March Exhibition Recap: OMA West and Bird Rock Coffee

Mar 23, 2026

March was a defining month for my studio, marked by two simultaneous exhibitions that explored the intersection of physical texture and digital symbolism. From the industrial energy of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Little Italy to the conceptual "Modern Hieroglyphs" of Neon Afterlife at OMA West, it has been an honor to share my work across Southern California.

Neon Afterlife at OMA West (Oceanside)

The exhibition at Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA West) concluded yesterday. Neon Afterlife examined the visual language of our time—how emojis and digital icons have become the modern record of our identity.

As a Deaf artist, meaning begins with the body. Bringing pieces like "Help Wasted" and "Ease" into a museum space allowed for a deeper conversation about grounding fleeting digital symbols into permanent, textured archives. Seeing the community engage with these larger-than-scale works at The Seabird Resort was a powerful highlight of the month.

Artist Jon Savage walking past his painting 'Help Wasted' during the Neon Afterlife exhibition at OMA West in Oceanside, CA.

Contemporary Metal at Bird Rock Coffee (Little Italy)

While the Oceanside chapter has closed, the residency in Little Italy continues through the end of the month. This installation focuses on the interplay of light and hand-ground metal, fitting the vibrant atmosphere of the Bird Rock Coffee space.

A three-image sequence of artist Jon Savage installing his contemporary paintings and fine art prints at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Little Italy, San Diego, featuring his textured blue and green wave-inspired works on display through March 31.

A featured highlight still on view is "Rippling Waters" This one-of-a-kind original metal piece captures the fluid motion of the Pacific through intricate surface grinding. It serves as a bridge between my two March collections—combining physical movement with the deeper organic themes explored this month.

  • Location: 2295 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
  • On View: Through March 31, 2026

Featured Works Retrospective

  • Help Wasted (OMA West): An exploration of emotional masking and cultural belonging through bold canvas textures.
  • Rippling Waters (BRC Little Italy): A study in fluid motion and holographic light on metal. (Available through March 31).
  • Ease (OMA West): A spray-painted wood panel reflecting the balance between internal complexity and outward composure.

Moving Forward

Thank you to the curators, the collectors, and everyone who visited the exhibitions this month. Your support transforms these studio projects into a shared community dialogue.

As we close out the final week in Little Italy, new work is already taking shape on the bench. I look forward to sharing the next chapter of the journey with you soon.