WES WILSON... FATHER OF PSYCHEDELIC FONT

In psychedelic art Wes Wilson’s art helped to define the psychedelic style that defined the era of the 60’s and 70’s.  In fact he is generally acknowledged as the father of the 60’s rock concert poster.  His poster feature  his admiration and respect for the feminine form and are considered to be an enduring representation of the entire period.

It is about the recognizable balloon shaped writing with complimentary colors right next to each other in very exciting ways.  He wanted a poster that people liked to look at.  He wanted to use up all the space on the poster.  His art was based on a combination of a whole bunch of things and all based on his idealism that things are going to get better.

Wilson’s idealism had him doing posters and fundraising for the “Appeal”and  the Merry Prankster Acid Tests  were dance hall concerts to benefit  anti involvement in the Vietnam War.  He was also doing posters for, the Family Dog, Fillmore Auditorium.  In May of 1967 he had a dispute with Bill Graham over money and Wilson no longer did posters for Graham.   However, he continued to produce posters the Avalon and other venues.

Seth and I have had the good fortune of meeting Wes and have a few of his postcards available for our customers. They will not be on the Website and you can call Mom at 856 424 6166.  At this time I have 4 of each of these post cards “The Sound” which 8” x 4” and Grateful Dead Fillmore Jan. 1967  5 1/2” x 3 ½”  .    I also have in my personal collection a copy of his newsletter that was a tribute to Rick Griffin which is not for sale .

Rick Griffin

Mom, Seth Randy & Doc at Postermat with Rick Griffin, Bob Schnepf and Ben Friedman circa 1989

Rick Griffin was born near Palos Verdes, California June 1944.  During his childhood he would accompany  his father, who was an archaeologist on digs in the Southwest.  His exposure to Native American and ghost town artifacts influenced his art work.  He was introduced to the art of surfing at a very young age, this along with his love of cars and motorcycles were influences in his professional art work. His character Murph the surf was well known in surfing circles.

Destiny played a profound roll in his life at the time he was about to leave the US and emigrate to Australia, Rick hitched a ride and was involved in an auto accident that left him near death.  He remembers hearing the words of the 23^rd Psalm.  In later years this event proved a factor in his later conversion to Christianity.  The event also caused his left eye to be dislocated and it is thought that this influenced his characteristic fluid lettering.

In 1967 he produced a poster for the Human Be-In in Golden Gate Park this was advertised as the “Gathering of the Tribes”  and as the Summer of Love continued he was in high demand.  He produced a series of posters for Chet Helms,( Family Dog) and Bill Graham (Avalon Ballroom and the Filmore).
Along with Alton Kelley, Stanley Mouse, Victor Moscoso and Wes Wilson, he became known as one of the “Big Five” of psychedelia.  In 1967 they founded the Berkeley-Bonapart distribution agency to produce and sell psychedelic poster art.  The famous “Flying Eyeball” poster is among one of the most important of contribution to the psychedelic art movement. In  the 70’s he produced the illustrated Book of Saint John and later created work for the Calvary Chapel in Costa Messa.
It was on August 15, 1991 that Rick placed a phone call to the Robert Beerbohm’s gallery from a payphone in a grocery store.  He learned that one of hjis paintings had just sold for $1800.  On his way home he was forced off the road by a van and he died three days later from his injuries.

I am so happy to have had the opportunity meet him and know that his work will be appreciated for generations to come.  His loss was overwhelming he was a true visionary and an outstanding talent.
Many of his art work is represented in Woodstock Trading Company in poster, magnets, clothing and products for the home.

THE BEGINNINGS OF PSYCHEDELIC ART

The “big Five” San Francisco poster artists Lto R Alton Kelly, Victor moscosso, Rick Griffin, Wes Wilson, Stanley Mouse. Photo by Bob Seidemann

Where would psychedelic music be without the art that accompanied the sound of visual experiences that represented the spirit of the times from then until now and into the future, forever!

When you think about psychedelic music do you not automatically think about the art that accompanied and enhanced the experience?  It is probably the time around 1966 to 1971 when the San Francisco Music Poster had its impact in the arena of graphic art.  This resulted in all sorts of posters, handbills and flyers advertising rock concerts.

Bill Graham,  who promoted concerts at the Fillmore Auditorium,  Winterland and a dance hall he renamed The Fillmore West  along with Chet Helms, who headed  an organization called The Family Dog, were influential in having art posters that “rocked the world” to help promote their shows.

At this time there were a handful of San Francisco artists that were commissioned to produce much of this art work.  The had become known as THE BIG FIVE.  They included Wes Wilson, Alton Kelly, Stanley Mouse, Victor Moscoso, Rick Griffin.  Their influences were that of the masters in the Art Nouveau moment  In addition, Mouse and Kelly had some expertise in advertising art.They founded the Berkely-Bonaparte distribution agency to produce and sell psychedelic poster art.

