Mudflat (1980)

“Mudflat” is a documentary film directed by Richard A. Reynolds, released in 1980, that delves into the unique artistic culture that once thrived on the mudflats of the San Francisco Bay in Emeryville. The film captures a time when artists freely roamed the mucky edges of the bay, creating ephemeral sculptures from driftwood and found objects. These artworks became a visual treat for commuters driving south on the old Highway 17, famously known through radio ads as ‘Highway 17, The Nimitz’. The documentary highlights the playful and dynamic nature of this art scene, where using materials from someone else’s work was not only accepted but encouraged, adding a kinetic element to the displays. Although the area has since transformed into a park, leaving no traces of the original sculptures, Reynolds’ film serves as a humorous and insightful time capsule. It features musique-concrète and time-lapse sequences by Erich Seibert and includes interviews with prominent sculptors like Walt Zucker, Tony Puccio, Robert Sommer, Ron & Mary Bradden, and Bob Kaminsky, alongside a memorable flashback circus sequence with Scott Beach and Bill Irwin.

Email us at footage@avgeeks.com if you have questions about the footage and are interested in using it in your project.