28edaa05

Surrendering to Art: A Visit With Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 21:19:51 GMT

Surrender ing

to art

A visit with Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread

Surrender ing to art

A visit with Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread

Horned Ancestor Figure — Baga or Nalu, Guinea (Mid-20th Century) This powerful carved figure likely originates from the Baga or Nalu peoples of coastal Guinea. The crescent-shaped horns reference ancestral and spiritual authority, often linked to initiation or fertility rituals. The piece's geometric proportions and weathered patina make it a striking artifact of mid-century West African ceremonial art.

Two weeks ago, Tim Sugden, former co-publisher and photographer of Portland Interview magazine, reached out to me after seeing some of my interior design posts focusing on designing for men. He asked if I might want to meet Dave Dahl—the founder of Dave’s Killer Bread—and tour his collection of African art, which could work well for my clients. Of course I knew who Dave was and loved Dave's Killer Bread but I hadn't read Dave's full story until after this meeting. It hit home. I've witnessed and been a part of some of the same neurodivergent struggles within my family. I also grew up in rural Oregon. And while I loved my family, I also felt embarrassed at who we were growing up. We didn't have much money and there was constant stress and arguing between my parents.

There are many things about Dave that are pretty incredible. To name a few he;

Became incredibly successful after living on the streets and being incarcerated for almost 15 years

Asked for mental health help amongst a prison community who would see him as weak for this

Used his story to help others who have been incarcerated, addicted to drugs and living on the streets

Changed how he thought and overcame drug addiction

And of course, he made the best bread ever!

Now that he's done all that, what more could there be? Well, unbeknownst to many,

Dave has curated the most jaw-dropping private collections of tribal art I’ve ever seen.

It's a feat as incredible as everything else Dave has accomplished. And what's really exciting is how naturally this collection speaks to the kind of interiors I’ve been drawn to focus on. Spaces that are textured, storied, and quietly powerful. Design that speaks to the soul.

Below are some of my favorite pieces with notes on their origins and meanings and more about my tour through Dave's sanctuary of sculptures, tapestries and carvings.

Caption: Dave and I surrounded my his art collection.

When I arrived, Tim greeted me and led me to the warehouse where Dave was tidying his collection. Dave greeted me with kindness and an easy authenticity. The 14,000 square foot warehouse is packed floor to ceiling with masks, statues, ritual objects, and carved relics from across the African continent. I could feel the powerful energy these objects held.

I slowly moved through the space, while Tim and Dave patiently spent the next three hours explaining the collection to me. Dave was in and out of the warehouse taking phone calls and attending to friends and family at the country property in Eagle Creek, Oregon. Dave shared details on the artwork origins and meanings, humbly adding that he's still learning. It was clear that he'd taken a ton of care to organize this collection. When I asked if he'd been to these areas, he said with some heaviness, that he hasn't yet, though he’d like to and plans to when some legal constraints are lifted.

He pointed out pieces from Mali, Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast, Liberia and Bali . He shared that these places used to have no borders and were once only separated by tribes and pointed out pieces from the Dogon people who he'd been able to work with on grain deliveries during his bread making days.

Ceremonial Masks – Ibibio & Igbo (Nigeria), Mid-20th Century The mask on the left, with its delicate pink hues and refined features, is a classic Ibibio ancestor mask from Nigeria, traditionally worn to honor female spirits during rites of passage. On the right, a joyful Igbo mask also from Nigeria celebrates youthful feminine beauty, typically danced by men in festive seasonal ceremonies. Both pieces reflect the grace, spirituality, and artistry embedded in West African masking traditions.

These pieces aren’t just art. They’re anchors. They root a space in something older, deeper. They create presence.

(Clockwise from left): Benin Court Figure (Edo People, Nigeria) This striking bronze sculpture hails from the royal artistic tradition of the Benin Kingdom in southern Nigeria. Depicting a high-ranking court official or ceremonial musician. Slave Boat Sculpture Portrays the brutal reality of the transatlantic slave trade, likely referencing the Portuguese invasion of West Africa. Royal Beaded Helmet Mask – Kuba People, Democratic Republic of Congo Draped in intricate beadwork and cowrie shells, this regal effigy represents a Kuba king or ancestral figure , embodying prestige, wealth, and spiritual protection. The Kuba are renowned for their elaborate ceremonial regalia, and this piece—with its geometric patterns, shell adornment, and facial veiling—was likely used in royal funerary rites or masked court performances to honor lineage and reinforce dynastic authority.

