Big Sur has always attracted people who pursue an unconventional life. The artists and characters that inhabit this rugged place accept the dangers and inconveniences that living here requires. On this website you’ll meet these people and learn why they choose to live and work on this wild edge of the continent. Please see the Big Sur The Way It Was documentary page.

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  • Hawthorne 4 Thumbnail.jpg

    Greg Hawthorne

    Greg tells us about his art and Big Sur in part 1 of 3 (Parts 2 & 3 coming soon).

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    Jules Cochrane

    Jules Cochrane fully lives the Big Sur life as he creates his art in paint and wood.

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    Jesse Hamilton

    Visit with Jesse, a Big Sur metal sculptor, and hear about living and working above the clouds.

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    Heidi McGurrin

    Heidi ran away from home to Big Sur and became an artist! Learn about her art and Big Sur history.

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    Melissa Lofton

    Melissa Lofton on living in Big Sur, creating art, and surviving a fire.

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    Colin Twohig

    Colin Twohig, River Inn Manager and Big Sur resident.

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    The River Inn

    A look at a Big Sur landmark on it’s 90th year.

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    Filmmaker Robert Blaisdell

    Robert talks about the making of

    Big Sur The Way It Was