Since James Cherry moved to the West Coast four years ago, he began stopping at his favorite beach and collecting driftwood during scenic drives along Highway 1. In his latest solo exhibition, at Schlomer Haus Gallery in San Francisco, he’s presenting expressive driftwood carvings embedded with memories of friends, relationships, and loneliness that required him to listen closely and respect the idiosyncrasies of each piece. They sit alongside—and are illuminated by—his buoyant handmade lamps created using recycled materials, illustrating his clever grasp on light and earthly materials.