Tag: newport beach

Photography

“Indigenous Inhabitants” by Tom Van Sant

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In 1968, artist Tom Van Sant created a series of 39 panels he called “Indigenous Inhabitants” that captured Orange County, California’s regional wildlife (some which are extinct now).

The panels were cast in concrete using a technique called Intaglios – Italian for incised carving.

Several of VanSant’s intaglios, including this bird of prey, can be found incorporated into the walls of the headquarters building of the Irvine Company, located in Newport Center, Newport Beach, California.

Tom Van Sant’s work, which can be found throughout Fashion Island and Newport Center, was commissioned by Architects William Pereira and Welton Becket.

Photography

Surfing The Wedge. Newport Beach

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One of the most legendary of surf spots is certainly the Wedge in Newport Beach, California. The waves are also favorites with some of the world’s top bodyboarding and bodysurfing athletes.

During the summer (May – October), the City of Newport Beach generally restricts the use of “hard boards” at the Wedge from 10 am to 5 pm, but usually allows soft boards for the safety of body surfers and swimmers. The infamous “blackball” flag is flown by lifeguards when the restrictions are in place.

While surfing has been a popular sport in Newport Beach since the 1900s, the Wedge’s unique shore-breaking waves are formed with the help of the rock jetty created in 1936 as the entrance into Newport Harbor. When conditions are just right, especially during a south or south/southwest swell, The Wedge can occasionally produce monster waves up to 30 feet tall.