Alembic Luthier performing a detail carving on a Series II custom bass in zebrawood with a purpleheart and maple neck.

A Conversation with Alembic, Legendary Custom Guitar Shop

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Alembic has been handcrafting high-end basses and guitars in the California Bay Area for over fifty years. As part of our recent Blackwing 710 campaign, we sat down with Mica Wickersham Thomas, General Manager, to learn about the company’s…
Jerry Garcia's painting "Emerging Elephant"

Like a Note in the Air: The Visual Art of Jerry Garcia

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The name Jerry Garcia is synonymous with the Grateful Dead, legendary American rock band known for their lengthy instrumental jams and loyal fan base. But Garcia's artistic talents extended far beyond his virtuosic guitar playing and distinctive…
Jerry Garcia playing a cream-colored electric guitar.

Beyond the Dead: Jerry Garcia’s Musical Legacy

Jerry Garcia's name is etched in the annals of rock & roll history, primarily for his role as the lead guitarist and vocalist of the Grateful Dead. His musical journey was as vibrant as his visual art, characterized by a unique improvisational…

Jerry Garcia’s California Roots

Born and raised in San Francisco, Jerry Garcia was as much a product of California as any artist ever was. His relationship with the Golden State was deeply entwined with his life and career, shaping his artistic sensibilities in both music…
Blackwing Vol. 710 pencils beside a guitar neck

Introducing Blackwing 710 – The Jerry Garcia Pencil

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.

Makers Series – Marbled Paper Studio

We had the pleasure of chatting with Vanessa Reynoso of Marbled Paper Studio. She shares about the intricate craft of paper marbling, its history dating back to the 12th century, her unique bespoke tools and much more.

Slowing Down Together: 10 Creative Ways to Reconnect This Valentine’s Day

Roses and chocolate are great, but there are many more ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. At Blackwing, we believe taking the time to be mindful is always worthwhile. Here are ten ways to slow down and reconnect with yourself and…

Blackwing’s Predictions for 2024

Here’s to 2024! In celebration, we wanted to share a few fun predictions for lifestyle trends, popular activities, and cultural shifts that will be on an upward trajectory this year. In response to our rapidly changing digital landscapes,…

Artist Series Interview – Leslie Hung (Comic Artist & Illustrator)

We partnered with comic book artist and illustrator Leslie Hung for our Artist Series Notebooks featuring her incredible original artwork. Leslie is the co-creator of Image Comic's Snotgirl.

17 Essential Plant Nutrients – Basic and Macronutrients

Blackwing Vol. 17 examines the beauty of gardening. Gardening allows us to maintain a meaningful practice and an outlet to interact with the world around us and bring new life into our ecosystems. As we watch plants grow, visual cues often…