I noticed the tender way Dave handled the artworks. I could see how he felt called to protect these pieces. Dave doesn’t see himself as an expert. He’s a steward. A man still healing. A man who’s walked through fire—and is still walking. As I left the warehouse that day, I thought about how brokenness and beauty coexist. And how spaces—like people—can hold both.

My deepest thanks to Dave for his vulnerability, and to Tim for reaching out to me and making this introduction.

These pieces are for sale! Dave is beginning to explore how to re-home them with collectors, designers, and lovers of tribal art.

If you’re interested in seeing them yourself, please reach out! I would be happy to make an introduction and/or work with you on which ones would work well in your space.

Caption: Reading the full 20-page interview in the the magazine Dave had signed for me and my boys was a deeply meaningful experience.

Ready to work with us to design you space?
At EPIPHANY, we specialize in creating refined, art-inspired interiors for those who want their homes to feel good, function well and look beautiful. Whether you’re upgrading a loft or styling a full residence, we tailor each space to your lifestyle.

Explore Our Work | Book a Consultation

A Visit With Architect, Robert Oshatz

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:16:59 GMT

A Visit with
Robert Oshatz

When I first saw one of Robert Oshatz’s homes floating on the Willamette River, I was awestruck. Years later, on June 18 ^th , 2025, thanks to some alignment with a mutual friend, I had the opportunity to meet the architect himself! We toured his incredible self-designed home which overlooks Elk Rock and talked about everything from creative confidence to modern life to parenting and relationships. What I found wa s a deeply kind, endlessly curious, and incredibly enough - still searching for new clients - artist.

I remember that day, staring at the The Fennell Residence (shown below) which sits on the Willamette River as opposed to by the river. The project is focused on the poetry of the ripples and contours of the river, it’s never ending flow, the view, and the interrelationship concerning the play of the sun and moon as it courses through the days of the year. Curved glue laminated beams are used to capture the timeless sense of flowing water and time passing to imbue the space within and its relationship with the river creating a spiritual and poetic sense of space. Turning to my friend at the time—an architect—we marveled aloud at the boldness and poetry of Robert’s designs. We wondered what it must feel like to create such visionary architecture, to bring something that striking and singular into the world for a client.

Robert comes from a lineage of creativity—his brother is a painter, his sister a writer, and his mother, a talented dancer who brought vibrancy and inspiration into their home. As we talked, we discovered parallels in our childhoods. Both of us were raised by moms who were talented artists and drew in remarkable people, weren’t shy to conflict and spoke up for what they believed. We both knew the ache of growing up with parents who didn’t love each other but poured their love into their children.

I noticed the sound, the softness of it, when I first stepped into the living room of Robert’s home—The Elk Rock Residence. The acoustics of the space felt so quiet.

“Most people don’t mention that,” said Robert, “but it was a carefully considered element. I wanted to make the space ideal for music.”

As we stepped onto his deck overlooking the trees and water below, I listened as Robert shared his wisdom, as someone who’s lived deeply and listens carefully.

Architecture had been his singular passion since his early teens. A teacher once told him he was good at drafting, and that compliment defined the trajectory of his life. He approached a local architecture firm and asked if he could work there as a janitor—just to be near the work. Instead, the firm hired him to assist at the drafting desk and he spent his days learning the craft and his evenings cleaning the offices.

“In any creative career, a little bit of luck is essential”

said Robert—and that job, was his.

Later, when an insurance issue prevented the firm from taking on a particular project, the principal asked Robert to take the client and handle the job himself. It was the beginning of what would become a remarkable career. From there, one client turned into another, and his body of work grew into the incredible, Frank Lloyd Wright-level masterpiece that it is today.

