Smorgasboarder_23_Feb_2016-s

On a recent surf trip, other blokes were all
talking up this spot for the mornings much
anticipated swell and these guys had been
here a few times. At breakfast a fella who
had been building a boat at the place over
the past few months spotted me, had seen
I was a goofy tube sniffer and said “don’t
get on the boat with the other 10 guys, the
left out front will fire today with this swell
direction.”
I took his advice, saved some coin on the
boat ride and surfed out front with old mate
and an Israeli guy, scoring some of the best
tubes I’ve had to date. Boat rolled back in,
didn’t score and the motor broke down at
some stage... Boys were spewing.
5.
IF YOU COULD HAVE LUNCH WITH ONE
ARTIST IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT
BE AND WHY?
Probably Jim Phillips - counter lunch at
the pub, listening to the stories of the ‘80s
skate scene, asking him about coming up
with screaming fist etc...
Jim’s art has influenced me a fair bit,
drawing crazy characters. His art is so
iconic - all those memorable artworks on
skateboards of the ‘80s were Jim’s. Plus
we have the same name, so he must be a
champion.
Music plays a big part - headphones on and
pencil wandering usually create my best
(most random ‘out there’) pieces. Creating
an artwork that people enjoy and relate to
is motivating, making a living from being an
artist is very motivating. Talking business,
nothing like a deadline on a commission to
motivate you.
3.
4.
YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ART
CAREER MOMENT?
Probably joining an artist-run gallery in
Coffs Harbour and the praise and support
received from the other artists - many
of whom were quite high profile in the
area - which confirmed my wife and I had
made the right decision, dropping half my
business, moving to the beach, embracing
the coastal lifestyle and to paint more.
Having that support from my wife when
others thought I was mad was the game
changer - haven’t looked back. Having a
guy order a ‘Grog Monster’ t-shirt to wear
to Octoberfest was up there too.
AND WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE
SURFING MOMENT?
Pretty much the same as most goofy footers
- scoring the perfect left.
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SMORGASBOARDER | SUMMER 2016