and it is still fantastic.

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: Tacubaya, Berkeley - 5/2026

Along the busy Berkeley 4th Street shopping corridor, Tacubaya taqueria is a little oasis of tranquility if you get overwhelmed by the hub bub of the Apple Store and Anthropologie. It is nestled off the main drag and feels like you're in a different neighborhood, specifically Tacubaya district in Mexico City. On one recent busy day, I took a short break, ordered an aqua fresca, sat in the courtyard, and watched the diners enjoy their brunch on a beautiful day.

Tacubaya Berkeley, 5/2026

CoWaBunGA!

  

Summer Stroll: Old Oakland, 5/22/2026

In association with E14 Gallery, I'm participating in Summer Stroll in Old Oakland. Parts of Ninth Street will be cordoned off so that vendors and musicians can set up pop-up booths and stages. This will be a celebration of Oakland and its local artists. I hope you can join us for a warm (maybe, fingers-crossed) evening, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Here is a preview of my works for sale.

Lonely Pier, Old Bay Bridge - Oakland, 5/2026

CoWaBunGA

 

Sketches: Ninth Street night, Oakland - 5/2026

The hanging umbrellas cast a colorful hue along Ninth Street in Oakland, especially at night. See for yourself at the Summer Stroll in Old Oakland on May 22nd, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Ninth Street night, Oakland - 5/2026

CoWaBunGA! 

Cafe Sketches: Bird & Buffalo, Oakland - 5/2026

For Oakland Restaurant Week, we decided to try Bird & Buffalo located in the Oakland Temescal neighborhood. We've seen Bird & Buffalo while driving along Telegraph, but I thought it might be a BBQ joint serving chicken and buffalo meat; I was mistaken. It's a Thai eatery serving Thai street food, and it is delicious. To top off our meal, we were delighted by the neon motto displayed in the dining room - "Peace & Larb"!

Bird & Buffalo, Oakland Restaurant Week, 5/2026

The world needs more peace & larb...

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: Tony's Pizza Napoletana, SF - 5/2026

I heard so much about Tony's Pizza Napoletana in North Beach, San Francisco, over the years but it wasn't until last year that I got to try their world famous pizza. Tony's is known as the home to Tony Gemignani, 13 time World Pizza Champion. The pizza lived up to the reputation.  

Tony's Pizza Napoletana, North Beach SF - 5/2026

You might have to wait in a long line, but you won't be disappointed.

CoWaBuNGA!