As a mother of two teen boys, one of the most touching details for me about Robert and this home, was that he built the home with the help of a first-time builder whom he mentored, and teens in a drug rehabilitation program.

I left this home feeling incredibly inspired, and what's more Robert, kindly gave my 17-year old son a tour of his home and talked architecture with him two days later! Above are some snaps I took from that day. Thank you, Robert!

Are you in need of an architect?

Don't miss an incredible opportunity to work with Robert Oshatz. He's currently looking for a remodel project in which the owners are looking for a major reworking of the image of their structure. Please contact me or Robert directly here if so!

Ready for interior design?
At EPIPHANY, we specialize in creating refined, art-inspired interiors for those who want their homes to feel good, function well and look beautiful. Whether you’re upgrading a loft or styling a full residence, we tailor each space to your lifestyle.

Explore Our Work | Book a Consultation

5 Design Upgrades That Instantly Elevate a Bachelor Pad

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:54:20 GMT

5 Design Upgrades That Instantly Elevate a Bachelor Pad

When it comes to bachelor pads, too many interiors fall into the trap of being either overly minimal or wildly chaotic. But with a few intentional upgrades, a bachelor pad can go from bland to bold — a space that reflects both style and sophistication. Whether you’re a professional with discerning taste or simply ready for an upgrade, these five design tips will help turn your space into a refined and elevated retreat.

1. Statement Art That Reflects Your Identity

Skip the mass-produced prints and go for bold, expressive pieces that tell a story. Whether it’s a large-scale abstract canvas, a photography piece with edge, or custom work from a local artist, statement art instantly commands attention and gives your space personality. It’s a conversation starter — and it says you know your taste.

Pro Tip: Hang art at eye level and go bigger than you think — oversized pieces often make a space feel more curated.

2. Layered Lighting That Sets the Mood

A single ceiling fixture doesn’t cut it. Layered lighting — think sconces, table lamps, and dimmable overheads — adds depth and atmosphere to your home. Warm-toned bulbs create a welcoming glow that’s flattering and relaxing, perfect for entertaining or winding down after a long day. Go for a modern floor lamp with a sculptural base or a masculine pendant light in matte black or brushed brass.

3. Textured Fabrics and Rich Materials

A room comes alive through texture. Swap out basic furniture and synthetic throws for upgraded materials: think velvet, leather, linen, and wool. A boucle armchair or a suede pillow adds tactile interest and instant luxury. Consider a custom-upholstered piece in a bold color or earthy tone — masculine doesn’t have to mean monotone.

4. Elevated Furnishings With Architectural Lines

Invest in a few standout furniture pieces — a sculptural coffee table, a modern leather sofa, or a bold accent chair. The goal is to strike the balance between comfort and design. Think masculine, but with polish.

Pro Tip: Avoid bulky, overstuffed furniture. Clean lines and thoughtful proportions are key.

5. Curated Bar or Coffee Station
A stylish bar cart or a sleek espresso setup adds a layer of refinement (and practicality) to your pad. Displaying your favorite spirits, glassware, or coffee tools in a well-organized nook signals both hospitality and good taste.

Bonus: A bar area lets you play with metals, glass, and wood tones that contrast with the rest of the room.

Ready to Redefine Your Space?
At EPIPHANY, we specialize in creating refined, art-inspired interiors for modern men who want their homes to reflect confidence, taste, and sophistication. Whether you’re upgrading a loft or styling a full residence, we tailor each space to your lifestyle and personal story.

Explore Our Work | Book a Consultation

28edaa05

Surrendering to Art: A Visit With Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread

Surrender ing

to art

A visit with Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread

Surrender ing to art

A visit with Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread

Dave has curated the most jaw-dropping private collections of tribal art I’ve ever seen.

These pieces aren’t just art. They’re anchors. They root a space in something older, deeper. They create presence.

A Visit With Architect, Robert Oshatz

A Visit with Robert Oshatz

5 Design Upgrades That Instantly Elevate a Bachelor Pad

5 Design Upgrades That Instantly Elevate a Bachelor Pad

A Visit with
Robert Oshatz