The artist’s inspiration
I started creating my artworks when I started surfing. As I lived in London my initial inspiration was an act of remembrance. As I was only going surfing once every couple of months the art filled that hole in which I should have been surfing. My initial attempts were, in retrospect, clichéd. Sea views, surfers and their trailing trajectory through the green faces and Rothko-inspired colour fields.
My palette evolved when I relocated to Cornwall.
In addition to watercolours, oils and acrylics, I added the materials that went into the shaping, colouring and polishing of surfboards.
My inspiration was that elusive Green Cathedral – the Surfer’s Nirvana, the barrel or tube ride.
As Timothy Leary (1960’s lifestyle guru) said:
“Surfers are the ‘throwaheads’ of mankind… the futurists and they are leading the way to where man ultimately wants to be. The act of the ride is the epitome of ‘be here now, and the tube ride is the most acute form of that. Which is: Your future is right ahead of you, the past is exploding behind you, your wake is disappearing, your footprints are washed from the sand. It’s a nonproductive, nondepletive act that is done purely for the value of the dance itself. And that is the destiny of man.”
His last words were “Why not.“
As I had only ever entered that hallowed space once my compulsion to somehow replicate that experience enabled me to synthesise, process and broaden my scope to make works that reflected my saline sessions.
Ensō in Japanese Zen
An explanation regarding Ensō is in order as I have been exploring its form in an attempt to visualise surfing’s ultimate goal.
In Japanese Zen, an Ensō (円 相) is a circle drawn with a single, fluid brushstroke, symbolising enlightenment, strength, elegance, and the universe. It represents a moment of mindfulness and letting go of the mind to allow for spontaneous creation. The circle can be open or closed, with the open circle symbolising the continuation of movement and the beauty of imperfection.
Ocean pollution
When I had figured out my creative tools I attempted works that addressed pollution in the ocean, plastic and tin debris on the beach and discarded fishing nets that kill and compromise our ocean’s inhabitants.
My palette is now resin, acrylic discs, fluorescent perspex, porcelain and wood, while not abandoning the joys of using Japanese handmade paper in the pursuit of Ensō.
