Image: Pure Blue Water bottle, designed by Lamorna Penrose.
Lamorna Penrose is the surf artist we most want on our walls. Whether she's working on canvas or surfboard blanks, she brings the sea and surfing to life in the most beautiful and inspiring way. Here's what she had to say...budding surf artists, take note!
How big a role does surfing and the ocean play in your painting?
Surfing and the ocean play a huge role in the whole process of my work as they are my main inspiration. I had always wanted to paint and had always wanted to paint the ocean. I feel very privileged that this is what I get to spend my days concentrating on - my aim is to make pictures to hum, a good picture continues to breathe and vibrate with energy, like the ocean, if my work captures a hint of this then I feel I have achieved something quite special...
Do you work with photographs or any specific surfers?
Yes, I predominantly work with photography as I can get out there with my camera and sketch book, bring them back to the studio and create the perfect scene, if I haven't already been lucky enough to capture it through the camera - I don't go anywhere with out one. I also find other photographers work very inspiring and enjoy spending time perusing surf magazines for that perfect wave to paint. Surfers have sat for me in the past and we have gone out and taken some great shots - the Cornish waters are usually teaming with surfers, so I'm spoilt its all out there for me already.
Do you like to surf yourself and where is your favourite beach?
I did surf but sadly its only a paddle these days due to my heavy work load and now living on the south coast. The important thing is we live on the water and my studio looks over Flushing/St Mawes/Falmouth bay - pretty inspiring even on dark, dismal days! As my boyfriend is owner of the Blue Bar at Porthtowan I have to say Porthtowan Beach - particularly as it has made such a huge transition over the years from worst beach to one of the top ten! The clean up that has gone on at Porthtowan thanks to the Blue Bar and Surfers Against Sewage is phenomenal - truly inspiring - because I spend a lot of time there a lot of my work is based around Porthtowan so it has been very influential to my work.The break can be awesome and the beach is getting better and better - whether you are a surfer, doggy walker or family. Other wise I have my SECRET spots!
Are you enjoying working on surfboards? Is there any differences or difficulties painting on boards compared with canvas?
Loving the transition from canvas to blank - it's all still very new and exciting! I'm trying out all sorts of different methods of applying the paint so I'm having a good play - a new project is always a lot of fun - I just can't get the ideas down quick enough. If anything it's an easier process than working on canvas generally less restrictions and more freedom to experiment. The results are really rewarding!
Don't miss! The next board launch titled 'Blank Canvas Returns' is due to take place at The Boardroom at Porthtowan on Friday 8th June 2007 from 7pm- 10pm. This year there will be 12 boards on exhibition and for sale - all boards shaped by Chops Lascelles and the guys @ Laminations and this year all boards have been painted with non toxic organic acrylics! We are getting greener! All welcome!
Visit the gorgeous www.lamornapenrose.co.uk for more.
