COVID-19, An Opportunity

Di-a-logue a magazine from An American Mosaic

Dialogue is a magazine from An American Mosaic. Issue No.1 has just been published, it highlights the three year journey around the country talking to Americans about their lives today. The conversations are recorded on film and are part of a project of education tools, documentary videos, and events to create a dialogue that is missing today. american-mosaic.com

An American Mosaic on YouTube, real people, real conversations

An American Mosaic is on YouTube! Short videos from across America with people talking about things they care about. Life, community, work, our world today. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHnuaHVnGyJ1bBiVSLFo8dQ

A Podcast about Who We Are Today

Di-a-logue, An American Mosaic is a podcast created from road trips around the country talking to people about their lives and what they are thinking. I am sitting down with complete strangers and having conversations. Listening to what they have to say. We have trapped ourselves in our echo chambers and information silos and allow media and others to form our opinions of those we do not know. I talk with ordinary and extraordinary people. All walks of life. Join me and listen. Apple Podcasts and other apps. APPLE PODCASTS link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/di-a-logue-an-american-mosaic/id1382386664

Street Rods in the hills of West Virginia

On a road trip for my American Mosaic project in coal country, West Virginia, I stopped at this Saturday car show and talked with the owners. A lot of cool street rods hiding in the area. An American Mosaic on the road.

This project is growing... An American Mosaic!

I have been busy traveling and documenting people around the country. This is in Gary Hollow, West Virginia. The heart of Coal Country. My PEPONI.COM web site is updated with a lot of the images. I shoot video conversations and environments for this big project.

Listen to a new Podcast Series: Di-a-logue, An American Mosaic

I have launched DIALOGUE, AN AMERICAN MOSAIC, a Podcast with conversations on the road in America. These are ordinary and extraordinary people talking about life today in a changing America. All walks of life from around the country saying what's on their minds. Available on Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, and other platforms. You can find links here: http://anchor.fm/john-van-dyke 

Going back to creative roots with Peponi

Back at Peponi doing creative work for "An American Mosaic" a project of video journalism talking with and recording the American People, a conversation about being an American today. This is huge project covering the major parts of the United States. You can follow this at: 
http://american-mosaic.com and peponi.com.

Closing a chapter, new beginnings 2018

Designing Chachalaka and Casa J was an amazing experience. I was honored to have Casa J selected as Architectural Record Magazine International house of the month for February 2016. It is now time to move on to other projects. Time to say goodbye. I created this video as a farewell. My new project is very exciting. Photographing and filming conversations with people across the U.S. An American Mosaic.

A kitchen conversation, An American Mosaic on the road

New Years morning 2018 in the kitchen with David, innkeeper for 40 years on the southwest corner of Washington's coast, near the Oregon border. Talking about life in the rural communities in this area. An American Mosaic will be gathering stories from across the country in 2018.

An American Mosaic is on the road!

My project An American Mosaic is underway. I am capturing video conversations with people around the U.S. There are many stories. This is a historic time we are in and it is important to spend some time getting to know one another. This is a very short trailer of things to come when I have the content for a final documentary. So far over 30 conversations have been captured on video.

Road Tripping in the American Heartland... An American Mosaic

An American Mosaic is on the road, talking and listening to people in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri this September. A heartland trip to discover our country and what people are thinking. Follow this journey with me. http://american-mosaic.com

An American Mosaic is gathering supporters... a project worth doing

PEOPLE ARE RESPONDING

“You are describing a mosaic of broken connectivity, perhaps not broken in terms of use of artificial intelligence, data sharing, or any other emerging technology, but broken in human terms of face to face communication, listening and courtesy. I wish you much success in your endeavor to gain a better understanding of how we can better engage and understand one another in a modern century with modern tools.”

‘If you are in anyway engaged with recent events, and the need for change that was so overwhelmingly voiced, you understand that a lot of people feel that their country has failed them.’ – “You're talking about me John. Fantastic project - please let me know if I can be of any assistance. I'm anxious to see your results!”

