Author Archives: JW

It’s good to have friends in cold places

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We got a special delivery from the East Coast today. A nondescript dark van pulled into the foundry, a uniformed Fed-X driver got out and said “I got sum-en big here”. There in the back of the van were the two most beautifully packed foam ice chests with frost around their seals. They were filled to the top with King Crab legs, a bag with 10 pounds of fresh King Crab meat already pulled from the shells and steamed. A dozen pounds of fresh lump Lobster and about 200 of the biggest shrimp I’ve ever seen!

So it looks like we’ve done right by the sort of guy who likes to do things the way we do. I’ve always thought you do it right or not at all, whatever you’re doing.  And wherever you can, help out and create a good effect. Living like this we make a lot of great friends along the way, and at the end of the day I think that’s the whole point. We’re pretty lucky over here. George, we can’t thank you enough, this is very cool! Come Monday we’re gonna be feeding a lot of friends and toasting you!

Ages 80 and Younger

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Our Armed Forces are comprised of some very specific and specifically proud groups. And they’ve got a lot to be proud of, membership in any branch puts you in an elite category. The rigors of qualification and acceptance are stiff and the standards high. I’m acknowledging this because it’s an easy error for those not in the know to mistake a USN Petty Officer First Class for a Sargent from the three stripes they share. And while no offense might be intended, I do believe service in our Armed Forces deserves a fair amount of respect. Just as no Ranger wants to be called a Marine, I’m going to tread lightly here and make this clear, I’m about to use the name Army Men very loosely and a bit of latitude would be appreciated. And remember, I’m a lover not a fighter, the artsy sort.

It’s with all the whimsey I can muster that I’d like to introduce these little Army Men. The green plastic variety that is. True to the original Vietnam era Louis Marx & Co. toys I grew up with, these almost faithful replicas are cast in solid sterling silver and finished by hand until they’ve earned their stripes so to speak. Don’t consider the price, the heft of the sterling silver or that I’ve lopped off their heads and replaced them with skulls, forget all that and I’d bet you couldn’t tell them apart from the originals. They’re that good. Toys, yes they are. Ages 80 and younger may now resume play.

Music Heals

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I’ve been remiss, and I apologize; Adventuring and feasting without so much as a quick blog post to share the sweet deets and spread the love. I’ll chalk it up to a mental block, yesterday healed by the power of music. I had the pleasure of seeing my good friend dust off his dancing shoes and hit the road again after a good long break. House of Pain shook the House of Blues the other night and the fun is fresh as ever. I’m at exactly the age where after 20 years, bands like this bring me a rush of memories from the old neighborhood (Tarzana) and make me wax nostalgic about an exciting time… without the drugs this go around. The perspective over time is amazing, and the music that moved me then, still does today. See them in your city when they come through. Really great show and a great time. Godspeed on tour kids.

King Fantastic

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You may have read about one of my favorite musical duos ever, hopefully you’ve given them a listen and feel the same. Killer Reece and Troublemaker tore up the Foundation Room at the House of Blues last night in HLYWD. The show was short and sweet, I could’ve done with a couple more songs but I was glad to get what tasty treats were offered. These guys are the real deal, and live they put up a raw display of the album’s clever lyrics and driving rhythmic beats. Paying respect my beloved city Los Angeles, the room was ablaze last night. I love these guys both and I’m telling you this right now, get their music and bump it in your car on 11. The beats and lyrics are so infectious you’ll take the long way home.

The good strap

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I made this clip & swivel years ago and didn’t get around to putting it to use. So here’s a fresh new twist on some cleverness that never really had a chance to catch on. These leather straps are the perfect size to clutch onto when you’re grabbing around your bag, or to slip your wrist through and securely swing as an extension of your arm. They feel great and the Model 7 clip at the end is aesthetic mechanical wizardry. Use it to attach to a clutch, wallet, camera, small case or keys. Go on, touch it.

Like a bull…

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In a ChinaShop is the reference. For this years New York Fashion Week (NYFW if you’re in the know) we teamed up with our stylish friends at ChinaShop for their Fashion’s Night Out party. The event took place at Red Bull Space in Soho, music by AWOLNATION and check out Marina Bychova’s work, very cool. We were represented well and in good company. The ChinaShop site is worth a regular visit… maybe you caught the flattering write up or interview on yours truly??

Go Fast Looks Like This

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Dear friend and race legend Derrick Walker recently added some of the fastest images available to Walker Racing’s #40 piloted by Speedy Dan Clarke. They’re running in the Firestone Indy Lights series with our GENUINE AMERICAN LUXURY motto helping the effort. It’s well known that the GOOD ART Round Skull is fast and beautiful. And equally incredible is Derrick Walker as team owner / manager to recognize the power of a truly aesthetic image. I’d also say we’re in good company there with Deans Knight, Wasteco and Ticketmaster, and honored to be included in the group. We and our friends wish Derrick and the team big go fast mojo in the series.

Reviving some old school

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I dug up some old Interlace Ring molds the other day. They’re part of the Fractal creations line of jewelry created by Jesse Jerrell . A number of years back the line was acquired by Good Art and produced in our Santa Monica shop, primarily from cast Titanium. Truly amazing designs, and now-a-days the stuff of legends amongst piercing fans, with pieces regularly traded and highly coveted. These pieces were cast from the original molds in Sterling Silver and lovingly finished by hand (of course), shown in sizes 4ga, 2ga and 0ga. I’m sure some of you are scratching your heads right now. But I know there’s a few of you reading this who are completely stoked at the possibility of grabbing a pair.

Love a ruby

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Made this Flourish ring and a matching one recently. A special order for some folks who were expecting something else (silly rabbits, this shit’s for clever kids). So it looks like these two are available, I’m just saying. The mens is a size 10, the ladies isn’t finished but could be in the 6 range, and it’s not a petite little thing. Ladies, you’ll have to really own this sucker. Gents, this is a ring that’s guaranteed to make you feel a bit taller.

Say goobye to my lil fren

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It’s been a great run, but the time has come for this love machine to move on to her next master. The Hypermotard is all heart and muscle, it’s one of the great bikes. I could be a bit sad about seeing it go, but I had a bitchen time while it was my turn, so no regrets here. Next is something built for more seat time and with my lady on the back… hello Multistrada. As much as the next guy (maybe more), I think cool stuff is cool, but you can only use so much, and there’s a point when it becomes even cooler to share. This bike went to a good home, and she’s immortalized in the DNA annals of facebook. Arrivederci bellissima.