Created by Hemet sculptor Matthew Antichevich under a $92,000 commission from the Cardiff Botanical Society, the sculpture was installed three years ago just outside the San Elijo State Beach campground. Critics immediately blasted it as effeminate, not enough like a surfer -- more a ballet dancer than a macho rider of waves.
Since its installation in 2007 along Highway 101 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the statue named “Magic Carpet Ride” by its creator Matthew Antichevich has taken on many faces. Much discussed & maligned, eaten by ‘Jaws’, crowned with a pumpkin head, and dressed as everything from a clown to Zorro – the delight and debate that is the “Cardiff Kook” happily rages on…The Cardiff Kook occupies a prominent piece of real estate near some of the most popular surf breaks along the San Diego coastline. Once erected, both surfers & non-surfers immediately began chiming in over what many agree is a poor representation of the ‘true’ surfer form. Perhaps it’s the limp wrists, arms splayed in a strange manner, ’stink-bug’ stance, or portrayal atop a sputtering spray – instead of an epic wave… The Kook has heard it all, and has since become the target of pranksters far and wide.
Love him or hate him; the Kook is here to stay! So come on in, view our extensive Cardiff Kook image library, upload your own pics, post some comments, have some fun and keep the positive vibes rolling.
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Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be producing a 2014 Cardiff Kook Calendar -
2015 Calendars will be available in Fall of 2014
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Thanks to everyone for the tremendous support!!!
Supporting: The Allie Smiles Foundation ~ National Breast Cancer Foundation ~ Fill-A-Belly.
The 13-month calendar —- created by local Fred Caldwell
New York has the Statue of Liberty and Paris, the Eiffel Tower. In days gone by there were the 7 wonders of the world. But how many of those wonders made anyone laugh out loud? Zip. Not so with California’s 21st Century monument. The Cardiff Kook leads the pack as he breaks stuffy tradition with all those other megaliths! We think that’s what makes the bronze “Magic Carpet Ride” statue, magic.
The Kook Calendar makes a great gift featuring Cardiff-by-the-Sea’s (and perhaps So Cal’s) most famous and most photographed landmark. The SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE recently praised “100 works of art to see before you die!” and Kooky was #1! Thanks to all the generous sponsors of the Magic Carpet Ride Calendar and especially Gerry Sova of Captain Keno’s for making last year’s 2nd Edition of the “Magic Carpet Ride Gets Dressed” possible. And mostly, thanks to YOU too!Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the calendar will go to 3 charities:
The Allie Smiles Foundation, a charity providing cancer research and support for your K9 best friend.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need.
Fill-A-Belly, a Carlsbad-based nonprofit that provides meals for the homeless.
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