...and we arrive!

After a long, long haul, we arrive at the less than impressive Motel 6 in San Diego's Hotel circle, next door to the Oasis.  Apparently, in Motel 6 land, 1st floor does not necesarily mean ground floor here.  We are initially offered a 2nd floor room in the exact centre of the floor, which is about the worst place ever.  We finally finage a room not as far in, and settle down for the evening at about 2 or so.

On the Way - day 1

So we headed off to Oasis, with car chocked full of snacks and paintings.  Christopher Moore's audio version of "Fool" was in the stereo, so as to keep us lauging throughout.  Day 1 found us taking a wrong turn, which, in turn, sent us off of a weird tangenital course.  we stopped at Solvang for some fudge and leg-stretching, and that was extremely nice.  They were having a really great Farmer's market, and booths were piled high with fresh produce.  Of course, we ended up getting Del Taco several hours later instead... For those of you unaware, Del Taco is the less expensive, higher quality version of Taco Bell that also sells hamburgers and fries, for when you don't want Tacos.

The pre~preparations continue!

I am almost finished geting stuff wrapped & ready...listening to old Adam & the Ants songs and stuffing my work into boxes.  Soon sleep... then on the road!

...Just a bit of 2009's Oasis to get us all in the mood... Tiki Oasis 2009 was the Surf Tiki special.  I can't find my Oasis 2010 Extravaganza photos, but when I do I will share them with you.  'Cause that is the kind of guy that I am.  This year's theme is Tiki South of the Border, and will feature a moustache contest, art shows, and rum symposiums.  The ghost of Herb Alpert's career is rumored to make an appearance, as well as Eric Estrada's dreams of 1980's TV stardom.

Prepping for Oasis 2011!

Well, it has happened!  After 2 years of attending and thoroughly enjying the Tiki Oasis in San Diego, I have been able to obtain a merchandising area this year, with the assistanne of my good friend Ace, proprietor of a great design shop in Petaluma.

I have been fascinated with tiks for a long time.  When I was young, I remember going to Trader Vics with my parents and being drawn to the tikis there.  I have always been compelled to draw on most flat surfaces as well, so when I finally had the presence of mind to put the 2 compulsions together, well...it just stuck.

So, here I am, with my wife Cass, stuffing art prints into bags, and getting paintings framed, in anticipation of a great time at the oasis.  I will attempt to keep a running account of the goings on, time (and rum) permitting.

Mahalo,
~Zero