Whales on the Freeway

Re: “A Whale of a Debate,” Aug. 10:

I would have to agree with Bill Clawson. I think Wyland would be a wonderful choice for the artist who could give Ventura an even better name.

The Ventura Freeway is the best route to drive when your destination is somewhere north. It would be very enjoyable to see beautiful artwork (yes, art) to the right and beautiful scenery to the left while passing through Ventura.

Please consider Wyland. His art is wonderful. There would be nothing better than seeing life-size 100-foot blue whales, gray whales and dolphins swimming peacefully. The Wyland whale mural would be something new and exciting that the Ventura residents could take pride in.

KERI LONGHLIN

Ventura

* My husband and I would both like to say that we support a mural by Wyland. We have seen several of his murals and they are really spectacular. There are many reasons why he is so popular worldwide and he has expertise in large projects, which most other artists do not.

We would donate to the mural if he paints it but not if someone else is chosen. This work of art could be a great asset to Ventura.

GAIL WYSOCKI

Ventura

* I think the idea of a Wyland mural is excellent. I pass that stretch of concrete five times a week, and have often thought how drab and uninviting that section of the freeway is, and what a poor introduction to Ventura.

A freeway mural is never going to be fine art--can you see the “Last Supper” or even “Guernica” there? But Wyland does popular art, which is more appropriate and legitimate. I have seen Wyland murals in Long Beach and Lahaina, and they identify the place as a resort area.

I would, however, suggest a change to the mural. As it is shown, it could be anywhere on the Pacific Coast. Wyland also does split scenes--land scenery above, water and marine life below. I suggest using the top quarter of the wall for identifying scenery. Either do the outlines of the Channel Islands; or show the hill line of Ventura, perhaps with the mission and City Hall.

RUTH HARTMAN

Ventura

* We fully support the painting of the wall by Robert Wyland. His work is outstanding and, as Christine Parker points out, he is extremely popular and known worldwide.

These facts will bring only more fame to the project and to Ventura.

Ventura is known by its residents as a wonderful beach community. This painting by such a talented and well-known artist will ensure all that pass will know it too.

I think we all agree it should be a mural that depicts the ocean. Parker asks, Should it be a whale mural? Yes, it should be a whale mural. They are the most rare and outstanding animals off the California coast. So throw in a few seals to keep Christine happy!

FRANK, CINDY, GRANT and SAMUEL WINFREY

Ventura

* Should Wyland whales frolic along the California Street offramp? Yes! It would turn an otherwise dull and unattractive area into a masterpiece that can viewed and enjoyed by all.

Should other artists be considered? Yes, but there are other walls and sides of buildings that can be used.

Long Beach and other parts of the world have their masterpieces; let us have ours to enjoy!

M. LYLE

Oxnard

* I think the wall near California Street should be painted in a mural. It would be a terrific addition to a town on the rebound.

I don’t, however, think that Wyland is the artist for the job.

Ventura needs a fresh approach and Wyland is too entrenched in his own style to branch out. The cost should be considered and there are many talented artists who should be given the chance to present their work for consideration.

Speaking of murals, why don’t we ask Oxnard and Camarillo to sponsor murals along the Ventura Freeway corridor to commemorate the lost open agricultural spaces they have legislated into concrete?

Either that or make a sign for the freeway naming it as the Santa Ana Freeway Look-A-Like!

J. C. FOX

Newbury Park