‘CYCLISK’ – 2010 AIA Design Award Winner

The City of Santa Rosa, in conjunction with Nissan of Santa Rosa, commissioned Artists Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector to create a dynamic new artwork for the Santa Rosa corridor, which is installed on Santa Rosa Avenue and South A Street in Santa Rosa. The Work, entitled, “Cyclisk,” is a sixty-foot-high (five-story) Egyptian-style obelisk made from recycled bicycles.

Local artist Mark Grieve, born 1965, started drawing in 1966 (primarily abstract for the first few years), until his formal education at the San Francisco Art Institute and the College of Marin, where under a series of excellent instructors, he learned painting, drawing and ceramics. His exhibition history is varied, starting with gallery settings in the 1990’s, evolving to large-scale combustible temporary art, to most recently, creating public sculpture. A recent recipient of a Pollock-Krasner Foundation and Puffin Foundation grants, if you would like more information, feel free to look at www.markgrieve.com.

Ilana Spector, born 1974, graduated cum laude with an international economics degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, with a stint at the London School of Economics. She also graduated from UCLA’s School of Law. After practicing law, she became CEO of one of Southern California’s first solar electric companies. She also has sold art, consulted in various capacities, and lived in India. She is currently Mark Grieve’s partner, Chief Fabricator and Certified Welder.

Daniel Strening was on the selection committee for the piece, and then assisted, pro-bono, with all of the artist’s drawing, coordination and permitting needs.

Winery Expansion

This project was a straightforward expansion of an existing winery with world renown quality wine. The addition reflects the client’s straightforward approach to winemaking and life. Sonoma County grew from a rich agricultural tradition and this winery is a reflection of that heritage. The gable form for the barrel storage came straight from an existing barn on the property, and, much like the agricultural forms all over the county, the new office wing and support spaces were a simple expansion of this dramatic barn roof form.

Daniel Strening was the lead designer at Osborn Design Group for this project.

Calistoga Residence

This project was a residence for a couple from the Washington D.C. area. The original house was a poorly conceived series of stucco boxes with no relationship to the outdoor spaces, or the distant vistas. These qualities were some of the more spectacular aspects of the 25 acre site.

Our design response was to create two distinct outdoor ‘loggias’ on the front and back of the house to take advantage of wine country indoor/outdoor living, and to completely re-imagine the front of the house to allow the spectacular view of the Napa Valley to become part of their living experience.

The simple palette of materials, stone, stucco, wood and steel are used in a way to bring some refined elegance to the property; reflecting the sophisticated vision of the clients.

Interior Designer: Eugene Anthony and Associates
Landscape Architect: Blasen Landscape Architecture