Artists are often drawn to sites that have a sort of energy, be it peaceful, spiritual, mystical, or mysterious. Lompoc, with its lush surroundings and historic mission, is no stranger to such attention. Painters, photographers, and others are pulled to the area, seeking their muse in this city near the sea on California’s Central Coast.
If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for the Lompoc-lover (or general art-lover) in your life, consider a piece by one of these featured Etsy sellers, who present their wares on the popular website for sellers of handcrafted arts and goods.
Some of the pieces are grounded in recorded reality, as with many photographic lenses focused on the aged but solid structure of La Purisima.
Lompoc represents a slice of the state as a whole, since many of the artists fascinated by La Purisima are working on documenting all of the California missions, or are at least turning their eyes to historic structures and sites throughout the Golden State.
Other pieces boast a more whimsical approach, including UFO Over Lompoc, the description of which includes mention of “many craft sightings in this area.”
In other words, that light in the sky might call to mind the Star of Bethlehem this season, but it could be signaling a different sort of otherworldly visitor.
UFO OVER LOMPOC
From Diana Pizzuti: “North of where I live, on the California coast is the town of Lompoc. Over the years I have heard of many craft sightings in this area. I thought adding a silver ship would be the perfect theme for these beautiful golden hills.” Oil painting, 4-by-4, $30, etsy.com/shop/paintenous.
LA PURISIMA MISSION #2
From Murray Bolesta: “Lompoc’s delight: a Father Serra mission, a delightful travel discovery in which to immerse oneself. One steps into another time, thanks to Franklin Roosevelt and the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression of the last century. All California missions were damaged or destroyed by earthquakes over the decades, but this one was fully restored, including all out-buildings.” Photograph, 8-by-12, signed, $59, etsy.com/shop/MurrayBolesta.
LA PURISIMA MISSION
From Denise Brown: “I don’t often photograph built environments, but this seemingly endless corridor caught me eye.” Photograph, 8-by-10 image on 11-by-14 paper, unmatted, $15, etsy.com/shop/denisebrownart. For more information and stories behind the art, visit denisebrownart.blogspot.com.
LA PURISIMA MISSION
From Tim Davies: “My main interest is in landscaping and old buildings. I am on a mission to photograph all the California missions.” Photograph, 16-by-20 overall print size, matted, $65, etsy.com/shop/TimDaviessStudio.
Executive Editor Ryan Miller is inspired by his surroundings. Send comments to rmiller@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 12-19, 2013.