User:Wikisharpbio/sandbox

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Rick Sharp[edit]

American Poster Artist[edit]

Prior to turning eighteen, Rick Sharp had already achieved the feat of having his artwork featured in both Rolling Stone and Seventeen magazines, marking the commencement of a prolific career as a poster artist within the '70s surf scene of Southern California. Based in Santa Barbara, the budding artist crafted advertising illustrations, t-shirt designs, and logos for a diverse range of brands, including Channel Islands Surfboards, Sims Skateboards, Andreini Surfboards, O’Neill Wetsuits, and Hang Ten Sportswear. The recently published book, 1970s Nature Posters: The Lost Art of Rick Sharp, features an extensive collection of posters from the artist's heyday in California. Journalist Jeff Wing's review of the book in The Montecito Journal highlights Sharp's migration from Texas to California and his subsequent climb to popularity.

Furthermore, his artistic creations graced the covers of national magazines, albums, and concert posters, notably featuring folk music legends like Donovan, Arlo Guthrie, and Peter, Paul & Mary. During the peak of his fame, Warner Brothers prominently showcased Sharp's work in the cult favorite film of the '70s, Big Wednesday. In a noteworthy moment, President Ronald Reagan personally inscribed a message to the citizens of Santa Barbara on one of Sharp's original Fiesta paintings in 1978.

Presently, Rick Sharp's art exudes a vintage style reminiscent of the travel poster era from the 1920s to the 1940s. For a span of ten years, Island Heritage Collection, his former publisher, showcased his creations on various products in Hawaii, including the immensely popular "Vintage Hawaii" calendars. Under the current publisher, Pacifica/Island Art Cards, Sharp's artwork continues to be featured across the Islands. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and culture of Southern California and Hawaii, Sharp's nostalgic posters have evolved into historical artifacts.