By Georgina Stassi.
It’s my kind of night when two of my favorite Rock Stars of Wine appear in the same room — Bob Dickey and Chuck Carlson. When I say I love these guys, I mean it! They are fun, they are interesting, they are intelligent, and most importantly, they are both great at what they do. Both are extremely skilled in the art of bringing pleasurable things to life. One is an extraordinary artist and photographer of all things wine and wonderful; and the other, is one of the original Rhone Rangers and now, also a producer of some the finest Central Coast pinot noir and other beautiful varietals.
So I hope I have convinced you to join us when Central Coast Ace Wine Photographer Bob Dickey will be exhibiting his eclectic paintings and answering questions about his art at Monterey Street Wines in Downtown San Luis Obispo on Friday, March 7, from 6pm-9pm during SLO’s “Art After Dark”. To add to the ambience of the evening, Legendary Central Coast Winemaker Chuck Carlson will be pouring a selection of Carlson Wines & Curtis Winery for guests to enjoy including the 2011 Carlson Cabernet Franc, 2012 Carlson Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills, and 2012 Curtis Viognier.
Dickey’s paintings are created from his original photos. He alters the photos digitally to simulate the feeling he had when photographing the scene. “Sometimes the final ‘painting’ and the original photo are similar –sometimes the only connection is within my head,” says the artist. Finally, he prints onto photographic art paper with ultra chrome ink. The result is a museum quality work with archival durability.
He photographs the local wine country for local and national publications and major wine events such as:
Santa Barbara Vintners’ festivals, The World of Pinot Noir; The Chardonnay Symposium; The CCWC Dinner at Hearst Castle and the International Food & Wine Festival. His art is currently in several winery tasting rooms and he has periodic shows.
Additionally, Bob immerses himself in wine in every way, except literally. He has studied winemaking, wine growing and wine business at Hancock College and UC, Davis—and attended wine conferences throughout the state. He has participated in every aspect of winemaking from pruning to pouring; co-hosted a radio wine show; and taught wine marketing at Hancock College. He teaches wine classes for Elderhostel/Road Scholars; speaks to assorted groups; and leads tours through the Santa Barbara Wine Country. He is an associate member of the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association. Find more on Bob Dickey in the press and on Facebook.
