Fieldey - Artist

When and where did you start surfing?
I've only been surfing for about 3 years, and I started in Perth, Western Australia. 

What is it that you love about surfing?
I just love being in, on or near the ocean… I have most of my best ideas when I'm out on the water just floating, thinking and waiting for a set. Surfing is so much fun and I like not being able to check my emails or Facebook.

Do you have a session that stands out as your most memorable?
Definitely on Norfolk Island, heading to "Bumby" by myself to catch an empty point break surrounded by the most incredible Norfolk pines, cliffs and some of the cleanest, clearest subtropical waters in Australia. Amazing.

How did you get into art?
Like pretty much every artist ever, I've been drawing and painting ever since I can remember. It's always been what I was best at at school, but I kicked off my career in Graphic Design first.

How did you find a niche in surf art?
I never imagined I was going to get into surf art, but when I started surfing I painted my first surfboard for a bit of fun and then I was hooked. I love the shape of surfboards and I also love the way that people get really attached to their old boards. 

What was your first job?
Working for a graphic design and print house on Norfolk Island

Tell us a little bit about your job now and what it entails?
As an artist these are the main activities I would be up to: 

- I paint surfboards for exhibitions and art pieces

- I paint commissions for people who find me online and want their own custom boards

- I create YouTube tutorials to teach people how to paint their surfboards

- Lots and lots of promotional work, live painting and events.

What kinds of things influence the pieces you create?
Heaps of stuff! But I'm really interested in old school tattoo, pinups, mythology and religion, day of the dead, shrunken heads, internal organs and bad puns. 

Do you have any advice for any up and coming artists?
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there - talk to everyone about what you're doing and show them your work. Get in touch with other established artists that you admire and ask them questions and take any constructive criticism on board. Also, be prepared to get into marketing yourself - a well designed website and social media suite will be your best friend.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'm going to be travelling around the world for art events and exhibitions and I'm going to have my own line of crazy Fieldey surfboards and inlays… at least, that's the plan!

Posted by: Matthew Ryan, on December 6, 2013
Categories: Interviews

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