A Dream Come True: San Francisco Genral Hospital- Art Heart Experience

Hello Friend-

Join me on an incredible journey as I make my dream come true - a dream that means the world to both me and the little girl within!

I was standing in an abandoned dry cleaner on 3rd street with my buddy Dane- who is an artist, friend & the former Brewmaster of Anchor Steam Brewing. We had both come from the brewing industry and become closer as we connected over our love of art, our work & wanting to show it to the world. As we stood in the space that was painted from floor to ceiling in bright white paint, we saw that it would be a perfect spot for an underground Gallery Showing. He and I began to collaborate on what visions we saw for the space and the event we wanted to throw. He wanted to present his works of art for the first time and wanted me to join in on the show. I was more than honored by the thoughtful inclusion and couldn't think of a better way to spend time with my friend.

At our Art Show I met a wonderful artist by the name of Selina Lee and she was soon about to change the course of my trajectory. She connected with me on social media and after the event I messaged her, thanking her for coming and how I thought it was great we connected. She messaged me back with resonating feelings and then had mentioned an opportunity... She sent me the word about how San Francisco General Hospital was taking applications for their 2025 Art Heart Series. I was super pumped she shared this with me and didn't even hesitate to start the application that next day.

At the time, I didn't really understand want steps I was making to have a subconscious dream come true. I had always been in love with all the San Francisco Art Heart's- pooka dotted around the city and would often stubble upon one and be in awe of the art, artist and the grand display in this city. I had a dream and desire to do one of these hearts, but at the time I was a closeted artist. I kept my art very private and didn’t feel like my work was strong enough to be in the Art world (boy, was I wrong) So I buried that desire in the dream bucket named “that will never happen.”

It had been a month since I submitted my application to the foundation. I had completely forgotten about it and assumed that I hadn't been selected. That day, I decided to check my email. To my astonishment, I found an email from the project leader, a woman, asking me some questions about my process and whether I could replicate my art style on the heart.

For those of you that may not know the medium that I use is Epoxy Resin. The resin is best used on flat surfaces because it starts out as a liquid that levels itself out. If you were to pour it over a basketball it would just roll off. I have had some success with making concaved objects like the back of skateboard decks. This I knew, would bring some challenges to being able to replicate my work on the SF hearts as they are 4ft tall and 3D (Photos below). There was also the question if my little 8ft x 4ft studio could house one of the massive 4ft tall hearts. Definitely not the case

.

Instead of just sending the project manager a bunch of yes, yes of course I can do it. I told her that I was going to be very transparent with her. I said I was 90% confident I could do the heart. The medium I use can be difficult, but I know with a little trial and error I could get to success. She apricated my honesty and said that she needs someone to be100% sure and that she would consider me for future projects. Boom. Done. Welp.

So, I moved on, knowing that I did right by myself and the foundation to tell them how I believed it would go if they had picked me. Then…

One week later, I received an email from the project manager that said:

“We’re so excited to work with you on the 2025 Hearts in San Francisco sculpture series! We would like you to complete one of our tabletop hearts"

My jaw dropped at that moment, and I felt the little girl inside me spring up and start bouncing around -So I physically joined in on the joy. The moment a dream happens, and you know you’re going to be on a magical journey experiencing it all. This is why looking back as I took the steps to throw my hat in the ring will something I’ll always thank my past self for. I also am super grateful for the foundation, seeing beauty in my art and believing in me. This I will take with me forever. I'm super excited to be a part of a larger cause. My heart will be displayed in my home city in San Francisco for people to enjoy. After some time, it will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Trama Center for San Francisco General Hospital. What an absolute gift to be a part of the bigger cause to help people in need. My heart is full!

I have already started the heart and will post some pictures and a video here. You can follow me on my Instagram @ Surf.Joose and TikTok: Surf Joose to watch my documentation on the project. Thanks for reading and coming with me! Stay tuned for more blogs!

Catch you in the waves.