DICK GORDON SLAMS NOYNOY, VILLAR AND ERAP! "LEADERSHIP IS ACTION"

The Zzz Team

My newly oranized team after my shelf gave way.




A few casualties... The most painful, losing my plants, Vicki and Mo. They were crushed under my books:(


Mo was really gone but I'm still nursing Vicki... Let's see, you can do it Vicki!!!

Metal Chick 101 with Kelly "The Metal Master" Malone

 

Kelly Malone is the owner of Workshop, the DIY haven in San Francisco. I walked into this space and was filled with ideas, I just wanted to create...not just photos, but fluffy felt stuffed toys, light bulb terrariums and a screen print designs for t-shirts! This place is industrial meets heavy metal and a ton of other things quirky cool and exciting.

I read about Kelly's story and how she came up with Workshop and was instantly intrigued, I wanted to know more and I wanted her in the photo for sure. I met with Kelly who shared her inspiration, hobbies, favorite things and I quickly learned that she was the ultimate metal chick. That's how I came up with this idea of making her this metal master craftswoman showing how to create the ultimate metal chick. If the Workshop offers everything from sewing 101 to heavy metal aerobics, I figured a Metal Chick 101 class themes photo would fit right in

The Workshop and Kelly Malone stand for some true SF qualities, creativity, community and resilience.

Thanks Kelly! You were awesome...you owned it from the very first shot!

Cheers to you and Workshop:)

Magic at Lovejoy's Tea Room

These sisters are cursed in love but gifted with magic and an inseparable bond. Here you catch them in the middle of their usual mix of afternoon tea, spells and witchcraft.

Muna and Gillian are the owners of the truly special Lovejoy's Tea Room in Noe Valley. This tea room is filled with so many precious treasures and antiques that add to the already warm and cozy feeling you get from all the sweet and hospitable people who help run Lovejoy's. 

Gillian was awesome in trusting my vision and immediately convincing Muna to hop on board the San Frantastico Project. Muna was who I worked with a lot for the planning of the photoshoot.  All I can say is that it was such a delight meeting these women. Muna was so accommodating and thoughtful! I never left Lovejoy's on an empty stomach. I was always treated to their aromatic teas (I love the Chestnut Tea, I had to get a bag for myself to drink at home) and their delectable sandwiches, fresh fruits, crumpets and scones (Oh, their scones with devon cream are yum-O!). 

Moving on to another pair of must-meet women, I must share more about my models. Catherine (left) and Ronia (right) are real sisters, who really practice witchcraft...the good kind. They were such troopers agreeing to pose for me with such short notice and bringing in all their own personal trinkets, ingredients, potions and yes broomsticks! If you look closely, you'll see a lightning bolt on one of the broomsticks-- the Nimbus 2000. How cool is that? It was so pleasant working with them, such a relaxed shoot!

This photo is proof that when everyone comes together and commits to a shared vision, things can really happen:) I love photography for making me discover new things about this fantastic city everyday.

To all the beautiful women who made all this possible, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

For more info see the links below:) 

Lovejoy's Tea Room

Catherine Grillos Enterntainment

San Frantastico goes to the Belljar...

There ought, I thought, to be a ritual for being born twice - patched, retreaded and approved for the road.  ~Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar, Chapter 20

Special Thanks To:

Arabelle Raphael, Model

Scott, Make-up

Pam Sta. Cruz, Photo Assistant

 Belljar, Location

I am so grateful to have you all on board this project!

It still always takes my breath away... this view and the fact that I get to see all this beauty everyday on a walk with my Pumpkin...

New members of the family...

Pumpkin the Pug, Vicki the Venus Flytrap and Francesca the Photographer would like to welcome new members of the family...

Momo
aka Mossball

and
Bambi
aka Sexy Bamboo