I grew up the place the ocean is chilly, tough, and the skies are sometimes cloudy. This coast is mysterious and majestic; for my part probably the most lovely locations on the planet. My hometown was a modest blue-collar space stuffed with loggers and fishermen positioned on the tail finish of Southern Oregon the place the land pushes in opposition to the mighty Pacific.
Ever since I may stroll my dad and mom took me to the seashore; from an early age I spent as a lot time as potential at or within the ocean. On my tenth birthday, after a lot begging on my half, they reluctantly determined to let me have my first body-board. Underneath my older brothers supervision and sporting a life jacket, I used to be allowed to log on. The ocean’s waves have been immediately charming and have been ever since. It’s turn out to be a life obsession.
My father, who was a naturally gifted artistic kind, inspired me to attract and paint from an early age. I don’t assume this was finished with the hopes that I’d sometime dedicate my life to art-related pursuits, I believe he simply needed to share the enjoyment of making. My mom was by her nature very encouraging. As I grew older I by no means thought twice about what I might do with my life; I might be an artist. Given the blue-collar locale of my youth, it amazes me now that I by no means questioned my alternative. I simply pursued that purpose bringing me to residing a life creating artwork full time.
I can’t escape the ocean’s deep affect on my artwork. It weaves itself into every thing I create. Be it my representational wave work, of which I can connect, a few of the deep surprise, delight and tragedy of life. Or discovering artistic inspiration in objects discovered on my native seashores, possessing nothing representational but having the rugged high quality of one thing that’s hung out rolling round within the Pacific. Saltwater programs by my veins and brings the 2 passions of my life collectively, the ocean and my artwork.
Interview with Spencer Reynolds
Hey Spencer, how are you doing at present?
I’m doing effectively. It’s Monday, and I stay on the Southern Oregon Coast in a city referred to as Brookings. Often Mondays are busy with to-do’s, however at present it appears like I’ll have time to color.
Inform us about your final surf…
I surfed yesterday. The ocean was unexpectedly clear. It’s been actually windy right here these days. I began at a spot that’s usually extra of a bodyboard wave, it wasn’t that good. I went out anyhow. The water was tremendous chilly and my swimsuit is previous, so I bought chilly pretty quick. I bought out, stayed in my swimsuit, and tried one other spot that wasn’t that good both. That’s what numerous browsing is like right here.
How did you first begin the journey towards changing into a surf artist?
I fell in love with browsing round 10 years of age. As soon as I bought to center college, I began drawing waves on my homework folders. I by no means stopped drawing waves. I grew to become extra obsessive about browsing and artwork. I finally studied artwork in school, nonetheless drawing and portray waves for enjoyable. I’ve principally by no means stopped. It’s one of many fundamental issues I paint now. My early surf artwork influences have been Rick Griffin, Chris Lundy, and John Severson.
Who has influenced you each as a surf artist – and in life?
I’ve many friends that I like their abilities and dedication to take their artwork additional and additional.
Wade Koniakowsky is a good friend and affect. Wade lives and breathes artwork and the enterprise, and likes to surf. He’s at all times pushing his abilities into new space.
Matt Beard is one other good friend whom I like. I’ve watched Matt dedicate numerous power to Plein Air portray and it actually exhibits in his work.
Shawn Griggs is one other good friend who’s been useful and inspiring in my artwork profession. I really like Shawn’s moody work. Shawn is likely one of the nicest guys I’ve come throughout in my interactions with artist. It’s at all times a pleasure to hang around with him.
What have been highlights in your life as a surf artist? What are you most pleased with?
One of many many issues I’m most pleased with is definitely being a collector of many individuals’s work I really like and admire. Within the space of surf artwork, I personal work by Chris Lundy, Phil Roberts, and Matt Beard. I even have a photograph by Joe Curren.
I believe it feels good to have an artwork assortment as an artist. It’s exhausting to do at instances, as a result of I’ve by no means made some huge cash. It feels proper although.
What does a day in your life appear like?
My routine these days is to make my morning espresso (I roast my very own). I then do a Spanish lesson (I’m making an attempt to study). Breakfast. Meditation. I’ll then examine the surf if I’ve time for that, or go for a run. I like to color within the early afternoon. As soon as 5 rolls round I like a night beer or cocktail. Lastly, I’ll later settle into my sofa to work on artwork on my iPad.
My schedule is completely different on a regular basis, however a lot of these actions are in it.
Past being a surf artist, what are another actions you actually get pleasure from?
When Covid began I bought into operating. I had felt like I used to be going loopy and operating helped get out that detrimental power. It’s an exercise that I’ve caught with. Browsing right here is fickle and inconsistent, so it’s good to have one other bodily exercise.
I’ve aspirations of being extra of a Plein Air painter. It’s so nice to be outdoors portray quick and instinctive. My studio portray is gradual and meticulous. It’s a pleasant distinction for me.
Who do you most like spending time with? Why?
My son is a type of individuals. He’s ten. He’s tremendous artistic. He’s studying piano and loves music. His drawing is getting higher on a regular basis. We prefer to work on small animations collectively. We make bizarre movies. We’ve got numerous enjoyable collectively.
What’s a spot you’re wanting ahead to going to? Why?
I’m going to Nicaragua in Might. I’ve by no means been there. The place and wave I’ll be browsing appears enjoyable. Out of the blue, I acquired a message from an previous good friend who was the primary particular person I used to go to the seashore with. We haven’t frolicked a lot since center and highschool. He requested me if I needed to go on the journey to have fun his fiftieth birthday. I didn’t take too lengthy to consider it and mentioned sure. I can’t wait.
Who’s your favourite surf artist? Why?
Chris Lundy is my favourite. There’s by no means been something like his artwork on the market. In case you have been to interrupt it down for a technical title, perhaps you’d name it Sci-Fi Surreal Surf Artwork. That’s how I see it. It’s other-worldly and technically astounding.
I used to be lucky to fulfill him at a present he did in Portland, Oregon. The present truly occurred due to a dialog I had with the gallery proprietor. I had finished my first solo present on this gallery. Whereas establishing at some point we have been discussing my influences. I discussed Chris Lundy. The gallery proprietor labored for Nike and later met Chris and remembered me mentioning his identify. They agreed to do a present. I went, met him and spent some life saving to purchase a chunk.
Any phrases of inspiration or knowledge for these making an attempt to pursue a path as a surf artist?
Do it for the love of it. It’s a tough approach to make a residing. I nonetheless paint and draw waves, however after opening my very own gallery I’ve diversified to portray native landscapes as effectively. I don’t have an issue with that. I really like portray landscapes.
Every part I paint is influenced by all of the years I’ve spent portray waves.
Three phrases to explain your imaginative and prescient / objectives for the subsequent 12 months?
extra time creating
Do you could have a favourite quote or mantra?
The tune The River by Nomeansno
How can readers join with you?
Instagram: @spencerreynoldsartist
Web site: www.artandsurf.com
