A window into the life of a pioneering figure in the proliferation of East Coast surf culture since the 1960s
Tony Caramanico has lived many lives bound by a singular passion. A competitive surfer, TV producer, surf shop owner, astute traveler, apprentice and artist, few have experienced more phases of surfing’s development than Caramanico. Unlike more established sports, surfing’s pop cultural adoption began largely in the ’50s and ’60s; many of those who have played a key role in its cultural ascension, such as Caramanico, are still around to impart their wisdom. This one-of-a-kind book chronicles Caramanico’s life in surf, presenting a considered selection from his thousands of journal entries. These entries provide an intimate purview into the day-to-day life of a traveling surfer in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, highlighting his work with the late photographer Peter Beard, from his experience living on Beard’s compound to the direct ties between their artistic practices. Punctuating Caramanico’s journal entries are photos of his highly lauded, 100-plus-piece surfboard collection, along with introductions and interviews conducted by LA-based editor Zack Raffin. Melding collage work, stream-of-consciousness writing and a plethora of surf/pop cultural references, Caramanico’s journals paint an intricate picture of freedom, joy and his undying passion for a surfing life. Tony Caramanico (born 1950) caught his first wave in 1963 at his native Gilgo Beach, New York. Tony’s 60 years of surfing have spanned the breadth of the sport itself. Acutely aware of his exuberant existence, Tony began chronicling his daily life via his unique take on journaling in the early ’80s. After meeting renowned artist Peter Beard in Montauk, New York, Caramanico was invited to live and apprentice with Beard, using this time to guide his artistic process.
Featured image is reproduced from 'Tony Caramanico: Montauk Surf Journals.'
PRAISE AND REVIEWS
Hamptons Magazine
Rachel Feinblatt
As his passion and wanderlust grew, so did his journals—words and picture collages now span volumes, moving readers with his colorful reflections.
Montauk Life
Mixing photos, drawings, words and textures that are double-page collages that mesmerize and transport you beaches and waves far, far away.
Bookforum
Howard Hampton
A painstakingly casual collection of collaged journals that make forty years of time fly by and stand still at the same time.
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Monday, May 13 at 6 PM, Rizzoli Bookstore presents East Coast surf legend Tony Caramanico with surfer and journalist Zack Raffin. They will be in conversation for the launch of Caramanico's new, collage-like artist's book, Montauk Surf Journals followed by a signing.
PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. There will be lots of standing room. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Register or preorder a signed copy here. continue to blog
In 1978, Montauk surfer Tony Caramanico took the advice of his boss and mentor, photographer Peter Beard, and began keeping a daily journal, which he has maintained every day since, without exception. “What began as simple notes on the day’s waves slowly evolved. A printout of a surf article here, a business card there,” surf journalist Zach Raffin writes in Damiani’s new book collecting the best of more than 16,000 visual journal entries made over the last half-century. “By 1980, the journals had taken on a whole new life. Opening up one of these duct tape-bound, eighteen-inch thick binders invites one on a mind-numbing journey of colorful exotica through the lens of surf culture. Layered with pop cultural moments from old Tylenol and bikini ads to the Iran hostage crisis and Clinton’s impeachment, the journals act not only as a ledger of Tony’s immense surfing life but a life well lived through four decades of profound cultural evolution. And that’s all before we mention the travel. Morocco. Indonesia. Egypt. Tobago. Jamaica. Kenya. France. Japan. China. All in pursuit of that same mythical feeling he first achieved at age thirteen. … Tony Caramanico is many things. A historian. An accomplished competitive surfer. An artist. A devoted husband. A quintessential Italian New Yorker with the mustache to boot. And while all true, Tony Caramanico is, first and foremost, a lifelong surf-obsessed kid from Amityville, New York, who still gets up and checks the waves every single day.” continue to blog
FORMAT: Hbk, 9 x 12 in. / 120 pgs / 70 color. LIST PRICE: U.S. $55.00 LIST PRICE: CANADA $79 ISBN: 9788862088107 PUBLISHER: Damiani AVAILABLE: 4/30/2024 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Active AVAILABILITY: In stock TERRITORY: NA LA
Published by Damiani. Edited with foreword by Zack Raffin.
A window into the life of a pioneering figure in the proliferation of East Coast surf culture since the 1960s
Tony Caramanico has lived many lives bound by a singular passion. A competitive surfer, TV producer, surf shop owner, astute traveler, apprentice and artist, few have experienced more phases of surfing’s development than Caramanico. Unlike more established sports, surfing’s pop cultural adoption began largely in the ’50s and ’60s; many of those who have played a key role in its cultural ascension, such as Caramanico, are still around to impart their wisdom.
This one-of-a-kind book chronicles Caramanico’s life in surf, presenting a considered selection from his thousands of journal entries. These entries provide an intimate purview into the day-to-day life of a traveling surfer in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, highlighting his work with the late photographer Peter Beard, from his experience living on Beard’s compound to the direct ties between their artistic practices. Punctuating Caramanico’s journal entries are photos of his highly lauded, 100-plus-piece surfboard collection, along with introductions and interviews conducted by LA-based editor Zack Raffin. Melding collage work, stream-of-consciousness writing and a plethora of surf/pop cultural references, Caramanico’s journals paint an intricate picture of freedom, joy and his undying passion for a surfing life.
Tony Caramanico (born 1950) caught his first wave in 1963 at his native Gilgo Beach, New York. Tony’s 60 years of surfing have spanned the breadth of the sport itself. Acutely aware of his exuberant existence, Tony began chronicling his daily life via his unique take on journaling in the early ’80s. After meeting renowned artist Peter Beard in Montauk, New York, Caramanico was invited to live and apprentice with Beard, using this time to guide his artistic process.
