NEW TIMES What exactly is it that you do here in SLO?

COXON I have a workshop in town where I build custom displays from remade materials. I also surf and hike a lot.

NEW TIMES Tell me about some projects you’re working on right now.

COXON I’m doing some custom displays for some local retail stores. One project I’m excited about is one in which I’m building some surfboard fins out of recycled redwood. I’ve also been making vertical succulent walls with reclaimed barn wood. They resemble shadow boxes filled with draught-tolerant plants.

NEW TIMES What initially inspired you to use these sorts of materials?

COXON It was basically the challenge of having to be resourceful. It’s me wanting to explore—to try to be more innovative with the materials at hand.

NEW TIMES Could you tell us a little about the process of finding these materials?

COXON I salvage wood from a variety of sources, including old barns, hardwood flooring from home remodels, and oak used in the winemaking process. The wood shows a beautiful patina developed over the ages. It’s great to transform these materials into a new incarnation that is unique from the function it was initially intended to serve.

NEW TIMES Were you able to use your mad artisan skills to create a Halloween costume?

COXON I made a paper mache wolf mask.

NEW TIMES You probably shouldn’t go to Montana wearing that … seriously, they might hunt you up there.

COXON Don’t worry—I tend only to roam around California.