MEHOSH

The Man Behind The Lens

BY LESLIE A. WESTBROOK

Like Bono, Madonna and Sting, he goes by only one name: Mehosh. The commercial photographer, a longtime fixture in Santa Barbara, is well known throughout our town.

Over cups of hand picked, Pearly Life Everlasting herbal tea, served in his idyllic and cozy backcountry cabin home, Mehosh opened up about the man behind the lens. His handbuilt cabin is filled with fine art and photography and objects he’s collected, along with hand built furniture he’s made over the decades, reflecting his innate sense of style, talent, and design.

Born to a Polish father and Irish mother, Mehosh Dziadzio grew up in Long Island, New York. His father was a commercial photographer who attended Parsons School of Design in New York and taught at Parsons in Paris, France during the late 1930s.

“I grew up around cameras,” Mehosh told me, “My dad was always taking pictures and I was interested in watching him. I picked up a camera at a pretty young age.”

When he was 10 years old, his first camera was a Brownie Fiesta. His first subject matter was hot rods and cars. “I was very much into old cars as a kid.” But he got into surfing (yes, they surf in Valley Stream, New York) and put the camera down.

It would be until many years later – after a move to the West Coast to Huntington Beach aka “Surf City” for the waves followed by a seven year stint living on the Sunburst Farm commune in Santa Barbara — that Mehosh would renew his interest in photography and hone his craft. He picked up a camera again while living on Sunburst Farm. His documentary shots of a place in time would make a terrific book.

“As the community grew, we needed to go out and let people know what we were doing,” he said, “I put together a multimedia slide show that included our goat herding, bee keeping, organic gardening and farming. We tilled the soil with draft horses.”

Eventually, Mehosh longed for more: “I wanted to travel and see the world.”

Self-taught, and probably one of the few successful commercial photographers in Santa Barbara who did not attend Brooks Institute, he knew he had to choose a career.

“I had no job prospects and left without a penny. I had to start from scratch. I didn’t want to get drawn into something I might regret, so I decided on photography.”

He loved shooting outside, traveling, and pretty women. What better way to combine those passions than fashion photography? He started out as a photo assistant in Santa Barbara to learn the ropes, eventually moving to New York City in the early 1980s to apprentice with noted fashion photographer Robert Farber, where he gained lighting and business skills, including hiring producers, models, hair and make-up people, stylists and scouting locations.

Appreciating what Santa Barbara offered geographically, Mehosh came back to be a “big fish in a little pond”. He shot ads for local clothing stores, including Wendy Foster who he still shoots for today, and as well as for the Santa Barbara Independent and editorial for magazines, like this one.

In addition to his commercial work, the vegan boomer has documented the Santa Barbara cattle ranching community for the past ten years and also created meticulously designed “pin-up” gal images.

For the ranching life photos, he might get a 5 a.m. wake up call to saddle up and come shoot a cattle drive – on horseback (he learned to ride while living at Sunburst). For the pin-ups, he visualizes the concept, styles the model, even scouting period clothing and accessories. His attention to detail is precise: for one shot, he created letters to fill a letter box, hand addressing each one and even recreating vintage postage stamp images on the envelopes.

The man who loves to surf, travel and shoot, is always busy. He was building a finely designed and crafted deck on his cabin during our visit, which should be finished for summer porch sittin’ in paradise.

“The cattle ranch work has provided a window into a lifestyle I wouldn’t have had privy to any other way,” he concluded, adding, “Look around my house! The American West ideal and sensibility has fascinated me. It still exists, but is vanishing.”

Mehosh has recorded times in Santa Barbara history – the ranch life and spiritual commune culture - before they disappeared. Those, along with his recreated imagery based on past notions, are his legacy to Santa Barbara and the world.

“Show me the money now!” he laughed, “I never think about my work as legacy – if it lasts longer than I do, then I am happy.”

Not bad, for a happy surfer from Long Island.

For more of his work visit Mehosh Photography Santa Barbara: www. mehosh.com 805-962-5049

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Carpinteria

Garden Market. Offering very tasty sandwiches, salads, smoothies and casual fare. Open Monday–Sunday 10am-3pm. [L] $ (BW) 3811 Santa Claus Lane (805) 745-5505

Sly’s. James Sly, formerly of Lucky’s in Montecito, is back to cooking the finest steaks anywhere. Sly’s is open daily for dinner from 5 pm, features a full bar and extended wine list. (LD) $$ (FB). Reservations are suggested. 686 Linden Ave. 805-684-6666.

