Oceanside Surf Art Museum Shows — Art, Friends, and Gratitude

Art, Friends, and Gratitude

I was honored to have a few of my art pieces in two recent museum shows in Oceanside, California. Maria and I went to the closing night celebrations and had a great time.

One was at the Oceanside Surf Museum and the other at Oceanside Museum of Art.

CHASING THE DRAGON — painted on the top deck of a Gerry Lopez shaped surfboard. (Photo below is of me and Maria with it.)

I was fortunate to have a board in each show. One was a red, vintage Gerry Lopez Pipe Gun, the painting named CHASING THE DRAGON, and the other was a collaboration with Phil Roberts on a modern Gerry Lopez Pipe Gun, painting named HAVE NO FEAR.

Having my art included alongside so many great artists was truly humbling. Many of them are longtime friends, and others are artists I’ve looked up to my entire life.

Seeing original work by Rick Griffin was a highlight for me — his work never stops inspiring. Bill Ogden’s painting was iconic. Bill was a salty, funny friend before he passed, and seeing his work reminds me how much he gave to all of us. These artists give us something to aspire to.

Huge thanks to Phil Roberts and Koniakowsky Ocean Art for curating two amazing shows, and to Jim Kempton for hosting and for his continued support of surfing and surf culture. You could feel the inspiration in the room — people were genuinely moved by the art.

One moment that really stayed with me was seeing the display honoring Bethany Hamilton. The photo below is of the surfboard she rode when she was attacked by a shark long ago, and lost her arm.

 Seeing it in person gave me goosebumps — it felt like it all just happened yesterday. Her story is both impressive and terrifying, and seeing that board made it even more real. She’s become an incredible woman.

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A few more favorites from the room

There was a lot of cool work in there. Here are a few moments I grabbed that night.

If you’re near Oceanside, I highly recommend seeing the show in person.

Life is good,
Drew