If Hermosa Beach artist Raymond Pettibon cared a bit what the general masses in the South Bay knew of him, it might be considered sad that so few are aware that he is perhaps their greatest artist. But, if he is to be believed in his interviews, he does not care. He does not need the adoration of those in his hometown because he is an internationally famous artist who has shown in some of the world's finest galleries and museums.

But it is odd that when you mention his name to one of the few art aficionados in the beach cities you often get a blank face. For this is not only an artist with a global reputation, but he is also inextricably linked to his city's more recent cultural history.

Pettibon first emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as sort of the "house artist" for the South Bay's thriving punk rock scene. His brother Greg Ginn was one of the founding members of the seminal group Black Flag, and Pettibon's art graced most of that band's covers. But as time went on, Pettibon transcended his roots and established himself as an important artist working in the medium of pen and ink.

Today, Pettibon's work draws from a variety of sources: pop culture, classical literature, political cartoons, just to name a few. In fact, you can spot a Pettibon work just by the fact that there's a lot going on in most of them. His work might seem simple, but only to someone who's not thinking.