FEATURED ARTISTS
JOSE SAINZ
About 20 years back I met a friend at work who had just bought his
first sport kite and had been going out to the beach at lunch and
flying it. He invited me to come along one day and I totally loved it. Soon
after that I got my own kite and started flying with my friend at lunch and
after work. He later introduced me to other kite flyers, including the
owner of one of the kite companies here in San Diego. His name is
Randy Tom, of Hyperkites Co. Randy was not only the owner of the
company but he was also one of the best kite makers in the USA. He had
been a National Kite Flying Champion and Master Kite Maker in previous
years. I began to fly kites with Randy and became a member of his
competition Synchronized Precision Flight Team. We were a four man team
flying routines synchronized to music. We competed in several
competitions but eventually decided it was too hard to keep everyone
together for practice and traveling. The team disbanded but I stayed
friends with Randy and frequented his shop for guidance and mentorship
in kite making techniques. Under Randy's mentorship I became a three
time Grand National Kitemaking Champion and began touring the world
attending international kite festivals in exotic places like India,
Thailand, New Zealand, Japan and Europe.
Tell us a little bit about the Drachen Foundation and what you love about it.
The Drachen Foundation is a non-profit corporation based in Seattle,
WA devoted to the increase and diffusion of knowledge about kites
worldwide. We develop workshops, curriculum and touring exhibits about
the art, science, history and cultures of kiting.
The foundation was founded by my best friend and travel companion
Scott Skinner of Monument, Colorado. Scott is one of the most popular
and talented kite maker of our time. I'm a proud member of the Board of Directors for the Foundation and do my best to help achieve our goals to present kites in a positive light through the world. I'm fascinated with the association and importance of kites in the cultures and traditions around the world.
Mort and Ginny Linder
Oona's Flying Bird Deep Playa Installation
Passages 2007
Kites on a Wire 2005
The Door 2000
Victor De Journo
Minion 2006 made entirely from bicycle parts
Oona's Flying Bird Deep Playa Installation