Ed Ruscha's art in the 1960s marked a pivotal period in his career, characterized by his innovative exploration of language, commercial culture, and the landscape of Los Angeles. This decade saw Ruscha establish some of the central themes and techniques that would define his work, blending pop art sensibilities with a distinct conceptual approach. During the early 1960s, Ruscha began experimenting with painting and printmaking, focusing on the interplay between text and image. One of his most notable works from this period is "Large Trademark with Eight Spotlights" (1961), which reflects his fascination with commercial graphics and popular culture. This painting features the 20th Century Fox logo, showcasing Ruscha's interest in Hollywood and its impact on the visual culture of Los Angeles. The piece is emblematic of how Ruscha used text and corporate logos to comment on the pervasive influence of mass media and consumerism​ (Wikipedia)​. Ruscha's artistic breakthrough came with the publication of his artist's books, starting with "Twentysix Gasoline Stations" (1963), a series of mundane yet evocative photographs of gas stations along Route 66. This work, along with others like "Every Building on the Sunset Strip" (1966), demonstrates Ruscha's conceptual approach to art-making, where the process and documentation of everyday landscapes become central themes. These books challenged traditional notions of artistic subject matter and composition, emphasizing a documentary-style representation of the American West​ (Artspace)​. The 1960s also saw Ruscha exploring the materiality of language through unconventional materials, such as gunpowder, foodstuffs, and organic substances, to create his text-based artworks. Works from this period, such as "Annie" (1962), utilize the visual impact of words rendered in various media, blurring the line between painting and drawing. Ruscha's "liquid word" paintings, where words appear as if spelled out in viscous liquids on monochromatic surfaces, further exemplify his playful yet critical engagement with the visual and semantic aspects of language​ (Wikipedia)​. Ruscha's work during the 1960s reflects a broader cultural and artistic shift towards pop art and conceptual practices, marked by a keen observation of American life and its commercial and cinematic influences. His innovative use of text, combined with his depictions of Los Angeles and its surrounding landscapes, positioned Ruscha as a critical figure in post-war American art, capturing the essence of a rapidly changing cultural and physical landscape​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Artspace)​.