Club Of The Waves

"If surf art perceives itself as trying to elevate itself into a realm of "fine art", then it has already done itself a disservice, there are vast amounts of fine art dedicated to the sea and it's use, the only defining feature for "surf art" is that it focusses on waves and on their riding and it is only the snobby element of non-surfers who feel that surf art isn't valid for fine art. Although there is a lot of shite surf art which gets away with it because it is about surfing."

"I love looking at surf art that really captures the moment of looking down on an empty break, way more than any "serious" art. It has got something to it that no other art has, but its way beyond me to pinpoint it!"

"Personally...........couldn't care less. I love art and am lucky enough to be in an area surrounded by studios with some seriously good work on show. I regularly visit the Tate when they re-hang, Penlee Gallery just to see The Rain it Raineth Every Day (again !) and always browse the studios/shops whenever I'm in a local town. A city visit isn't complete for me without taking in at least one well known Museum/Gallery. I even purchase the (very) occasional piece. But I couldn't care less what category anything falls into."

"I think surf art is mostly inconsequential to the 'art world'"

"It ultimately doesn't matter whether the established gallery system ratifies any branch of art as fine art, no one cares except for investors. The proportion of art that falls into this category is tiny out of economic necessity. Just enjoy the art you see wherever you see it, art is there to resonate with your soul, feed your mind and tickle your senses. Don't worry too much if someone decides it's worth putting your kids inheritance into, they're probably wrong anyway. (Unless they're Saatchi and then you can't afford it anyway)"

"How funny that they are linking surf art with - well - art (in a traditional sense i.e. paintings) but yet, imho, the true 'surf art' is ignored. After all, what's a surfboard if not sculpture? The dictionary definition of sculpture is 'The art or practice of shaping figures or designs in the round or in relief, as by chiseling marble, modeling clay, or casting in metal or similar processes.' I'd argue that the skill exercised by some practitioners elevates boards to highly technical levels, and to me an alan byrne channel bottom is nothing but pure art."

"Do we need to give art labels?"

"No...much like comic book art isn't really taken seriously"