Has 'surf art' evolved into a serious category of fine art?

[cotw]

COTW put this question to the surf artists featured on this site to get their view on it. Click the link below to see their responses...

Has 'surf art' evolved into a serious category of fine art?

Introduction to this topic...
In June 2009 the Surfing Heritage Foundation in California posed the question "Has surf art actually evolved into a serious category of fine art?" to an experienced panel of surf artists and other esteemed surf industry panelists and moderators. The PR for this event was interpreted by one surfing website quite 'literally' as "Is surf art serious art?" (link)... More info on the SHF event can be found here.

There's no denying surf art has grown in popularity in recent years, but has it gained recogniton as a serious category of fine art? If not, could it ever? Do surf artists (or surfers) care whether it does or not?

Please give your opinion on this topic in this forum...

[cotw]

I posted this topic/debate on another couple surfing forums and got some interesting responses. Responses that stood out were...

"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"

[Clark Takashima]

It's fully on its way. Its all up to the individual and collective efforts we put into our works as Surf Artists. How far we want to go with it, is all up to us....
There was no "Impressionist" movement until there was dialog. (Thanks again Andy)
I'm am fully committed to this micro-genre-on the verge.
Seascape is a well loved part of Fine Art. All the same attributes are there for viewers reaction. Surf art and Seascape may invoke the Power and Calmness of nature by the sea. There is romanticism, dread, wonder, and surprise.

When we (Surf Artists) put our individual spirit into each work, and strive for our collective "Branding" as "Fine Art", then there is nothing anyone can say about that. I don't think there is denying our genre is small. As a Surf Artist, we know of our relationship with the ocean and its waves- How it teaches us lessons that give us mental and physical strengths. I think its up to us to share the qualities that make us unique. When we convey our work successfully visually and verbally, it is Fine Art. We gotta talk about it, and grow the opportunities for the "Dialog" to weave down the line toward friendly discussions.
Discussions that may lead to solving environmental problems or just raise a smile of some kid who has never been to the ocean.

Stories, my fellow SurfArtist! You all should be freakin' at the fact that you are a part of this relatively new genre. Robb Havassy has majorly got the idea with his book "Surf Story". Clark Little gave us all a peak at how much the world loves the ocean via his media tour on main stream. Phil Roberts has a catalog of Fine works. I've been doing paintings depicting surf since the late 70's.

What ever your depiction, talk about it, share your story, make it Fine Surf Art, make that connection.
Feel it in your gut, speak from your heart, smile through your eyes, do the work.
Surf Art is Fine Art....the world is only now catching up to it...like it was for those old dudes Renior and Monet.