It’s always Pacific Standard Time… at Surfing Cowboys

The Southern California Art world is currently a-buzz as galleries and art museums alike mount exhibitions celebrating the art, design and culture of Los Angeles circa 1945-1980.  Needless to say this is an event that deeply touches a cord with the Surfing Cowboys.  Wayne and I have been gathering up pieces that celebrate this era of Southland art and popular culture for over two decades and our romance of it has always been the driving force behind our brand.

Pacific Standard Time means many things to many people.  We applaud LACMA’s exhibit “California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way” (October 1, 2011 – March 25, 2012) and encourage everyone to see it as it provides a tremendous overview to the era.

Paul T. Frankl Chair, and other items at "Living In A Modern Way", LACMA

With the perfect balance of Southland understated elegance and flair this exhibit, co-curated by Surfing Cowboys’ friend and customer Bobbye Tigerman, utilizes 11,000 square feet.   This exhibit provides an opportunity to see iconic representations of the furniture, textiles, clothing, jewelry, vehicles, toys, ceramics, graphics, crazy innovations, Barbies and surfboards that when complied into one space allow a person to stand back and feel proud.

Evelyn Akerman and Jerome Akerman for ERA Industries, Ellipses mosaic, c.1958

Proud?  Yes.

Ok, you want to know why proud.

Richard Neutra Chair from Channel Heights Housing Project, 1941-42

Because, in this town of so many transplants a friction occurred in one short period of time that generated an entirely new form.  European immigrants mixed with East Coast and Midwest transplants, and California natives who grew up in the desert, at the surf or in the valley were all working on a new direction.  With design ability and personal style they transformed more than the chairs we sit on.  They opened the door to alter our manner of interior decoration and our personal style. Because manufacturers took a risk these artists and artisans were commercially endorsed.  Manufacturing, distribution and the publicity machine of Hollywood and Madison Avenue was then able to promote this new era.

Opco Company, Ice Gun, c.1935

So when you go to the LACMA show or any of the other exhibits look at more than the art… look deeper.  You’ll see the spirit of innovation, of something new and fresh and just maybe, it will inspire you… to be a bit more innovative yourself.  It inspires us…  to embody the spirit of freedom and adventure in everything we do.

Victor Gruen, Lighting Fixture from Barton's Bonbonniere, San Francisco, c.1952

Edward McKnight Kauffer, American Airlines to California, c.1947

With love from California, 

Donna

 

Find the list of exhibits here: Pacific Standard Time and link to the LACMA show California Design, Living in a Modern Way

California Kids

Our hearts are touched daily by the many visitors to our shop who respond with oohs and ahhs and leave with something special.

Today two beautiful women entered, lemonaid in hand, children in tow.  Two sets of cousins, the one family living in Miami visiting the Venice based group.  Straight to the t-shirts they went and the kids were all over our Surfing Cowboys Route 1 Tribute.  With smiles all around we took in the sight… they looked so cute!!!  When they insisted on wearing the t-shirts out my opportunity presented itself… so here they are:

William, Emma, Nicolas & Rodrigo

Happy travels… let your imaginations roam and take in the view.

You too can introduce yourself as a Surfing Cowboy.

You’ve asked us and asked us and finally it has arrived.  It may be modesty, it may be creative spirit, or perhaps it’s been the resistance to corporate culture.  After all, we do have our name clearly printed on the front of the building and the business card.  Your requests for shirts with our logo have finally been headed and WOW are we happy with the results!  Proof that a little prodding can go a long way and even the most un-retail retail store can put its name on a t-shirt.  We are positively in love with our latest arrival, and by the flurry of sales so are you.

Click the image to Buy Now!

The new Men’s Surfing Cowboys T shirt is American made of 100% Cotton, it is printed locally with water-based inks for a relaxed soft feel;  yes, we’re growing up and our printing quality is too.

This is the perfect summer shirt… and unlike every other company’s summer shirt… our initial offering is in coco brown!!  After all, we’re all a bit of a Surfing Cowboy at heart.. so why not wear it on your chest and announce it to the world, we do every day.  Yee Ha!

Impulse buy of the week:

These Mid-Century abalone bottle openers are exactly what you need to get through the rest of the summer.  They are constructed out of abalone and brass and sturdy enough for daily use.  Choose from three different designs (or get all three). Perfect for that person you know that drinks like a fish.

Surfing Cowboys is Rocking!

Surfing Cowboys now has two fantastic rocking pieces in the store.  The first is a classic example of an Arts and Crafts Rocking chair.  The second, a child’s rocking boat that we simply have never seen before.

Arts and Crafts oak and leather rocking chair circa 1910 has been refurbishedChild rocking boat with seat circa 1940's very unique Maple and original green paint

Child rocking boat with seat circa 1940's very unique Maple and original green paint

Iconic images of Tony Alva by Wynn Miller

We recently acquired a collection of 5 original signed photographs by Wynn Miller.  The photos feature Tony Alva during his world trips following the breakup of the Z-boys.  Wynn Miller’s crisp, clean images are a unique view into a time that was seldom documented by a professional photographer.

Music to enjoy while surviving Carmageddon

While the closure of the 405 freeway here in Los Angeles is horrifying weekend drivers. One man hopes to ease the traffic jam using his talent for music. Ken Elkinson a friend of Surfing Cowboys is releasing his music collection Music for Commuting for free via his website during the freeway closure.  This act of generosity has in turn garnered Ken with an article in the New York Times, where he can be seen wearing a Surfing Cowboys “Charlie Don’t Surf” t-shirt!  Look out for Ken and his Surfing Cowboys t-shirt throughout the weekend as he talks with CBS, ABC, and CNN.

Brown Saltman Side Table/ Chess Set

This Ultra Rare Brown Saltman Side Table/ Chess Set has just arrived.  After scouring various sources we cannot find another like it.  It was built circa 1957 as the perfect way to hone your chess skills with family and friends. The solid walnut construction, brass legs and pristine inlayed chess board make this the ideal multi-purpose table.  Stylish elegance, and hidden storage take this piece to that rare place where function meets form. For instant gratification head over to our shop Brown Saltman Table 

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1940s Clamshell Metal Porch Chairs

These clamshell metal porch chairs feature a beautiful cornflower blue and rust patina with traces of golden paint.  The high back and slight bob makes for an extremely comfortable seat, that due to its metal construction, is still fully functional.   There are a lot of reproductions of this great piece of Americana but this is a set of true originals.  http://surfingcowboys.com/19mepoar.html

A HUGE THANK YOU to Don Wildman and the Travel Channel

Surfing Cowboys makes the cut and is singled out by OFF LIMITS’ host Don Wildman in TOP 5 LA Places Segment on The Travel Channel

WOW…  what an honor to be included in this list …. we’re speechless…. thank you.

The ad takes only a few seconds… please be patient and stay tuned to watch the segment… we think it’s worth it.

Wildman’s Top 5 spots in LA – Los Angeles Video – Travel Channel

Off Limits host Don Wildman shares his favorite places in his hometown, LA.