While photographing his amazing stone work, Mariah asked Daven to talk about his career—how some of his projects came about, why he made certain design decisions, and which were his favorite rocks. She recorded many of their coversations and has compiled some of the best, below. We’d recommend listening to these recordings while flipping through the pages of #TheGingerbreadHouseBook, maybe with a cup of coffee, ideally outside, extra credit if you can hear a stream!
BASSET HOME La Verne, CA
Daven marvels at the size of some of the rocks he set in the Basset’s interior fireplace.
GLICK HOME Mt Baldy, CA
Daven discusses one of the largest projects he completed during his career, including the design, construction, and rockwork for the Glick family home.
INTERACTIVE ROCKWORK
Daven set a handful of these “spy holes” into his rockwork over the years. They are meant to direct the passerby’s eye to a point of interest, in this case, Sugarloaf Peak, viewed from the Glick’s front porch in Mt Baldy.
THE BEST ROCKS
Signature to Daven’s stonework was his careful selection of “river rock” from the San Gabriel mountains and foothills.
BUCKET ARCHES
Daven describes his “bucket arches” which he used to create interest in stone work and to break up large expanses of rock.
HUMAN TRACTOR
Over Daven’s 40 year career as a stone mason, he probably lifted more rocks than most tractors.
LACING CORNERS TOGETHER
Daven describes an old-world stone masonry technique which provides strength to rockwork.