Finding Artistic Inspiration From Another Laguna Beach Era

Growing up in Laguna Beach in the '60s was an awesome experience. Much of my artistic inspiration was fueled by my idyllic childhood. Back then, there was no problem with a 10-year-old girl running around town by herself. Laguna was pretty much a simple sea shanty at that time. For entertainment, my friend and I would get a bag of penny candy at David's Candy Store on Forest Avenue and watch a matinee movie at the town’s only theater on Coast Hwy. Usually it was a Superman or Tarzan film, followed by 20 cartoons.

Walking across the street to Main Beach after the movies, we’d often pass Eiler Larsen, the town greeter, who would be shouting out "Hello's" to people driving along Coast Hwy. We'd then swim for hours in the freezing ocean and swing on the swings beside the lifeguard tower.

When the Presbyterian Church bells chimed at 5 o'clock, we knew it was time to head home for dinner, with pinker cheeks, no doubt. I lived up on High Drive in a three-story Mediterranean house my parents bought for $35,000 in 1959. It had a spectacular view of the ocean from almost every room. By the time I got home, I'd smell the dinner my Mom was making. I’d go to sleep and wake up to the sound of seals barking and waves crashing.

I rode my bike to Laguna Beach High along the cliffs of Heisler Park and over the boardwalk. My favorite sandwich came from Trotter’s Bakery, and during lunch break, I’d split one at Main Beach with Robert, my surfer boyfriend. Homework wasn’t so hard to do if it was done on the beach at Rock Pile. On my way home from the beach, I'd look in the gallery windows on Coast Highway's Gallery Row to gather inspiration for my own artwork. I was determined to be in a gallery along there someday ... and I was, but that's another story!

Artist Robin Wethe Altman is a longtime Laguna Beach resident. Check out her website by clicking here.