Film Lens
Mudflat presents a nostalgic view of the artistic community that thrived along the San Francisco Bay in Emeryville during the 1970s. Artists would create sculptures from driftwood and found objects on the mudflats, providing a unique public art experience for drivers on Highway 17. The documentary captures the spirit of this creative movement, featuring interviews with notable sculptors such as Walt Zucker, Tony Puccio, and Bob Kaminsky, who discuss their experiences and the collaborative nature of their work.
The film is enriched by Erich Seibert’s musique-concrète and time-lapse sequences, which complement the visual storytelling. It also includes a flashback circus sequence with Scott Beach and Bill Irwin, adding a layer of entertainment to the documentary. Although the sculptures are no longer present, Mudflat serves as a time capsule that reflects the vibrant counter-culture art scene of the era.
Why Watch
- •See artists like Walt Zucker and Tony Puccio in action.
- •Find out about the lost sculptures of Emeryville's mudflats.
- •Meet the creative community behind 1970s Bay Area art.
Did You Know
•The documentary was released in 1980 and runs for 27 minutes.
•Artists would take materials from each other's sculptures, considering it fair game.
•The old Highway 17 was known in radio ads as 'Highway 17, The Nimitz'.
•Notable sculptors interviewed include Ron & Mary Bradden and Robert Sommer.
Perfect For
Public art enthusiasts1970s California cultureCounter-culture history