Alex Sandor's Art Studio is not just another
urban hair salon.
It was built from a raw shell into the
beautiful space it is today, using only
recycled, refurbished and salvaged materials
and furniture. Every element of the studio -
from the paint on the walls to the stain on the concrete floors,
from
the furnishings to each intimate artifact
- was chosen with purpose and
consciousness.
We researched and invested in the most
water-efficient system. We avoided using
any toxic materials in the build-out.
And we hope to eventually install solar
panels and get even more off the grid.
All hair products used and sold at Alex Sandor's Art Studio are
non-carcinogenic, organic, completely
vegan, and absolutely healthy.
We collect all hair clippings and donate
them to a great organization called
Matter of Trust. This company collaborates
with thousands of salons throughout
the US and abroad that donate
their hair clippings to soak up oil
spills.
Alex Sandor's Art Studio is a healthy
and ethically-conscious
salon alternative that we hope will
make you feel good inside and out.
DETAILED FEATURES OF ALEX SANDOR'S ART STUDIO
I discovered many great sources of salvaged, recycled and environmentally friendly materials while constructing and designing this space. Aside from the environmental concerns that drive me to use refurbished items whenever possible, I am compelled by the history and the mystery behind many of these pieces. I appreciate the rich personality they imbue the space with. If there is such a thing as "energy of things", this studio is rife with it. More than just a hair salon, Alex Sandor's Art Studio is intended to be a comfortable space with a nostalgic aesthetic.
-- Alex
PAINT
All of the walls are painted with YOLO Colorhouse paints. YOLO is a Portland-based company that offers a great palette of environmentally-responsible paints. All YOLO paints have Green Seal certification and have absolutely no odor or harmful chemicals, and no added solvents. YOLO paints are zero VOC and 100% acrylic.
WOOD
The wood floor in the sitting area was built from Douglas Fir boards from Heritage Salvage in Petaluma. This collection of wood is from a machine factory that was built in the 1940s. When the shop was dismantled, the wood was salvaged and resold. The wood decorating the walls was also
gathered at Heritage Salvage. These oak
slabs were originally used to flavor wine
in lieu of traditional wine barrels. The
wine lent them their purple hue, and the
distinctive holes in each slab are a
remnant of the process used to dip them
into the wine barrels. The wood was sanded down to prevent it from molding, but otherwise was left unfinished in
order to maintain the organic look.
Above the concrete walls are wooden chicken feeders,
also from Heritage Salvage, loaded with rope lights.
CONCRETE FLOORS
The existing concrete floors were left in their natural state... sort of. They were stained with 6 gallons of fair trade coffee by literally pouring the freshly-brewed coffee on the floor. This innovative (and amateur) floor staining technique accounts for the organic coloring and patterning of the concrete.
STAINLESS STEEL
Almost all of the stainless steel in the studio, including the custom-build floor-to-ceiling mirrors, was salvaged and resold by Tony at The Industrialists in San Francisco. Many of the stainless steel furnishings were originally used in hospitals. The tall standing cluster lights were made to be operating lights, designed to take infrared bulbs that would stand over O.R. tables and keep the rooms free from bacteria during surgery.
FURNISHINGS AND ARTIFACTS
The Japanese tonsus are antiques purchased from local dealers, and date back to the 1800's. Other furnishings and artifacts were found, collected and purchased from flea markets, vintage stores and friends. The collection of antique hair cutting tools come from various sources ranging from the Alameda Antique Faire to an abandoned rural house in Massachusetts. The plant sculptures are found art objects made from wood and metal pieces collected from around the Bay Area.
DRINK BAR
The glass vessel holding the water was purchased second-hand from a local bar. It's filled each day with filtered San Francisco tap water, and flavored with organic and local fruits and herbs.
ART
All of the large photographs hanging at my studio were taken by Peter Z. Jones, a professional San Francisco photographer and artist. Alex styled all of the models at these photo shoots. The ceramic art is on loan from local artist Armando.
It goes without saying that Alex Sandor's Art Studio is dedicated to the concept of: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
|
|
