Meet Jonathan Minton | The Breeze Block Guy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Minton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always been slightly entrepreneurially-minded. When I was about 6 I set up a desk in our family living room trying to sell seashells I’d found at the beach that day. Fortunately that didn’t take off. After several decades of working with materials and creative processes my husband and I landed in Palm Springs. Within a few months I learned about these fantastic things called breeze blocks, the concrete building blocks used in widely in midcentury architecture. I bought my first breeze block and made it into a table lamp. I was so enamored with the varied geometry and patterns they created I was compelled to find other ways to express myself with them. A friend said “how about making a keychain”? and that got the ball really rolling. Next came coasters, then magnets, more lamps, ice cube trays, and more recently, nightlights and bottle toppers. I’d been working at our local Ace Hardware store and they were generous (or crazy) enough to test out some of my products and they did well enough to forge ahead. While each piece is hand made, my designs walk the line between merch and art which I like. My breeze block designs are now in 4 of my favorite retail spots here in town, a far cry from that desk of seashells in my childhood living room.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career as a “Breeze Block Artist” is only about 9 years old. I realized recently that unlike most artists who work with a certain medium ie: photography, painting, sculpture I am lead by my subject matter. In my quest to express these breeze block shapes in various playful and useful designs, I’ve explored many materials and methods I otherwise would not have considered. A short list of materials I’ve used so far include, epoxy, silicone, steel, concrete, urethane and 3D resins, wood, glass, and even Lego. What I get the most joy from in my work is facing a material learning curve and, in most cases, conquering it. I think the joy I get from successfully manifesting an idea into a tangible result is the thrill I’m always looking for. If it weren’t fore the kind people at some local retailers and galleries I might just be working in a garage filled to the roof with all my creations. I’m even grateful to the people who weren’t at all interested in my work because it’s gotten me into the shops I really am proud to be in. My brand, per se, is honestly about a rather niche concept. Many people don’t know what breeze blocks are, but once they learn about my work and its breeze block foundation, so to speak, I often hear them say “Oh now I see them everywhere”! and that makes me very happy. My work is then seen differently and with a knowing smile.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend would have to suffer through a short tour of my studio – the place where I have the most fun myself. Then we’d be on the hunt for a few good meals. Breakfast at Wilma & Frieda’s is like no other morning fare around. Lunch at Escena for an unbeatable golf course and mountain view. Dinner would be at Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage for their amazing prime rib sandwich, fries and a martini. In between activities would have to include a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Historic, thrilling and beautiful – you can’t beat the scenery and the cool fresh mountain air on a hot desert day. The Living Desert in Palm Desert is another experience I insist any visitor take in. It’s by no means a zoo but a sanctuary that leaves you feeling hopeful. The Palm Springs Art Museum is another must-not-miss. Then a visit to Palm Canyon Trail in South Palm Springs. It’s a magical and literal oasis that always makes visitors go “Wow!”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I had many good and inspiring art teachers in school growing up but my parents really provided the supportive foundation for artistic exploration at home. My father owned an art store so there was no shortage of materials to play with. My mother was very creative in her own right running a letterpress business out of our house. She also made hand made valentines, customized buttons and was an avid weaver. Then there were the amazing people who imparted next level materials mentorship: Tami Stewart, Fred Nocella and Audrey Newell. We worked together at a company that designed and built exhibits for natural museums and visitor centers around the world. It was through these amazing and very special people I learned about materials and methods that are critical to my work today.

Website: https://mintysdesign.com

Instagram: @mintysdesign

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