Venice Beach, California has had an interesting history over the past 100 years: oil, funky houses built along canals, a promenade full of street performers, artists, the Beat Generation and home to the Crips and V13 gangs.
From the 1950's to early 2000 Venice was pretty much the slums; in more recent years gentrification has created an interesting melting pot from the homeless to celebrities of Hollywood. If you love art, intesting architecture and all things hip...Venice is for you.
As always I'll let the photos develop my story
RV's are allowed to park in Venice, so the neighborhood streets have a lot of bohemian travelers which brings an interesting character (s) to the Venice vibe.
Above - Winnebago and rabbits..and weed is part of the culture. : )~
This is my shoot of Venice while on a bike ride this morning
Enjoy!!!
Along the boardwalk you see all types: surfers, artists, skaters, homeless, girls in funky little tight outfits, doctors writing marijuana prescriptions to tourists...it's all here in Venice. The place where you can do whatever you want as long as you're not hurting anyone.
In the early 20th century tobacco millionaire, Abbot Kinney, dug out miles of canals to drain the marshes so Kinney could develop his residential neighborhood. It had a pier, Venetian architecture, restaurants, arcaded business and dance halls. It was the shiznick!
Back in the 60's and 70's it was pretty much the slums, but the beatniks came in and slowly gentrified the area; today only the wealthy can afford to live there. If you get a chance to come to LA, check out the Venice canals.
I love that art plays a huge part of the life and culture in Venice. Artist are free to go wild with their homes and business encourage artists to paint murals. This culture has spread almost mainstream to all around the world. But the heart of a city filled with art lies in Venice. It's unique.
Artist creates a horse sculpture from driftwood.
A LA police helicopter cruises the beach and in the distance a graffiti wall that encourages street artist to spray away.
Most businesses have incredible murals done by artists.
I conclude this post with my all time favorite Venetian, the late and great Dennis Hopper; may he forever have an Easy Ride in the pearly gates