 Name: Brenda Griffin Occupation: Artist Website
How long have you been working with used surfboards?
I have been doing murals on used surfboards for about seven years. People love them because they bring the beach into their homes. People tell me all the time that when they look at their surfboard, they feel happy, and as an artist, what more could I hope for! I do mainly beach scenes, but I also do mermaids and hula girls. People often request personalized boards, beach scenes including their dogs or family members or names on the boards. I can do whatever they want.
Do your customers care that the boards are salvaged from the landfill? Is this a selling point for you?
Of course people are happy to be part of the “green movement” of keeping these boards out of the landfills, I believe it is a selling point. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to help.
What inspires your art?
I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and in those days, Santa Barbara was just a funky little beach town, so I love the casual, beach, barefoot life style. I have also spent some time in Sayulita, a small surfing town in Mexico, all these places are inspiration for the boards I paint.
Do you do other forms of art other than painting of surfboards?
I have been a fine artist for over 40 years. I do oil painting and have had my work in world class galleries. I started doing the boards because they are fun, quick, different and affordable. Something that all people can enjoy.
What are your other passions?
My other passions are my faith. I became a Christian about ten years ago and it completely changed my life. I am so happy and at peace, I no longer wonder why I’m here, I know why! PRAISE GOD.
I live inland in a town when the minimum lot size is two acres so there is lots of open space around me. I love the orange groves and wild life out here. I also love animals. I own three horses, three dogs and two cats.
How blessed I am to get to the beach often too, as I sell out of a shop on Cedros in Solana Beach called Out of the Blue.
What do you think of the green movement? Any other ways you Reduse Reuse Reride?
I am honored to be part of the green movement. We have a huge obligation to take care of the earth and if each one of us does even a small part, we can make the world a better place, and how awesome is that.
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