Montecito

CAVA. Experience the bold flavors of Spain, Mexico and Latin America in a romantic garden setting in the village of Montecito. Happy Hour 4-6, Weekend Brunch from 8am. [BLD] $$, (FB) 1212 Coast Village Road, 969-8500.

Lucky’s. Montecito’s only premium steakhouse. Great wine list and martini selections. Great weekend brunch served 9am-3pm. [BrD] $$$, (FB) 1279 Coast Village Road, 565-7540.

The Montecito Café. Eclectic menu with great service. Desserts to die for! Open Daily from 11:30 (LD) $$ (FB) 1295 Coast Village Rd. 805-969-3392.

Stella Mare’s. Overlooking the Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara…a glass greenhouse, sofas by the fire, casual French décor and traditional French Country Cuisine. Full bar and extensive American & French wine list, great private rooms for your event needs and Live Jazz on Wednesdays. Closed on Mondays $$ [LDBr] (FB) 50 Los Patos Way. 969-6705. (Cafe Stella is located at 3302 McCaw Ave, on upper State Street in Santa Barbara. www.stellamares.com)

The Stonehouse. Located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, The Stonehouse features a relaxing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with crackling fireplace and creekside views. Open for dinner from 6-10 p.m. daily.[D] $$$ (FB) 900 San Ysidro Lane (805) 565-1700.

Santa Barbara

Aldo’s Italian Ristorante. Since 1986. Experience lunch in the sun or dine by candle light in their enchanting courtyard. Friendly servers deliver fresh Italian specialties and creative dishes with a California flair. [LD] $,B&W. 1031 State St., 963-6687.www.sbaldos.com.

Blue Agave. Elegantly decorated two-story restaurant with a famous bar noted for its excellent martinis, mojitos, inventive cocktails and a wide range of tequilas and mescals served by a joyous staff. Blue Agave was voted by locals repeatedly the Most Romantic Restaurant in Santa Barbara. [BrD] $$ (FB)20 E. Cota St., 805-8994694

Boathouse. The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach is the newest venture of the owners of the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, which began on Stearn’s Wharf in 1980, and the Santa Barbara Fishouse. Enjoy stunning views and great seafood from a family run business that knows their fish! [BLD] $ (FB). 2981 Cliff Drive 805898-2628, www.sbfishhouse.com/boathouse

Bouchon. Restaurateur Mitchell Sjerven hosts the city’s first Wine Country Cuisine restaurant with more than 50 Santa Barbara and Central Coast wines offered by the glass to compliment bouchon’s “ingredient driven” and seasonal fresh menu. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list features exclusively Californian selections, paired with cuisine that is “creative without being over the top...”” (Wine Spectator, July 1999). Fresh Channel Island seafood, Santa Ynez and Ojai Valley game, and local farmer’s market produce predominate. Outdoor dining is available year-round on the heated, covered garden patio. Ask about private dining in the intimate Cork Room where up to 20 guests can be seated at the Grand Table. Open for dinner nightly from 5:30pm, reservations recommended. [D] $$$, (B&W) 9 W. Victoria, 730-1160.

Breakwater Restaurant. Enjoy the comfortable large patio overlooking the historic, scenic Santa Barbara Harbor. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 7 AM. Award winning clam chowder, nightly specials, fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches, salads and a kid’s menu for your little mariners. At the scenic Santa Barbara Harbor, 107 Harbor Way. 805-965-1557. sbbreakwater.com.

Ca’ Dario. Fine Italian dining with extensive Italian wine list. Excellent seafood and authentic cuisine. [LD] $$, (B&W) 37 E. Victoria, 884-9419.

Chuck’s of Hawaii. Chuck’s has been voted Best Steak in Santa Barbara and is the recipient of the Award of Excellence from The Wine Spectator annually since 1989. They also feature a nightly selection of fresh fish, from old favorites like Alaskan halibut and grilled salmon to ahi tuna (grilled medium rare). Dinner is served weekdays from 5:30 to 11pm, and until 11:30pm weekends. Full cocktail bar, featuring Firestone-Walker Double Barrel Ale on draft. Reservations welcome. [D] $$, (FB) 3888 State, 687-4417.