Outside of Moscoso, who taught lithography, the artists had no formal training in printing techniques   and it was the wonderful pressmen of firms like Tea Lautrec Lito and West Coast Litho  that helped to produce the art work we have come to love and recognize.

Further Blogs are being written about each of the artists…keep in touch

Sittin' plush with a royal flush...we just got in the 2016 calendars.  We were counting the seconds, waiting for their arrival.  Here's the catch...we ran completely out of them well before the holidays.  That said I wouldn't fiddle around much before grabbing calendars.  I say this not to pressure anyone, but to give fair warning.  They're real, and they're spectacular


Here's the link to the Grateful Dead calendar...nice

Here's the Pink Floyd one as an example...purdy nice

Bear Lights are back...

We're quite happy to have these little fellows back in again.   Yes, they are a string of lights, but I hope nobody thinks that we're pushing the holiday thing too early.  They're also nifty lights for parties, illumination and nightlights and such.  We have plenty of time (not really) to think about the holidays.

https://www.woodstocktradeco.com/product/KAGD9141.html#.VcojDPnkRRQ

We also have other lights, so don't fret if you're not a bear person. Give this link a shot...

https://www.woodstocktradeco.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=7bcaa427f43e652d96a91789d554892c&Screen=SRCH

One More Thing...

Hey Now! We just sent out the Mid-Month newsletter, only to have some new notes come in right after.  There is always something going on at Woodstock Trading Company.  After a few months absence, our Tarot Reader is going to return to Woodstock for some readings.  She will be here on Saturday, July 25^th, from 2-4pm.  A reading is $20. You don’t need to make an appointment, unless you would like to.  Give us a call at (856) 424-6166. Also on the 25^th, Rock-Improv-A-Ganza will be here from 1-4pm for our next lawn concert! All ages are welcome to this FREE concert filled with comedy, prizes, and improv music!

The second thing we have for you are 2 NEW Grateful Dead products!  They is so new, they haven’t made it onto the website yet.  They are Grateful Dead 50^th Anniversary Tapestries, in just in time for college students.  The first is The Grateful Dead 50^th Anniversary Skeleton Tapestry – SJ72051.

Featuring the classic Skeleton & Roses in an Uncle Sam top hat, this tapestry is a great commemoration of the amazing 50^th years!

The second tapestry is The Grateful Dead 50^th Anniversary Logo Tapestry – SJ72050.

This tap features the 50^th Anniversary logo on a burst background. Both tapestries are a 3-D design and $30 each!

 If you are interested, send us an email at WTC@WOODSTOCKTRADECO.COM or give us a call at (856) 424-6166.  It will be on our NEW ADDITIONS page as soon as we can get it up, so keep an eye out.

The Lawn Is Open For Music!

For the past month, we have been trying to get our summer concerts started, only to be delayed.  All the delays have been out of our control.  From illness to bad weather, it just seemed like Woodstock Trading Company wouldn’t get to have our lawn concerts.  As July 4^th approached, along with the final performances of the Grateful Dead, we were determined to get a show in to honor the Dead’s 50 anniversary.  Not only would we have a great lawn concert on the 4^th of July, we would have a day filled with the Grateful Dead.  Excitement was in the air. That was until we saw the weather reports.  The reports fluctuated all week between 20% chance of rain and 70% chance.  We did our “anti-rain dance” and kept our fingers crossed.  Making a decision a few days or day before seemed impossible.  We pressed on.

Saturday came along. The sun was out, the rain clouds seemed far off as Franny and The Jugband set the stage.  Then it started to get dark.  The band tried to hold out.  We were getting nervous.  People started to show and the phone was ringing. The big question was, “is the show happening?”  Rain was slowly coming down, but Franny gave the nod.  2 songs in and the rain wasn’t stopping.  The Jugband went into “Bertha”, everything changed.  The clouds began to move and sunlight started to peak through. “Bertha” scared the rain away and the lawn began to fill with more people.  With the help of The Jugband, Woodstock had an amazing celebration of the Grateful Dead.  It was a proper “thank you”!

 

We have more concerts planned.  On July 25^th, a great group by the name of Rock-Improv-A-Ganza will be here to take over the lawn.  The Improv guys will be here with comedian, Jason Pollock, to give us a one-of-a-kind show filled with fun, games, creativity, and laughter.  This event is for all ages. We also have plans for the Garlic Festival and a 60s British Invasion Tribute.  Keep a close eye on our Facebook page, Newsletters, and Events Page for more info.  If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter, just follow the “WTC Newsletter” page to the left.

It's Time To Celebrate 50 Years of The Dead!

Music is a universal language. You could put 50 people in a room who speak 50 different dialects and they probably won’t be able to hold a conversation. There isn’t anything there to truly bring them together. If you stick those same people in a room and play music, the odds of them joining in song are quite high! Music is universally understood. There are some bands who can connect with one or two cultures with their music, bringing the communities together. It is rare for a band to make that connection worldwide. The Grateful Dead is one of those rarities.

