Wednesday, March 8, 2023

David Lance Goines and Chez Panisse (97)

Today I learned that David Lance Goines, whose art came to define a certain Berkeley aesthetic, died on February 23 at age 77. So I thought I'd feature some of his work. The New York Times obituary outlines his career, which was launched in 1971 with his poster for the brand-new restaurant Chez Panisse, founded by his by then ex-girlfriend (but lifelong friend) Alice Waters:

As the Times says, "His distinctive images and lettering, inspired by German Art Nouveau and Japanese woodblock prints, among other influences, and refracted through his own fastidious sensibilities, appeared on Chez Panisse matchbooks, menus, cookbooks and the posters he made every year to celebrate the restaurant’s anniversaries."

He also created posters for all manner of Berkeley (and beyond) businesses and venues, such as Acme Bakery, Rivendell Bicycle Works and Velo Sport Bicycles, the Berkeley Horticultural Garden, Cody's Book Store, the University Art Center, the Pacific Film Archive, and even Asilomar, here on the Monterey Peninsula. He was politically active as well, as his art again reflects. 

My original intent here was to share a variety of his subjects, but I got entranced by the Chez Panisse anniversary posters (what a gift!)—so that's what you get today. Maybe another day I'll visit his other work. (Click to view larger.)











And here is a link to a nice little story about his printshop, St. Hieronymus Press. I was glad to make Goines's acquaintance again today and to recall his vast talent. RIP.


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