The Art of Food
Photography by Jennifer Olson
Among the classic, Spanish influenced architecture of the homes that neighbor Lincoln Market & Deli in San Luis Obispo, a neon pink mural complete with palm trees lets hungry people know they’re in for a treat. The hand-painted insignia emblazoned on the business’ wall reads “Eat Good Times,” a simple phrase with bold energy.
“You can get sandwiches anywhere but we wanted to give people somewhere to go and have an experience,” says Lincoln Co-owner Becky Hicks. “I hope it’s there as a community symbol in our neighborhood, saying we’re a part of it and it’s a part of us.”
The mural created by Buddy Norton and Shelby Lowe, Founders of Canned Pineapple Co., is to Becky just as much a part of San Luis Obispo history as the historic building itself. This isn’t the only building in town to bear the colorful illustrations of Buddy and Shelby, a duo who has been bringing life to the Central Coast’s dining scene through murals, signs and gold leaf work since 2016.
It’s hard to miss Canned Pineapple’s American Folk signage, which glitters across some of SLO County’s most iconic fixtures. Their big, boisterous work has become synonymous with spots like Lincoln Market & Deli, as well as Scout Coffee, Creamery Marketplace, KULT and the newly opened SLO Public Market. It’s no coincidence that so much of their designs can be found on the facades of restaurants and bars; in a sense, the art pays homage to the hardworking people inside the buildings.
“[Chefs] are so fearless and hardworking, it’s insane,” says Shelby. “We hear about their journey, and the incredible challenges restaurants face and it’s fun to be a part of that.”
Buddy says the passion he’s seen in chefs isn’t just inspiring, it’s familiar, and reminds him of what it felt like to quit his job and start Canned Pineapple Co. About five years ago, he was working at a traditional sign shop, while Shelby worked for a jewelry company. Looking for an opportunity to break out of the typical 9–5, they decided to join forces and build “Karen,” a sprinter van that would become their traveling home and office.
“Honestly we didn’t think we could get enough work in town painting signs at first,” Shelby recalls. “We built out the van to travel around and get work along the way. It was pretty random at first, lots of tattoo shops, restaurants, coffee shops, anywhere we could find work.”
Norton laughs at use of the word “random,” agreeing that four years ago he had no idea what was in store for Canned Pineapple. Out of everything he thought would happen, the close friendships and common connection he’s developed with clients have surprised him the most.
“Whether they’re artists, chefs or stylists, it quickly started to feel like we were cut from the same cloth,” Buddy muses. “We were all these hardcore kids who had to grow up and get jobs. They let us be who we are and that’s what gave us a lot of steam.”
There was no shortage of passion when the pair was working on the gold leaf window signage at Sidecar Cocktail Co., which they reflect on as one of their most memorable commissions. The project took place while the kitchen and crew were working to open their new location, which gave Buddy and Shelby an inside peek at what it takes to open a restaurant. “Chefs are maniacs,” Buddy says with a laugh. “If anyone were to spend time with kitchen [crews], you can’t help but fall in love with what they do.”
The hidden thought and care that go into creating a perfect dish is another factor Canned Pineapple has in common with its clients. Buddy and Shelby say their goal is to create an atmosphere that complements the experience a chef creates through his or her food, something that may go unnoticed on the surface but lives in the heart of the community. What made the Lincoln Market & Deli project stand out for Buddy and Shelby was the collaborative process that brought it to life. Being able to connect with passionate people and bring their clients’ vision to life, while having the freedom to express their own look and feel, is what make for an epic piece.
As for what’s next for Canned Pineapple, these partners say that’s an ever-evolving target, after coming back to the Central Coast after a few months of working in Costa Rica. The pair is leaning into developing their aesthetic, which they describe as “a little surreal, kind of psychedelic, with some hippie cowboys thrown in.” And they’ll continue to connect with business owners in SLO County and anywhere Karen will take them on this journey to passion, art and great food.
