The Lardner Report

Unleash your creative superpowers!

Inspiration from Chaos

by


I love discovering abstract art that evolves over time. This former traffic sign on the coastal stretch of the 101 freeway is definitely my jam. It showcases layers upon layers of paint, messaging, tagging and collage. While most likely spray-painted by different crews, a really cohesive color palette emerges at the end of the improvisational project. The colors, funked out font, and erratic energy inspire me every time. It’s always worth stopping to document SoCal’s most electric urban artwork.

Old Cars — Stunning Scars

by

(Pic #1) Inspiring color palette found on the side panel of a 1960s station wagon. I spotted this one at the Side Street Café in Newbury Park, Cal.

New life emerges from the weather-beaten shells of American classics.

It’s one of my favorite things: discovering patterns, textures and color shifts on cars and trucks who’ve seen better days.  I love what Mother Nature has predetermined for these ever-changing works of art. I find that the more worn and scratched, the more personality they show. Sometimes they even help me conjure up a composition and color scheme for a painting. There’s something so rich and exciting about oxidizing auto paint. (Yes, I’m painfully aware of how seriously pathetic that sounds.) I hope you give these sweet rides a fresh look — and you too can develop a super keen, very satisfying,  lust for rust.

(Pic #2) Side panel of a 1954 Chevrolet. Spotted in Los Feliz, Cal. Photo by Josh Kaplan.

(Pic #4) Photo by Josh Kaplan

(Pic #4) Detail, wheel well, 1949 Dodge pickup. Photo by Josh Kaplan

(Pic #5) Dodge 1949 pickup, Ojai, Cal.

The Art of “Getting Tired”

by

(Pic #1) Just junk on the ground. Or is it?

Functional, useful, reliable — the rubber tire also serves as artful inspiration.

They get me every time. I do my share of junkyard exploring, and inevitably, I stumble upon a pile of discarded tires. While arguably the most dependable load-supporting, system of transportation, I see them as perfect sculptures emerging from found objects. They are appealing as a group — or as individuals. And I’m not the only one with a soft spot for these under-valued heroes.

Robert Rauschenberg’s clever combine called “Monogram” (Pic #2)  might be the most famous from the school of trashed tires — curiously collaring a painted, horned, Angora goat.

(Pic #2) Robert Rauschenberg ‘s “Monogram” combine, 1955.

A lesser known but equally trailblazing sculptor named Noah Purify incorporated tires in many of his assemblages in the brutal desert heat of Joshua Tree. (Pic #3) His orders (after his death) were to leave his work to disintegrate in the dry desert air. It’s been decades. Miraculously, his installations still stand.

(Pic #3) Installation by Noah Purifoy, Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, Joshua Tree, Cal.