Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Thinkers: Dana Smith, who owns Stone Griffin Gallery in downtown Campbell, says the 'mythical creatures can grow on you.'
Campbell's a city rich with mythic gargoyles
By Moryt Milo
Gargoyles, those grotesque mythological creatures sculpted and placed on buildings hundreds of years ago to ward off evil spirits, have somehow found their way into historic downtown Campbell.
It's a rather odd sight in a city once known for its fruit orchards and canneries. Yet enter the downtown from either Railway Avenue or Winchester Boulevard, and gargoyles are seen staring out the windows of Stone Griffin Gallery, 412 E. Campbell Ave. and the Gothic, 86 E. Campbell Ave. Even the intersection at First Street and Campbell Avenue boasts a business named Gargoyles Salon, hosting an array of stone creatures on the fireplace mantel inside the store.
Stone Griffin Gallery store owner and Downtown Campbell Business Association board member Dana Smith says, "It's just a coincidence to find so many gargoyles in one place, but these mythical creatures can grow on you."
Smith, who's sold gargoyles in downtown Campbell since 1995, recently moved into a larger building across the street from his former location and expanded his inventory with more mainstream items --fountains, stepping stones, garden art, paintings and, of course, gargoyles.
"We have more gargoyles on display than anyone in driving distance," he says.
Smith also markets the gargoyles and griffins--mythological creatures with the head of a lion and the front claws and wings of an eagle--on his website.
"I have sold gargoyles to all 50 states, throughout the world and even to a fellow working on an island in the Canadian Arctic Circle," he says.
It's a business Smith began with his brother, Barry, based on a "subconscious inspiration," he says. But he never imagined the gargoyles would take off and become the mainstay of his operation.
"Some people come in and are freaked out by them," Smith says. "They think they are terrible and are some sort of demon worship thing. Others find them whimsical."
But like their distorted appeal, understanding of gargoyle history has also become twisted.
"Gargoyles were designed to serve a purpose," Smith says. "They were placed on the gutter of a building and used as waterspouts."
They were a building's original drainpipe, Smith says. Later the sculptures were incorporated into a building's architectural design, which many people believed guarded those living inside against demons.
"But because they look wicked and mean, most people think these creatures have something to do with devil worshipping," Smith says.
Not customer Laura Blanc, who recently walked around the store with a smile on her face.
"I think it's like a wonderful fantasy," she says.
Smith thinks most people need to lighten up a bit and just come in and browse. "People shouldn't take it so seriously," he says.
In agreement with Smith is Art Sandoval, owner of Gothic, a downtown body piercing business, who buys some of his gargoyles from Stone Griffin Gallery. "Most people don't know the gargoyles' purpose, but once I explain the history, people are OK," he says. "Like angels, which are soothing, gargoyles are protectors."
Apparently the former owners of Gargoyles Salon, Tom Hall and Angelo Shibona, also knew the true purpose behind the creatures.
Current salon owner Tom Castro says, "When [Hall and Shibona] were deciding on a name, Angelo looked up the meaning of gargoyle, and discovered it was a guardian statue placed on a building to ward off evil spirits, they decided it was a good name for the salon, and it stuck."
Campbell, California
