If you have a social media account in San Diego, odds are high that you have seen photographer Evgeny Yorobe’s work. His ethereal depictions of some of the most iconic locations throughout the city are frequently shared at a higher-than-average frequency. Yorobe, a San Diego native, has now partnered with craftsman Will Waters to open a new studio at 7660 Fay Ave. Their grand opening will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with the La Jolla Art Walk. This is not Yorobe and Water’s first cooperative business effort, however, as the two have worked together over the past three years at the Little Italy and La Jolla farmers markets. Waters’ specialty is high-quality woodwork (Creations By Will). At the studio, one front corner is dedicated to his custom-designed shaving kits. From razors, bowls and brushes, to all-natural shave soaps and after-shaves, his aim is to bring back what he refers to as “the art of shaving” without breaking the bank. His early work was a direct result of serving in the Navy. “When I was in the service, we had to shave every day,” said Waters. “And honestly, I was highly disappointed with what was offered. That’s when I began to do some research, producing my own safety razors. Now, we sell similar razors starting at $40.”
Yorobe has close ties to the area. Not only is Scripps Pier, ever popular among photographers (and one of his favorites), within close proximity, but he learned his craft while studying at the University of California San Diego. The light entering their bright studio highlights familiar golden-hour captures of Broken Hill, the Windsansea shack, the Cove, Salk Institute and much more.
The photographer’s work is available in a variety of mediums: matte-board paper prints start at $40, then move up in size to around $100. It is perhaps his de-sublimated prints, available on either acrylic or metal, that set the artist’s individual or tryptic pieces apart from all other local photographers. “I have a lab in Scripps Ranch where the larger prints are produced,” said Yorobe. “But with the paper/matte board prints, I can print them right out of the back office in our studio.”
Discussing his shot of Scripps Pier, where two times a year the sun lines up perfectly between pilings at sunset, Water and Yorobe wax philosophical. “It’s really great because it can be a little moody and at times dark, but is always beautiful,” Yorobe says. “Every pier is different here, and it’s interesting to see,” said Waters. “Whereas Crystal Pier could see a lot more activity, at Scripps it’s always serene and peaceful – they’re all different.” One question could remain, however. How did the two assimilate to businesses that, on the surface, may not make sense to some. Yorobe and Waters would view the contrary. Both of them are fine artists, and while Yorobe’s visuals may supplement Waters’ craftsmanship and vice versa, their new venture sees them working together in what was seemingly a “Eureka!” moment. “I’m currently working on some entry tables that take into account Evgeny’s compositions,” said Waters. “This has been the most forefront of our collaboration.”
The two artists say that they will be incrementally placing new pieces throughout the space as time unfolds. For more information, visit sandiego-landscapes.com, or call 858-467-0952. Also, visit CreationsByWill.com or call 760-835-1853.