Riding Waves & Brushstrokes: A Surfing Artist's Journey

Welcome to the blog, surfers and art enthusiasts. Today, I’m going to take you on a bit of a journey through the swirling waves of both the ocean and paint. It's how I, a kid from Cornwall, caught the surfing bug and over time merged my love for the waves with a passion for art,  becoming 'the surfing artist.'

Catching the First Wave

It all started when I was about eight years old. My first encounter with surfing wasn’t anything spectacular. A friend’s older brother took us to Sennen Cove and pushed me into a small wave on a beat-up longboard, and just like that, I was hooked. Eventually I caught that first, wave and that was all it took to set me on a path that would define a huge part of my life. Little did I know, surfing would lead me not only across the globe but also into the world of art. 

Global Wave Chasing

My desire to surf took me to some of the most famous surfing spots around the world. From the iconic Pipeline in Hawaii, where the waves are as legendary as they are daunting, to the tubes of Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa, each location added a chapter to my surfing story.

Anecdotes From the Waves

Hawaii's Pipeline: Surfing at Pipeline was like dancing on the edge of a knife. The waves there demand respect, offering a blend of beauty and danger. The first time I dropped into a Pipeline wave, the water's hiss and the reef’s menacing proximity taught me the sheer power of nature. I learned more about humility and courage in those few seconds than anywhere else.

Jeffrey's Bay: J-Bay, with its long, fast barrels, was a completely different beast. The waves here taught me precision and the rhythm of surfing. Each wave was like a long, flowing canvas, and riding it felt like painting a line of pure speed across water.

Discovering Art in the Waves

Despite my early disinterest in art during my youth, the seeds were unknowingly sown by the countless hours spent staring at waves. It wasn't until my 30s that I picked up a brush, initially just to doodle something to decorate my apartment. To my surprise, what flowed onto the canvas was an ocean wave, vivid and alive. Looking back my early efforts weren't incredible, but I persevered and became good before finally getting to where I am today. 

I realized that my years of surfing had given me a unique perspective on the ocean’s artistry. My subsequent pieces were all inspired by the sea — waves frozen on canvas, capturing the ephemeral beauty of the ocean. The texture I add to the paintings makes the waves come to life and adds a depth to the art. 

Waves on Canvas: Turning Passion Into Profession

Friends and family were the first to encourage my art. They admired the way I could translate the ocean’s many moods onto a canvas, leading them to request their own original wave art pieces. Before I knew it, word of mouth had spread, and I began receiving commissions.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my very own venture where I sell ocean art and wave art. Each piece of original art is a reflection of my journeys, both across the globe and across a canvas.

The Dream: A Viable Commercial Venture

The goal of this business isn't just about making a living; it's about sustaining a lifestyle that encompasses my two greatest passions: surfing and art. By establishing myself as a surfing artist, I hope to continue traveling to exotic destinations, riding the waves by day and painting them by night.

Conclusion

Whether you're here because you love surfing, art, or the stories of someone chasing their dreams, I hope my journey inspires you. From catching my first wave as a kid to launching a business that combines my love for the ocean with my passion for art, it’s been a wild ride. And guess what? It’s just getting started.

Explore the world, learnt to surf, you won't regret it.