Both caught on big after WWII as an escape for the returning GI's. The war really wore down and affected a lot of the men that served, and they needed some kid of 'escape' so hot rods and motorcycles gave a sense of freedom and independence they needed. Tiki's are a reflection of the fact that many had served in the Pacific- but not in an island paradise, but under war-time conditions, so the tiki lifestyle was a fantasy world to escape into. And besides little paper umbrellas in a drink are fun...
Poly-pop culutre as we know it today got it's start in Southern California around the same Hot Rods came into their own, imported from Hawaii. Oceanic Arts supplied many restautants with quaility carvings and many of their carvings are found at the Polynesian Hotel at Disney World. I collect Tiki Mugs and for me, woodies, hot rods and tiki just kind of go together. From a historical perspective, I believe the fantasy aspect and freedom of the jet setter life appealed to both hot rodders and tikiphiles. For real reference, check out the Big Book of Tiki by Sven Kirsten. Talks about the history of what is now called Poly-Pop which stands for polynesian popular culture. By the way, still many cool tiki/polynesian themed restauranst around the country. Bail Hai in San Diego is very nice.
Hey you will have to trek out to Columbus for the 2nd annual Hot Rod Hula Hop, This years event is going to be HRHH 2 Revenge of the Moai The event is being put on by the Drifters cc Columbus and The Fraternal Order of Moai, Last years event went awsome, this year we have some very cool bands on tap, Crimson Ghost, (Misfits surf cover band) Fisherman (an exoctica act complete with burlesqe dancers from what I am told, The Cryptokats, (Psycobilly band) and I think Madiera (sp)
There's a used book store chain here called half price books, they sell used and close-out books, they have a stack of them brand new for half price, last time I checked they were $10. Another neat tiki book by Sven is Tiki Road Trip: A Guide to Tiki Culture in North America. Here's a pic of one of my favorite tiki mugs.
Tiki road trip was written by James Teitelbaum , I believe Sven only wrote the foreward. There is also tiki style wich is a pocket version of the Book of Tiki .
Like what the other guys said. Tiki is escapism, collecting, history, an education,a community and lifestyle if you will. For me this seems to tie into and parallel the hotrod lifestyle. there is a history that you respect and forerunners that trailblazed a path for the rest to follow. Just about all that we are doing has been done before if we realize it or not. We are kind of tying part of our (or families )past with the present, while putting our own finger prints on it. For me tiki and hot rods are a perfect marriage of art and building something to be enjoyed. bartender.... another Ray's Mistake This is a mug I make and hand paint with one hot paint.
.........and don't forget, "Von Tingler" is a Tiki artist!! ........from the "Maphis Collection"..........
WOAH! TINKY- TIKI-WINKY! I CAN HEAR YOU ALL THE WAY TO MY HILLTOP MANSION,AND COULDN"T AGREE WITH YOU MORE!! YOU ARE SO EMPHATICsparky
A little more discussion here... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=69431&highlight=Tiki+connection That was a fun thread.
I make my living doing tikis and commercial tiki decor. I have noticed this cross-over with the two . Both are cool and strike a cord with people. Should we be talking about tikis on the HAMB? why not, Ive seen alot of tiki shift knobs on cars as well as pinstriped tikis. Even a few tiki themed cars. This isn't just a Cali thing anymore, I've carved tikis around the globe and have seen this cross-over from the Chicago to Barcelona. If you want to discuss more tiki stuff, then try here www.tikiroom.com
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZuHLZo2btGFY some pics of the stuff I have carved. Been carving for five years now and I will use a chainsaw to rough out the tiki and knock out the big pieces of wood, then it is all hammer and chisels.
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