Chuck’s Waterfront Grill. Chuck’s of Hawaii has expanded to a second location at Chuck’s Waterfront Grill; by the boats at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Same great food and service you already love...in a setting that makes going out to dinner feel like a little vacation. Featuring Prime Grade Top Sirloin Steaks. “Chuck’s Style” Fresh Alaskan Halibut, Garlic Grilled Day BoatCaught King Prawns , Grilled Sea Scallops, King Crab Legs, and Australian Lobster Tail. [LD] $$, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, 564-1200

Cielito. Beautifully appointed interiors, expansive heated patio, private dining areas and a full bar accent a thoroughly authentic Mexican culinary experience. Located in the heart La Arcada, downtown. 1114 State St. 805-225-4488

Crocodile Restaurant at Lemon Tree Inn. One of the best neighborhood destination eateries in SB featuring great steaks, salads and cocktails, full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. 2819 State St, Santa Barbara, (805) 687-6444. BLD $$

Dargan’s Irish Pub. SB’s only authentic Irish bar and restaurant with a tradition that has spanned three generation. Featuring the best in Irish fare, full bar

Breakfast & Lunch Mon–Sun 7am–3pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5pm–Close • Sunday Brunch

3514 State Street • 898-9121 www.luckys-steakhouse.com

Breakfast and Lunch Tuesday–Sunday 9–2

Dinner served Tuesday–Saturday from 5:30

Full Bar | Reservations recommended

11 West Victoria in Victoria Court 805-770-2143 scarlettbegonia.net and numerous beers on tap. In the heart of old town, this cozy atmosphere features full lunch and dinner with room for private parties, billiards and darts. Open Daily from 11:30. 18 E. Ortega, 805-568-0702. www. darganssb.com

Downey’s. Chef John Downey has been serving Santa Barbara’s finest cuisine since the restaurant opened in 1982. Clearly defined tastes using the finest foods available and artful yet simple presentation have earned Downey’s top honors in the Zagat Survey for the past sixteen consecutive years. The dining room is in the capable hands of Liz Downey who will be happy to guide you through the mostly California wine list with a proud bias towards the extensive Santa Barbara County selections. Dinner served Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30pm. [D] $$$, (B&W) Reservations: 966-5006, 1305 State St., www.downeyssb.com

Endless Summer Bar-Cafe. Just upstairs from Chuck’s Waterfront Grill, this surf-inspired bar-cafe offers great harbor views. Featuring tasty burgers, fish tacos, fresh salads, popcorn shrimp, and “Pau Hana” (“Work is Done”) Happy Hour, with food and drink specials like the Endless Summer Blonde Ale. Feel like a steak? Chuck’s Waterfront menu is also available after 5 p.m. Large groups are welcome, and should call ahead for reservations at 564-4666. [LD]. $, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Second Floor, 564-1200.

Fishouse. On the water on Cabrillo at the gate to the Funk Zone downtown. Sensational seafood, daily full cocktail and bar food happy hour, and patio seating. 101 East Cabrillo Blvd. 805-966-2112. www.fishouse. com $$ (LD)

Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood. Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood is elegant and timeless, featuring U.S.D.A. prime Midwestern corn fed beef, charbroiled over their mesquite grill. Try the “Cowboy Cut”–Holdren’s signature steak—a 20 oz. Prime bone-in rib chop served over spicy onion rings. Their fresh seafood selections include Bacon Wrapped BBQ Tiger Prawns, seared Hawaiian Ahi, and a shrimp Scampi like no other. Holdren’s offers an extensive wine and martini list and outdoor seating.. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m., and for dinner from 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday for dinner from 4:00 p.m. Now offering Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm. [BrLD] $$ (FB). 512 State Street, 805-965-3363. In Goleta6920 Marketplace Dr. 805-685-8900

Jane Restaurant. Located 2 doors down from the Arlington Theatre, Jane offers American Bistro food in a beautiful old Spanish building with 2 story fireplace. Fresh Fish, Burgers, Great Salads and entrees including Lamb Chops, Steaks, Veal Scllopini & Chicken Picatta. Fresh hamburger buns and desserts are all homemade on the premises daily. Closed Sunday 1311 State Street 805-962-1311.

Louie’s. Celebrate the taste of a Santa Barbara tradition in the historic Upham Hotel. Delicious California bistro fare in a wonderful downtown setting. [LD] $$, (B&W) 1404 De La Vina at Sola. 963-7003.

Max’s. Sensational breakfast haunt in San Roque for over 30 years. Also features Italian scratch made offering at dinner. 3514 State St. 805-898-9121. BLD $$

Olio e Limone Ristorante and Olio Pizzeria. (“Oil and Lemon” in Italian) Husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello rely on the integrity of their ingredients and the quality of preparation to offer Santa Barbara creative, authentic Zagat-rated Italian cuisine served