Twins collaborate on book once again, 50 years after one passes away
Growing up in Southern California in the 1950s and ‘60s, Dave Lamb was creative from a very young age. He also had a built-in best friend from birth, his identical twin, John.
Dave and John were similarly talented: they drew, painted, and created their own characters together. They even developed a distinct style of drawing. They collaborated on all their art projects, which continued with Dave’s books. Dave drew the characters and wrote the story, and John helped with the detailed backgrounds.
Dave aspired to be an author and he wrote about what he knew. Having three little brothers and a father who was former military likely made an impact on what he chose to write about: growing up and learning responsibility.
The result was three children’s books, each with a respective theme of kindness, caring for your toys, and listening to your mom.
Tragically, Dave passed away in a car accident in 1971 at 18 years-old. People cope with tragedy in many ways, and one of John’s was saving all Dave’s books and artwork, for decades.
Recently inspired by his grandson’s enthusiastic response to The Varmits, John decided it was time to finish The Varmits and share Dave’s story. The result was much more than he could have imagined.
The Varmits will be released on Monday, December 2nd. Stay tuned for more details!
John Lamb wins Emmy® Award
Oceanside, California artist John Lamb has been honored with the prestigious Emmy® Award for Technology & Engineering by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. At 71, Lamb is recognized for the transformational Lyon Lamb Video Animation System he co-invented nearly 50 years ago as a surfer and animator in Laguna Beach, California.
The Technology & Engineering Emmy® are awarded to a living individual, a company or organization for developments in engineering technologies that “are so innovative in nature that they materially have affected television.”
"As we commemorate 75 years of this prestigious award, this year's winners join a legacy of visionaries who use technology to shape the future of television," said Dina Weisberger, Co-Chair NATAS Technology Achievement Committee.
“The diamond class of the technology Emmys® … typifies the caliber of innovation we have been able to enjoy for the last 75 years. Congratulations to all the winners," said Joe Inzerillo, Co-Chair NATAS Technology Achievement Committee.
O'Sider Magazine article "Blast from the Past" features Lamb's art life
O'Sider Magazine, one of our favorite reads, featured an article about John and his art - full article available below by clicking the text.
John Lamb, painting the Masters Kitchen mural, 2016. Photo by Zach Cordner.
"Secret Spot" premiere in Spain
John Lamb's Secret Spot and Willy Makit will make their premiere this month in Spain's beautiful Basque country, as part of the 13th Annual Surf Film Festibal's art installation "Surf, Civilization and Barbarism" at the Okendo Art House, near Zurriola Beach, Spain.
Opening June 26, the installation will include art by surfer, writer and photographer Bruno Garrudo, seminal surfing animator Arnie Wong and many others.
A great festival that speaks to the roots of surf culture begins with film, includes art, and wraps with a dedicated day at the beach surfing nothing but boards from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Now that's a surf festival.