Artist Series Q&A: Concrete Ocean Art
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Welcome to the first in our Q&A series with the amazing artists behind our Artist Series Grip Tape!
Introducing, Fiona from @concreteoceanart. The amazing talent behind the Larrikin Beach grip.
LG: How long have you been creating art and what was your inspiration for starting?
Fee: I’ve been creating art since I was old enough to hold a pen. I always had a unique imagination which was probably a form of escapism. I was entranced by the pictures in books. I also loved drawing pictures to match songs I’d listen to, in between dancing to each song of course. Then experimenting with different mediums and darker subjects and styles as I got older.
LG: When did you first begin getting involved in the skate community either through skateboarding or art?
Fee: 9 years ago I brought my 13yo son to Knox skate and BMX Park for Freestyle Bmx lessons. We loved the community there and I thought the skateboarding looked so amazing, so I decided I wanted to learn with the kids. I also began a mission to create a community for young Freestyle BMXers at Knox, as there seemed to be a lack of support for young Freestyle BMXers in the outer east.
LG: What are some of the most significant influences on your art?
Fee: Ha ha! Um childhood trauma(is that too taboo?) the passing of my daughter.
I love including nature in my art, especially water, emotions, pain, love, humour, colour. As an Art Therapist, I enjoy delving deep into my art as an experience of healing and processing. I also love surf/beach/skate culture and how these go hand in hand with artistic expression. Music helps me create art on a whole other level.
LG: What’s your advice for new artist wanting to begin?
Fee: Just do what you love and don’t be afraid to dive into the darker side and create ugly art, experiment with different styles and mediums.
LG: What do you hope people take away from your art?
Fee: Oooh tricky question. I do art for different reasons, so I guess every piece is different. For example, when I create beach or skatepark scenes, like this one I did for Larrikin, I want to capture a scene showing fun and action, depicting certain moments and characters that others can relate to and maybe have a laugh. Maybe even see themselves!
For some artworks, they are simply a wish or an exercise in healing and it’s more about the journey than the finished art.