{"product_id":"huntington-pier-pressure","title":"Huntington Pier Pressure","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a Thor Original Painting from 2015 that has recently become available for sale!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: 24” by 36”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e   The idea for this painting was born one foggy summer morning beside the Huntington Beach Pier, here in California.  I struck a conversation with an older gentleman while he was watching his Grandchild play in the sand.  We got on the subject or art and where inspiration comes from and I explained that my own paintings are almost always rooted in either my own experiences or stories shared by others that stay with me.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e    He smiled and shared a story with me of his own. He told me about a friend he once knew from the 1960’s; a carefree surfer who wanted nothing more than to step away from the pressure of conventional life, avoid the draft or a “real job” and spend his days surfing, carving tikis, and living simply with his faithful old dog. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe began to elaborate about his fantasy of building a humble little hut near the pier from whatever materials he could find, parking his little dune buggy nearby, carving his tikis to sell to passing beachgoers, while living each day on his own terms. The Gentleman went on to say he always wondered if this guy ever was able to live his dream.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e   I soon realized I had found the inspiration for a painting.  One that imagined a life lived from simple pleasures and creative ingenuity. That…and a tail wagging companion that was always happy to be at your side.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e   When I returned home, I imagined the story in my head. “\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHuntington Pier Pressure”, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe title, is a play on words, of course. “Pier Pressure”, linking the Huntington Pier setting with the idea of escaping peer pressure in favor of a life that brings genuine contentment and self-discovery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e   This painting is filled with small storytelling details that reveal the life this man might have lived. Every object in the painting, every carving, and every corner of this character’s tiny world contributes to the narrative of someone choosing ideal freedom over conformity. As you discover these details, you have to wonder whether “success” is really measured by possessions and money, or by true simplicity, creativity, resourcefulness, and the courage to live authentically. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e   I like to imagine that had this little beachside sanctuary ever truly existed, stumbling upon it while walking the shore near the pier would have been one of the most enchanting discoveries one could hope to find!  Well, I got to sit in this painting as I created it…and I assure you that I made a good friend with a wonderfully pure spirit, and one of the friendliest dogs you would ever care to meet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarm Aloha’s,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thor Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52530903974199,"sku":null,"price":5000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0945\/1274\/2711\/files\/HuntingtonPierPressure1.jpg?v=1782520464","url":"https:\/\/thorart.com\/products\/huntington-pier-pressure","provider":"Thor Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}