Speaking of Art...

Wes Kreager, Owner of Phoenix Lighting, has been my trusted lighting guy and friend for years. He fixes any kind of lighting, restores priceless vintage and antique pieces, and lately has been making some original creations like this fan turned lamp...

[caption id="attachment_6142" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="This creepy cool piece is made from vintage lighting parts. The skull was made by a jewelry maker"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6140" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="And people couldn't stop peaking in his unique night lights. Hm, what's in there?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6151" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Is that what I think it is... get closer if you really want to find out."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6152" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Yep, vintage playing card of the um sexy arena. People couldn't stay away from these :-)"][/caption]

Wes invited me to an art show at Tulio Flore's San Jose house. I was so impressed by the caliber of work. Let me give you the run down...

[caption id="attachment_6146" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Tulio uses such unique techniques and materials like melted wax, cross stitching and vibrant acrylics. His work is gorgeous."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6144" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Wait! Does this piece look familiar? Let me give you a closer look..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6143" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="hm, butterflies cut from fashion magazines and pinned to the wall... remiiind you of anything?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6148" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Needless to say, Tulio and I bonded over 'great minds' jokes and became instant friends."][/caption]

But I digress...

[caption id="attachment_6145" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Here's another Tulio piece- this clock looking wall piece that I just loved!"][/caption]

My other favorite art came from Maia who creates assemblages and diaramas from found objects...

[caption id="attachment_6138" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Here they are- artistes Maia, Tulio and Wes, in front of one of Maia's found object birdhouses."][/caption]

Best of all, was seeing Wes celebrating with his family...

[caption id="attachment_6155" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="That's his wife, daughter, and son in law to his left. They're good good people."][/caption]

But to truly appreciate Wes' work and see what he has available for you, you have to go to his shop on W San Carlos in San Jose...

[caption id="attachment_6162" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Wes makes and sells the coolest things like these speakers made from old car grills"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6158" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="There are buckets and bins of anything you need if your restoring and just working on an old home"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6157" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="And then just beautiful lighting and nostalgic things that make you smile."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6156" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="See what I mean?"][/caption]

The art show was inspiring and just so darn cool. Tulio's home is beautiful the people were so creative and friendly. And hangin' with Wes and his crew is always a treat. Go check out his shop for yourself. You'll love the treasure hunt!