For those unfamiliar, how would you explain "Tiki" and what's the fascination?
"I started collecting mugs from Tropical bars about 18 years ago. The mugs were usually in the shape of Polynesian gods, or "Tikis", and were manufactured from the 50's through the 70's. That led to my fascination with tropical imagery, particularly tikis. Now there is a big resurgence in interest in "Tikiana." I think it speaks to the same longings today's people have to escape their humdrum life and experience the exotic that caused the bars and restaurants to be established originally back in the middle of the last century."

Any thoughts of doing more "retro London"? Maybe something "Blow Up"? David Hemmings would be flattered! Thinking about it, did "3 Black Crows" cover that ground? Then maybe go for a "mod" theme...we'd all buy the prints!
"Retro London" is a recurring theme. "Blow Up" is one of my absolute favorite films and it definitely inspired "3 Black Crows". I stayed away from the subject for a while because it was so identified with "Austin Powers" in most people's minds but I am planning more "Swinging London" themes in the future."

Are there any celebrity "Shag" fans you are willing to name? Do you get invites to celebrity parties?
"There are celebrity collectors, but almost any fairly established artist in L.A. will have them, as the celebrities are the ones with lots of disposable income! One of my biggest collectors is Whoopi Goldberg. Ben Stiller, Seth Green, Rob Zombie, and Nancy Sinatra also own paintings. I don't feel really comfortable around famous people and usually decline invitations to "hang" with the stars."

I believe you've done albums covers, club flyers etc. Is this ongoing, or has the demand for paintings limited your time? Could I interest you in a modculture project (payment in records and old books)? Which album covers would we recognise as yours?
"I do occassionally do projects like album covers & specific illustrations, but I don't do a lot of custom work because of the demand for paintings. I don't think a modculture project would be out of the question! Most of the recent albums I've done are Japanese bands!"

I believe you're a retro junkie (like most of us). Any interesting bargains lately? I imagine California is better than Manchester for retro chic? Anything you are still hunting for?
"L.A. is probably the world capitol of cool retro stuff, but it's gotten horribly expensive lately. I've found some great bargains in the past, but have been paying through the nose for other things recently. I'm still looking for an "ottoman" to go with the black leather Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair I found for $50 a few years ago. Unfortunately I've not seen an "ottoman" for less than $500..."

Is there a decent retro scene in L.A.? If any of us travel there, any bars or shops we should look out for?
"L.A. has tons of great retro stuff, but the city is so spread out that one must do lots of driving to see it all. There are 2 streets in L.A. that have a lot of good shops and architecture, Beverly Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. A drive through the Hollywood Hills will allow one to see some of the most famous and impressive modern houses in the world."