Meerweh, das [german]: A feeling of irrepressible longing for the sea & beach, the sound of the waves and the feeling of salt water on the skin. Closely related to wanderlust, the feeling of longing for faraway places.
And what to do if the sea is too far away to just get a quick breath of sea air? Then why not bring the sea into your home: as surfart on the wall or directly into your pocket via smartphone! Today we’re introducing you to our favourite surfing artists who manage to capture the surfing feeling on paper. Let’s bring the ocean to your home or Insta-feed!
Surfart – Overview
Surfkunst by Fabian Lavater
Fabian Lavater has been doodling, drawing and painting whenever he can for as long as he can remember. However, after art schools failed to recognise his talent, he initially studied ‘something sensible’. He caught the surfing bug after a stay at a surf camp in France. The (failed) attempt at a wave tattoo in combination with inspiration from other freelance artists on social media eventually led to Fabian sharing his pictures and drawings on Instagram @lavater_art. And so the initial wave paintings turned into paintings and drawings of all kinds (albeit clearly inspired by a love of the sea, outdoor life and nature). He now devotes himself entirely to art, creating large-format paintings, illustrating books, T-shirts and much more!
Surfart by Pia Himmelein
@Pia Himmelein – you may still know her by her old name Pia Opfermann – adds that certain pinch of mee(h)r to your home with her graphics, illustrations and prints!
The trained communication and media designer has her studio in Kempen on the Lower Rhine and uses the summers to soak up the sun, sea and plenty of inspiration.
She offers surf art in all sizes: from large-format prints to postcards and greetings cards to lino prints and wrapping paper, you’ll find everything your ocean lover’s heart desires!
Surfart by Zala Cuden (Doodle the Surf)
These charming doodles bring a smile to our faces every day, which is why we would like to share them with you.
Behind these drawings is @zalacuden from Slovenia. She started surfing 13 years ago on the Canary Islands. Since then, her life has changed a lot and seven years ago she decided to spend most of the year near the sea, drawing and indulging in creativity, among other things.
Surfart by Thomas Fotomas
The instagram account of @thomasfotomas offers you spectacular surf photos. The focus is on the waves, which are turned into magnificent works of art on the computer. The result are unique photos that will make you dream of surfing and life on the beach.
Surfart by Mads Masterpiece
Behind @madsmaterpiece is Maddie Hartiens, an avid Longoard surfer. She has called Hawaii her home for several years. There she creates drawings and illustrations inspired by nature, sun & surf.
Surfart by Las Chicas del Sol
The minimalist black and white drawings by @las.chicas.del.sol by Clara Petit show a love of the ocean and surf culture. Clara Petit lives in the Basque Country in northern Spain and when she’s not in the water herself, she wants to bring the sunshine to your home with her drawings!
Surfkunst by Raul Casado
The illustrator and graphic designer Raul Casado lives on Mallorca and creates his unique artworks there, which are clearly characterised by his passion for surfing. In his art, he tries to capture the essence of surfing, the interaction with nature and the unique feeling it evokes in his works
Surfart by Tash Chapman
Tash Chapman is a graphic designer from Florida who creates paintings and drawings, stickers, t-shirts etc.. Her love of the ocean, surfing and nature is the defining theme of her art. You can follow her and her art via Instagram @chapmanatsea. While she started out designing logos and advertising images for others, she soon realised that she was not fulfilling this work in the office and at the computer.
Some time later, she started a new project. In a small online surf shop, she sold self-sewn surfboard socks and beach bags: Chapman at Sea was born. However, as her husband took a job that involved constant relocation, she gradually transformed the online shop into a small art shop. Because travelling with an iPad is much easier than taking sewing utensils with you. And so she is getting back to her roots, creating art that she likes and focussing on surf art.
Surfart by Les Filles du Surf
@Les Filles du Surf, drawn and conceived by French graphic designer and illustrator Jeanne, aims to create a new image of a natural and relaxed surfer girl without fulfilling the usual clichés. Jeanne’s pictures convey a love of nature, the waves and life on the beach. Above all, however, she wants her images to encourage women to take up the sport of surfing and not be held back by any clichéd images.
We hope that one or two artists will be able to soothe your seasickness in the future. And if all else fails, you know where to find us and your little #homebythesea…