“Bravo! I think we all need to do this! We don't know each other like we should. We have more in common than not, I feel sure. I'll be eager to see your project unfold!”

“As part of the 'rest of the world,' I will be watching and listening as well. Canadians want to understand America as well. . .”

“Sounds incredible, what a great undertaking.”

“We're listening, John. Signed, the choir.”

“Love, Love, Love this project! What are your plans and what support do you need? I’d love to help you!”

What is this project? Are you part of the American Dream? Add to the conversation at:
http://american-mosaic.com

An American Mosaic, a project starting in the summer of 2017

An American Mosaic, an important project. Sometimes events change the course of your life. That happened to me and set me on a journey to discover who the American People are. It is a far cry from hanging out in paradise on a somewhat remote beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The noise just got too loud and I could not ignore it. I have created a project that I am calling "An American Mosaic". It is journey to photograph, video, and tell the stories of the American People. Starting in the summer of 2017. You can find me on LinkedIn.

Discovering Mayto Beach south of Puerto Vallarta

Casa J, a design influenced by light and shadow

Light and shadow are constantly in play during the day at Casa J. The simple geometry and open spaces allow light to wash through and echo shadows on surfaces. The effect amplifies the time of day and the position of the sun. A place to feel close to beach and ocean from almost any place in the house. Casa J is more than a house, it is an experience.

Casa J Chachalaka... a magical place on the Costalegre of Mexico

Chachalaka on the Costalegre of Mexico is a place where inspiration and imagination are fueled by sunsets, long beach walks, a plunge in the ocean or pool, watching birds and listening to the surf. Some call it a magical place.

A rare find... discovering a road less traveled

"A blissfully underdeveloped swath of Mexico's Pacific coastline" - Travel + Leisure magazine.

It was hard to imagine an area so beautiful and untouched still existed when Chachalaka was discovered almost ten years ago.

Six acres fronting on a beach that seems to go forever, and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, all seemed to good to be true, it was a dream place discovered.

Now the property has infrastructure, water, power underground, utility buildings, a guest house, and a contemporary main house that has been recognized for its architectural design. There are two additional building sites for houses, each with a guesthouse. One of the sites is ideal for a multiple unit structure. Green features have been incorporated into the plan. Solar, thermal hot water, water capture, smart water treatment systems, and all LED lighting are all part of Chachalaka.

The topography is what really makes Chachalaka so special. A first walk on the property revealed six building sites... all with amazing views. The plan now combines these into three compounds with space, privacy and view. Casa J, the main house, a guest house, and a palapa with plans for an additional pool and two guest quarters make up the first established compound.

Two real estate cycles later, the Costalegre of Mexico is being discovered. The serious developers have announced major projects and a major new airport is near completion. This is last stretch of undeveloped beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, it has been waiting for this moment.

It is now time to share the vision and the timing seems to be perfect. Chachalaka is a place without comparison for savvy individuals who like privacy and don't follow the crowds.

It is rare to find a place of pristine endless beach with few people in today's world.

Chachalaka is a one-of-a-kind property fronting on the Pacific Ocean on the coast of Mexico

a world class hideaway on Mexico's Costalegre

Just a 50 mile drive southwest of Puerto Vallarta Mexico, there is a place of pristine endless beaches, few people and fewer tourists. This is the Costalegre along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It has been described as under the radar, off grid, luxury, and for jet setters. Ten years ago, when I first discovered Chachalaka, I envisioned something special for our six acres of amazing ocean front. Today much is in place and some big names are coming into the neighborhood. Projects announced include Four Seasons, Louis Vuitton Cheval Blanc, One and Only resorts, and a new major airport is nearing completion. This seems like a good time to share the vision.

imagine... your own beach, as far as the eye can see

Chachalaka is a very special place. Imagine a secluded hideaway set on 6 acres of beachfront. A beach that goes as far as the eye can see, and hardly a person in sight. It is a rare find in today's crowded busy world. A place to disconnect for a moment and recharge.