FAQ
Here are a few questions I am asked, or that I can imagine people asking me, and how I would respond.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: About 6 years.
Q: Where do you find all your materials?
A: Everywhere. Mostly on the craigslist free section, but also driving around town, thrift stores, yard sales, friends, acquaintances. I particularly love Second Use in Seattle and Tacoma, and Habitat for Humanity's ReStore.
Q: Where can I see and/or buy some of your fabulous and creative pieces?
A: That is an excellent question. You obviously have a very refined sense of taste and style. My pieces can be found at all of my upcoming events, which can be found on my upcoming events page. I currently have work on display at Puget Sound Community Credit Union and Country Store and Farm, both on Vashon Island.
Q: What if I don't live in Santa Cruz? Can I order stuff online?
A: I don't have an online store, but if you see stuff of mine online and want to buy it, get in touch with me and we'll make it happen. Check out my Shop page for more details.
Q: That's a lot of bottles. Did you drink all those yourself? (This question is often followed with a hearty chuckle and some knowing looks.)
A: (In the form of more questions): Do I look like an alcoholic? Do you think I could drink all that and still be alive? Seriously, what kind of person do you think I am? Also, yes, I did drink quite a few of them.
Q: How long does it take you to wrap a bottle?
A: About 2 minutes.
Q: Do you use the Facebook, or other social media?
A: After a long personal protest against it, I have (somewhat) embraced social media. I have a Facebook business page called Bottleworks451 Recycled Art. I also have an Instagram at Bottleworks451. You should be able to find the links for them on the main page.
Q: What are you wearing right now?
A: Wow, that's a little personal, but shorts and a Xanax for Daddy t-shirt, if you must know.
Q: What are you listening to?
A: A lot of progressive rock (Blue Oyster Cult, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull), Madonna, Tori Amos, and various others.
Q: Are you always this funny/weird/clever/verbose/pleasant/Choose your own adjective?
A: Yes, always.
Q: Is there a special someone in your life? Surely someone who works everyday to produce such epic and awesome art must have someone at his side, supporting and encouraging him, as he enters the unsteady and often fickle world of the art scene.
A: Well, I'm not sure how he will feel about me saying this on something that only 6 people in the history of the internet will actually read, but yes, there very definitely is a special someone in my life. Steve, my partner of over 10 years, has always been there to support me with his generosity and encourage me with his ideas that stimulate my creativity. I also have amazing friends who have encouraged and supported me at every turn of this crazy adventure.
Oh my god, I just turned my FAQ page into a goddamned Academy Award speech, enough about that. Are there any other questions?
Q: How do I donate stuff for you to use in your art?
A: You could email me at allen451@hotmail.com, or send me a message on FB or Instagram
Q: How do I -
A: No, we're done now.