Celebrating the Summer Solstice from Carmel to Big Sur
A history of local artists, writers, and poets and the natural landscape that inspired them.
As the sun reaches its zenith and the longest day of the year unfolds, we stand at the threshold of the summer solstice. This celestial event marks not only a shift in seasons but also a timely moment to honor the vibrant tapestry of creativity that thrives in our coastal haven.
Beyond its scenic beauty and charming streets, our coastal gem boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply intertwined with artists, writers, and poets seeking sanctuary and inspiration amidst nature's grandeur. From the windswept cliffs of Big Sur, the quaint streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and bustling seaport of Monterey, the allure of this enchanting landscape has captivated the hearts and minds of creatives for generations.
With the sun lingering in the sky, casting a golden glow upon the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters, it's impossible not to feel the stirring of the muse. Perhaps it's the salty breeze that whispers secrets of the sea or the dance of light and shadow that paints the landscape in hues of amber and azure. Whatever the muse may be, there's no denying the profound influence of our timeless landscape on the artistic soul.
Let's embark on a journey through time, exploring the profound influence of this region on some of the world's most celebrated creative minds.
Carmel: A Bohemian Retreat & A Haven for Creatives
Carmel's artistic legacy traces back to the early 1900s when a wave of creatives, disillusioned with urban life, sought refuge in its serene surroundings. Among the first to establish themselves in Carmel were painters such as William Ritschel, Arthur Frank Mathews, E. Charlton Fortune, and Mary DeNeale Morgan. Drawn to its rugged coastline and ethereal light, the village's rustic charm and natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for their artistic endeavors.
After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, more Bohemian creatives fled the city and took up residence. These early settlers founded the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club later that year. This Bohemian spirit continued to flourish, and in 1927, the Carmel Art Association was formed. It continues to play a vital role in promoting local artists and preserving Carmel's artistic heritage.
Carmel's allure extends beyond the realm of visual arts, captivating writers and poets alike with its mystical charm. Authors such as Jack London, Robert Lewis Stephenson, Mary Austin, Lincoln Steffens and Sinclair Lewis found respite in its tranquil surroundings, penning literary masterpieces inspired by the rugged beauty of the California coast. Poets drew inspiration from Carmel's wild landscapes, infusing their verses with the raw energy of the sea. And, celebrated photographers like Ansel Adams have immortalized the raw beauty of Carmel while also calling the seaside haven home.
Along with its visual and literary arts, Carmel's association with Hollywood also dates back to the early 20th century when silent film stars sought refuge from the bustling Studio lots of Tinseltown. With its tranquil atmosphere and idyllic scenery, Carmel provided the perfect escape for these luminaries seeking solace and inspiration.
Drawn to its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, Carmel soon became a favored retreat for Hollywood's elite. Notable figures such as Clint Eastwood, Doris Day, Betty White, Joan Fontaine, and Brad Pitt are among the many stars, past and present, who retreated to the village's quiet streets, away from the prying eyes of the L.A. paparazzi.
One of the most notable figures to leave a lasting imprint on Carmel is legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood. In the 1970s, Eastwood fell in love with the area and eventually became its mayor in the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on the town's history. Doris Day also left her enduring mark on the community. Known for her deep devotion to animals, she helped put her Carmel hotel, the Cypress Inn, on the map as the “pet friendliest” inn and Carmel as the “pet friendliest” town in America.
The town's artistic legacy is woven into its very fabric. It's a place where creativity flourishes, where the lines between art and life become one.
Big Sur: Nature's Cathedral
Just south of Carmel lies Big Sur. With its rugged wilderness of towering redwoods and plunging cliffs, Big Sur’s unspoiled beauty has beckoned artists, writers and poets for over a century. Inspiring countless creatives and drawing them into a deep communion with nature; it's a place where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur into one, where the untamed landscape serves as both muse and masterpiece.
Jack Kerouac, Henry Miller, and Robinson Jeffers are just a few of the literary giants who found solace and inspiration in Big Sur's majestic landscapes. Jeffers poetry celebrated the beauty of the central coast and is considered an icon in the early environmental movement. Kerouac found respite in Big Sur while penning his novel “Big Sur”. And, aptly timed for our celebration of creativity - the summer solstice is when the sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer, which is also the title of Henry Miller’s most famous book. One that he struggled to get published because of its sexuality - the resulting social controversy has been credited for the “free speech that we now take for granted in literature."
The wild beauty of Big Sur continues to ignite the imaginations of those that live there and visit.
Monterey Peninsula: Where Literature Meets the Sea
Even before California became a state, Monterey was its capital. Drawing people to its bountiful bay and thriving harbor. With its rich maritime history and scenic beauty, The Monterey Peninsula has also played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of California. John Steinbeck, perhaps the region's most famous literary figure, immortalized the area in his novels, capturing the essence of Monterey's coastline and the struggles of its inhabitants. Ed Ricketts, the marine biologist and close friend of Steinbeck, was another influential figure who left his mark on the region's literary past.
Monterey, with its rich literary history and vibrant cultural scene, has long been a magnet for creatives of all kinds. From the storied halls of the Monterey Museum of Art to the bustling studios of Cannery Row, the town's eclectic charm never fails to inspire. Here, amidst the echoes of Steinbeck and the ghosts of Cannery Row, the creative spirit finds fertile ground to flourish.
Fueling Creativity
From its humble beginnings as a refuge for Bohemian souls to its status as a world-renowned artistic destination, the streets of Carmel, the untamed wilderness of Big Sur, and the literary salons of Monterey have woven a rich tapestry of creativity that continues to inspire artists, writers, and poets to this day.
As we stand on the cusp of the summer solstice, we pause to celebrate the timeless allure of our coastal community. With reverence we honor the artists, writers, and poets who have drawn inspiration from our breathtaking landscape, weaving their stories into the fabric of our collective consciousness. For in this moment of transition, as the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, we are reminded of the endless potential that lies within us all.
May you find the courage to follow your creative impulses wherever they may lead, knowing that the journey itself is the greatest masterpiece of all.
We find that coffee helps. Fueling creativity is our greatest joy and what led us to create our custom blend “Artists, Writers & Poets”. This is one of our lightest roasts and has low acidity which makes it easy to drink any time of day. The coffee has top notes of brown sugar and cocoa nibs and finishes with roasted nuts.
Please visit us online to purchase Artists, Writers & Poets, or visit our shops in Carmel.
