Though he is best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia was much more than a musician. His house at 710 Ashbury Street marked the heart of the enlightenment and expression that pulsed through San Francisco in the 1960s. It also fueled Jerry’s profound exploration into painting and visual arts. Like his guitar playing, Jerry’s sketches and paintings seem to meander on the canvas, taking unexpected turns before changing shape entirely. They show us that improvisation isn’t just reserved for the stage and that our ideas shouldn’t be bound by what’s expected of us. The Blackwing 710 is a tribute to Jerry Garcia and his fusion of visual and musical expression. A slice of his painting “Curves & Lines” is printed on each pencil, which features a soft graphite that is ideal for both drawing and songwriting.