For 50 years, the music of the Grateful Dead has been played in homes, offices, schools and arenas around the world. From the United States to South Korea, the Dead have brought people together with peace, love and good ol’ fun! Stadiums, music venues and parking lots have been filled with people who have come together to celebrate Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Bob Weir, Keith Godchaux, Donna Jean Godchaux, Brent Mydland, Vince Welnick and Jerry Garcia. Fans have come together to mourn the loss of band members. Because of this connection, the fan base that the Grateful Dead created our more than fans. They are family. They are Deadheads. We are Deadheads. We are everywhere. When another Deadhead is in need, we are there. This is the amazing family that the Grateful Dead created and brought together.

 On 4th of July weekend in Chicago, Illinois, the Grateful Dead with do that one more time with their 50^th Anniversary concerts. Some say it won’t be the same without Jerry Garcia. Some say it isn’t the Grateful Dead without Jerry Garcia. It won’t be the same without Jerry. But Jerry’s spirit and life force pulsate through the music of the Grateful Dead and the Deadheads. You honor Jerry by celebrating the music of the Dead. That is what really matters. The Deadhead community has been doing an excellent job preparing for this 50^th Anniversary celebration. MOM and the Woodstock Gang have joined in on the preparation.

Although we won’t be able to make it out to Chicago for the concerts, we are having one at the store. Woodstock has lawn concerts every spring/summer/fall for people of all ages. Some are unable to take the time to go to Chicago or get tickets. We want to bring that amazing Grateful Dead spirit to the lawn with some great local bands. The Jugband will be supplying the music for our celebration. Keep an eye on our Events Calendar and Facebookpage for more information on the concert. We also have wonderful 50thAnniversary items. Artist Mike DuBois has designed amazing artwork for the Dead for years. He has come up with another beautiful design for the Anniversary. We carry this design in stickers, t-shirts (solid and tie dye) and signed posters. There are also other sticker designs available. A 50th Anniversary fleece blanket just came in and other items will soon arrive.

Whether you need that 50^th Anniversary item for the show, something to celebrate with at home, or you just want to talk about those amazing Grateful Dead moments (that you can remember), come on down to Woodstock Trading Company. You will always be in the company of “Grate” Deadheads!

Valentine's Ideas 2015

Love is in the air… At least, around the corner… Valentine’s Day is coming up, and people are on the search for that perfect gift for their loved one. Woodstock Trading Company has been supplying sweethearts with gifts and suggestions since 1988, and we aren’t stopping now. 

One of the main points for many Valentine’s shoppers is price.  It is a great day to treat your significant other to something romantic, but many cannot afford lavish gifts and dinners.  Some like to do things on the simple side.  If you tell us what you are looking for and what you like to do, we will try our best to find you the perfect gifts.  We have wonderful incense and candle options, as well as perfumes, jewelry, and drink ware.  

Do you want to do a nice candlelight dinner?  Woodstock Trading Company has a nice selection of lightly scented votive candles.  If you want to go bigger, we have fluorescent and multicolor drip candles.

Multicolor Drip Candle Multi-pack

Finish that bottle of wine and pop a candle into the wine bottle. You can use that bottle over and over again, adding a new candle each time, and creating a beautiful decoration for your table.

Burned Multicolor Drip Candle

If you need some glass to pour the wine in, we have a lovely selection of wine glasses, as well as champagne flutes.  You will find different styles, like Bob Marley, Grateful Dead, and Peace.

For those Rock n’ Roll fans who like to sit back and cuddle, we have warm rock band fleece and throw blankets, like Sublime and Janis Joplin.  If you want some romantic fragrances in the air, we have incense like Satya Romance and, an old favorite, Jah Love.  Jah Love is a beautifully balanced, light, sweet, earthy champa incense...a wonderful addition for any lover.  To save on the mess, we have special incense burner bowls. MOM and Seth make each bowl on the pottery wheel.  They are one of a kind and made with love. To make sure they could be used with different types of incense, the holder is enlarged for types like Tibetan incenses. 

Handmade Incense Burners

Sometimes you want to have a fragrance on the go.  If you are looking for something that is travel-ready, we have our selections of roll-on perfumes.  A February favorite is Auric Blends’ “Love” and “Lover’s Moon” perfume.  “Love” is a touch of Egyptian Goddess (Egyptian Goddess blends musk with soft floral notes) combined with white amber, white musk and woods, while is a heady mix of gardenia, rose and heliotrope to provide sweet floral notes at the top, with sandalwood and musk as the base.  These are two wonderful options, always popular with the ladies, but they are also gain popularity with a male customers. 

If you are looking for that perfect gift, come on in or visit our website.  Some items are not available online, like the wine glasses, drip candles, and incense burner bowls.  If there is something you would like to order, send us an email to wtc@woodstocktradeco.com, visit our contact page, or give us a call at (856) 424-6166.