My OU Trip to California on the Road to Ruscha

I just returned from a road trip to California with a group of photographers, art-historians, scientists, artists and geographers from The University of Oklahoma. Several students and faculty traveled along Route 66 half-way across the country retracing artist Ed Ruscha's trip from Oklahoma to Los Angeles, which inspired his book TwentySix Gasoline Stations. When we reached California we met Ed Ruscha, originally from Oklahoma, at his studio where he graciously showed us around his studio and then on to the Getty Museum where we viewed Ruscha's current exhibition, including TwentySix Gasoline Stations. If you're interested in checking out my blog posts from my OU trip you can currently view them online along with the other group participants.

To check out my blog posts click here or paste the URL into your browser: http://roadtoruscha.com/2013/?author=22 http://roadtoruscha.com/2013/?author=22

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The “Standard” American Dream

Visiting Ruscha’s Standard Gas Station in Amarillo

Our group has had the opportunity to meet such a variety of characters on our Road to Ruscha, however I think the person I’ve enjoyed the best so far is Mr Khang An Nguyen. Originally from Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen is the owner of the K&T Automotive and Transmission. He’s owned the business for only about seven months, after working for another automotive shop; since he first arrived in the US in 2006.

Mr Nguyen represents the “American Dream.” According to the New York Times, the phrase was first coined by writer James Truslow Adams in the early 1930s. He wrote regardless of social class or circumstances of birth “life should be richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” Mr Nguyen moved to America, worked hard, saved his money and purchased the station at 4001 E. Amarillo Blvd in Amarillo, which was Ruscha’s original “Standard” station on Route 66.

Post by Shelly Perkins on University of Oklahoma Road to Ruscha 2013