Surf Rider Pizza Café Logo ID

“Survey Select” began for me back in January of this year and is based on a personal manifesto I have stayed committed to. As the exhibition is now in its sixth week, I have been squeezing in design projects and getting back into the swing of things. Last week, one of “Survey Select’s” active collaborators, La Jolla Beverage and Just Taste It Catering, took over an old pizza place in Ocean Beach, California.

Since Ocean Beach loves nostalgia, and it’s ode to 50s and 60s surf, I thought it important to give a nod to the past when creating a new corporate identity to the newly named, “Surf Rider Pizza Cafe´.” And since, this restaurant went through an immediate facelift over one week, it was important that the identity be completed immediately.

Two logos were presented, along with in store menus, signage and take out menu. It was a fun project and looks to be a great spot to chill. “Surf Rider Pizza Café” opens for business Wednesday, August 18 at 2163 Abbott Street, San Diego, CA 92107.

Mark Murphy Manifesto 2010

Entering into the first official work week of 2010 has inspired careful reflection of the past 20 years as a designer, author, publisher, artist and all around promoter of the arts. And, like you, I have begun the new-year with a short list of personal goals and resolutions.

Tony Fitzpatrick : "Max and Gaby's Alphabet" : 2000

My first goal is to further my life-long initiative to better educate the public about the visual narrative arts and continually introduce “living artists,” who are not afraid to stand outside of the box, through books, films and critical essays. I believe, in short time, this focus will pass on important artistic impressions and deliver the most innovative grouping of fine artists the world has seen for future generations.

Rob and Christian Clayton : Drippy Come Home : 2003

Secondly, it is my hope to continue to exhibit important works of emerging fine artists who look to redefine the complexities of life within the visual narrative arts in an annual “Salon" styled exhibition. It will be my personal quest to recommend these artists to museums as today’s best cultural instigators.

Miguel Covarrubias : 1904-1957 :
Mexican Street Scene Lithograph, 1940 : "Balinesia" drawing, 1937 :
Zinc Plate outline w/painted gouache artist proof, 1946

Lastly, and most importantly, it is my heartfelt desire to continue supporting the arts through actively collecting and archiving a steady mix of fine art paintings created by the “masters” of art history combined with today’s best in modern narrative painting. I, (Mark Murphy), will continue to support personal commissions and collaborations while offering artists artistic freedom in which to explore a unique visual language that services our world as a constant source for inspiration and lively discussion.

In dedication to this monumental task a new chapter has begun.

Pablo Picasso : 1881-1973 : Etching with Crayon Application