Celebrating Creativity: Jeff Shelton Wins North Street Book Prize
We're thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our esteemed Makers, the visionary architect and artist, Jeff Shelton. Known for transforming the landscapes of Santa Barbara with his enchanting and colorful buildings, Jeff recently won the prestigious 2024 North Street Book Prize in the Art Book category for his captivating book, The Fig District.
A Creative Visionary
If you’ve never crossed paths with Jeff’s work before, you’re in for a treat. This guy doesn’t just design buildings; he crafts wonderlands brimming with whimsy and bursting with color. Think Dr. Seuss meets Antoni Gaudi with a dash of magic thrown in for good measure. He’s the genius architect turning Santa Barbara into a canvas of creativity, working alongside an impressive crew of artisans who bring his visionary sketches to vibrant life. Each building is a masterpiece, an expression of joy and detail that makes you do a double-take and then another one just for good measure. Jeff’s work isn’t just seen; it’s experienced.
El Jardin is a mixed-use project weaving together ideas from Southern Spain with modern building codes. The design centered around Feng-Shui elements and views of Santa Barbara’s Riviera. Photo Credit: Jason Rick
The Fig District: A Journey Through Santa BarbaraNow, let’s talk about The Fig District. This isn’t your average architecture book—it’s a love letter to Santa Barbara’s soul. With every turn of the page, it's an invitation to witness how Jeff’s brainchild go from sketches to structures that sit so seamlessly in their surroundings they could almost talk. It’s not just about architecture; it’s about the heartbeat of a community and the artistry that builds it.
Proud to Be in Good Company
And here’s where we get to toot our own horn a little bit. Jeff isn’t just an architectural wizard; he’s part of the Purnell maker family. He’s the embodiment of creativity, quality craftsmanship, and the Purnell lifestyle -- the kind that can transition effortlessly from drafting blueprints to strolling his very own Santa Barbara walking tour without missing a beat. Plus, he looks darn good doing it in his Purnell gear!
