California Carts is an artist-driven platform focused on generating open-source tools, systems and resources. Collaborations expand an evolving catalog of studio furniture, accessories and workflows. Occasional workshops help makers learn skills, design tools and work more efficiently.
Nick Rodrigues and Charles ‘Chachi’ Mathis share a deep history rooted in the means of creation. Utilizing California Carts as a scaffold, they help artists and institutions realize projects, design studios and workspaces, and develop strategies for fabrication. Nick and Chachi met while studying sculpture at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. After graduating, Nick helped develop the 3D Design Studio at Artists for Humanity, while Chachi managed shop spaces and taught studio skills for the Program in Art Culture and Technology at MIT.
Nick Rodrigues creates sculptures and immersive environments that explore human behavior. He developed the first California Cart while studying at CalArts in Valencia, California.
Charles ‘Chachi’ Mathis is an artist/designer specializing in fabrication techniques, workspaces and DIY culture.
2800 Medford Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
californiacarts@gmail.com
California Carts is a small-scale manufacturer and works collaboratively with locally-based companies to produce its goods. Environmental responsibility has always been paramount. All of our hardware, raw materials and components are sourced from USA-based manufacturers, and we believe in developing products that stand the test of time. We maintain extremely high standards of quality, and use repairable materials that provide long-term functionality. We do not believe in programmed obsolescence.
Our space functions as a full-service fabrication shop, working showroom and artist studio.
Artists:
Pippa Garner
Akina Cox
Gracie Devito
Liz Toonkel
Lauren Mccarthy
Fiona Connor
Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin
Fallen Fruit
Shantell Martin
Zoe Walsh
Institutions:
Fowler Museum
Sprueth Magers
California Institute of the Arts
UCLA
Occidental College
Palomar College
Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles
Everson Museum of Art
Studios:
Millions Architecture
Seth Rogan
Studio Shamshiri
Rowdy Cowlick
Tin Flats
4th Period Woodshop
Dyson & Womack
Retail:
Cactus Store
SQIRL
Psychic Wines
Website Design: Anna Teuber and Enno Poetschke
Website Programming: Luke Archer
Photography: Chris Fortuna