Splashes of Ventura

December 26th, 2013, 11am

It was 23.9°C. The breeze was brisk.

In most places, widow splashes and other forms of sign painting have been replaced by cut vinyl letters and computer-printed banners. A well painted window is now something of a novelty. Except, that is, if you live in Ventura, CA. In Ventura window splashes have been almost singlehandedly been kept alive by Barber Signs1. While many of the signs you see around Ventura were done by Nick Barber, I think that rather than cornering the market he has made it possible for other people to practice the craft as well. Window splashes are a part of people’s visual vocabulary and daily lives.


  1. Barber Signs also appears in the book and documentary film, Sign Painters by Faythe Levine and Sam Macon. 


Machiko and Stephen said thanks.

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Michael Silva

a somewhat undisciplined existence.

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