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SurfPaints Interview Series
We hand-select individuals from our community to hear the stories behind their designs.
Hi Fairman Family, Welcome to the Surfpaints Interview Series!
1. Can you provide us with a brief background on your journey as an artist and tell us what you're currently working on in the world of art?
Molly (13), GrandBaz (63), and GrandKaz (53), all share a love for the beach. None of us belong to a surf club.
2. We'd love to know how you came across Surfpaints. What aspects of Surfpaints do you find most appealing or inspiring for your art?
We stumbled upon a Surfpaints YouTube video, and Kaz was sold on the idea of using these paints instead of messy ones and paint brushes. We were impressed by the fact that the nibs are reversible, allowing for easy drawing of fine lines and details. Additionally, the colours matched Molly’s chosen colour palette, which we loved.
3. Can you share with us the story behind your surfboard art and how you came up with the idea?
Molly came up with the idea of having a surfboard with art on it to display on the wall of her bedroom, and ran the idea past Kaz and GrandBaz. GrandBaz suggested recycling our old timber kitchen benchtop to create a surfboard shape out of it, which Molly loved. She began researching art designs and types of paints to use. She found a floral design she liked, then decided on the size of the flowers and where they would be placed.
1. Can you provide us with a brief background on your journey as an artist and tell us what you're currently working on in the world of art?
Molly (13), GrandBaz (63), and GrandKaz (53), all share a love for the beach. None of us belong to a surf club.
2. We'd love to know how you came across Surfpaints. What aspects of Surfpaints do you find most appealing or inspiring for your art?
We stumbled upon a Surfpaints YouTube video, and Kaz was sold on the idea of using these paints instead of messy ones and paint brushes. We were impressed by the fact that the nibs are reversible, allowing for easy drawing of fine lines and details. Additionally, the colours matched Molly’s chosen colour palette, which we loved.
3. Can you share with us the story behind your surfboard art and how you came up with the idea?
Molly came up with the idea of having a surfboard with art on it to display on the wall of her bedroom, and ran the idea past Kaz and GrandBaz. GrandBaz suggested recycling our old timber kitchen benchtop to create a surfboard shape out of it, which Molly loved. She began researching art designs and types of paints to use. She found a floral design she liked, then decided on the size of the flowers and where they would be placed.
4. Could you share the specific challenges that you’ve encountered in your art projects, and how Surfpaints have been a helpful resource in overcoming these challenges?
Originally, we planned to place the artwork so that the board would be displayed vertically. However, after considering its appearance, we decided to turn it around to display it horizontally. The timber had significant ripples, so we used grain filler, but the undercoat reacted to it and blistered. Consequently, we sanded it off and achieved a much flatter finish using a random orbital sander. After that, there were no more paint issues. We appreciated the hints and tips on the Surfpaints website about preparation.
We printed Molly’s chosen artwork on paper first and experimented with the Surfpaints colours to ensure they matched Molly’s colours. Using Surfpaints gave us the capability to trace around the templates without worrying about paint brush marks going outside the trace lines.
Click here to learn more about how to prepare your surface.
5. Do you have any tips or advice for other artists who may be interested in working with Surfpaints or upcyclng their own items?
Molly says: "Just do it! And practice on paper first."
Kaz says: "Yep, what Molly said. Just give it a go and don’t worry about not having drawing skills. I don’t, and we still found a way that worked for us."
GrandBaz says: "Give it a crack! What’s the worst that could happen!"
Bonus Question: What message or piece of advice would you like to impart to other creative souls who would have a passion for arts and surfing?
Molly says: "Pick artwork that matches your interests. I love flowers and the beach, which is why I chose a floral design and a surfboard shape. Because GrandBaz made the surfboard shape from scratch, it was more meaningful to me since the entire project was something we all did together."
Kaz adds: "When using lighter colours, start with a similar coloured pencil first. That way, the colour won’t bleed through like a normal gray/lead pencil does."
"We thoroughly enjoyed doing this project together and created wonderful memories. Now, we are planning to draw designs on canvas shoes during our next camping holiday together."
If you would like to be part of Surfpaints Interview Series, email us at support@surfpaints.com