Local Artists Exhibit at Cocoa Beach Surf Museum
- May 14, 2009
- 0 Comments
- By Story By Kelley/Photos By Tara
We are blessed here in Brevard County. There are some many amazing things to do for everyone of every age group, around every corner, every day.
Capt Keane, our daughter Tara and I had a chance to visit one of our favorite spots this past weekend, The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. Being a family of both artists and surfers, it is easy to see why the museum is one of our favorite stops.
We were greeted by a smiling Tony Sasso, though I personally have known him no other way. Tony is always a wonderful host, friend to us all and an amazing artist! His work was on exhibit that Saturday evening as well as more of our legendary local artists. Tony is also the Executive Director of our special museum.
There was soothing acoustic music provided by Matt Heister, a wonderfully sweet man and a superb wine and food table.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing Tony’s work until that night and I was very impressed with his distinctive style and flare. The fluidity and attention to important light detail makes it easy to see the paintings are done by someone who is a soul surfer.
It was so nice talking to him about his passion for painting, surfing and his hometown. Hearing tales of how Bruce Reynolds has been a huge influence in his life, not only in the arts but in friendship, often dropping by the museum to help ponder the color of a new wall or the placement and lighting of an upcoming exhibit. Bruce has been a big inspiration for Tony and has given him many artistical hints, a few Tony was gracious enough to share with me! I couldn’t wait to get home to my canvas.
We had JUST missed Bruce Reynolds! In fact I think the Capt held the door for him on his way out and our way in. I'll catch him one of these days. That makes exhibit number two he's gotten away from me.
But we were most pleased that Tony first introduced us to Jim Hannan.
Jim is a true waterman, driven even by his choice of painting medium, polyester resin and colored pigment. Now, I wonder where he got that idea from.
Jim’s been surfing and making surfboards for most of his life. He once provided the imagery work for Ricky Carroll’s boards. The effect his choice of medium gives his impressionism style of work, leaves a breathtaking almost 3D look. I was immediately impressed at not only the creativity, but the magnificent composition of each piece. The speed he has to work with before his “paint” hardens isn’t long at all! Less then a few minutes! It’s quite amazing. You almost can’t help but reach out and touch it! Check him out at www.jimhannanart.com
Satellite Beach local, legendary Reggie Holladay’s paintings were on display. His works are inspired by his love and passion for surfing. What an amazing resume' Mr. Holladay has and his completed styles show exactly why his lists of accomplishments are so long and impressive and from the looks of it, still growing. His piece ‘Waimea Shore Break’ is so amazing you could almost smell the sea air and feel the ocean spray.
He now works as an illustrator out of his home right here in the hometownwe share.
Bruce Reynolds mixed media work is always a wonderful mind-bending experience, where ever you take it in. Bruce is a self-taught artist who has been making mixed media assemblages, sculptures, and collages for over 20 years. His works grace the walls of many of our surfing hero’s homes. I do believe Kelly is working on the entire collection.
One of my favorite pieces ‘Summertime’ was there that night, there’s a picture below for you to get a glimpse, but one must experience Bruce’s work in person to get the true feel of his imagination. You can find some of his work at www.brucereynoldsart.com
Rick Piper is an artist that inspires me greatly to this day. I feel right at home reading his bio. He gave up a killer job at NASA to do what he truly loves. He started as a street artist or trying to sell his art on the street and came close to giving up! He finally understood the term “starving artist” as much as I do, from what I understand. Until, one day, someone came with an appreciative eye and a few dollars more then what Rick was asking and WALA back comes your muse and you run for your canvas. Not that art is about money for most artists, but when you give up your day job and make it your bread and butter, well…
Rick was displaying a piece I had never seen before, the coolest wave made of wire, the picture below only does it slight justice and that was not the photographers fault. It just needs to be viewed with your head tilted in many different directions when taking it in..
I love surreal art and he brings us surf in the surreal. If you’ve sat at a beachside café in Brevard County, you’ve probably spied Ricks work hanging from a wall. And if not, do take the time to visit his website. www.rickpipersart.com
You can look for Rick on the side of the road to this day and you may find him! That was the first place I met him!
The Museum is always a wonderful place to go, Sean O’Hare, the curator, does a great job at keeping it a place to come and reminisce or bring folks who know nothing of the rich culture of surfing and introduce them to our world and oh what a SA-weet world it is.
Until next time
**Peace**
Kelley