Meet artist Cathy Surgeoner
Hey Cathy, Tell us a little about yourself...
I'm Northern Irish, and I took off around the world in my twenties and never returned home. I spent two years in New Zealand on a mission to learn to snowboard and surf, and then four years in Japan also surfing and snowboarding, where I met my hubby. I have lived in California for eight years. I worked in the arts back home, but it wasn't until I had my first kid that I started making and selling art.
How would you best describe your artistic style & what's your favorite medium?
Everything ocean! At the moment, I work in watercolor and digital. I also do printmaking when I have the time. Due to lack of time day to day, digital is my fav right now, but I find the most satisfaction when I finish a watercolor without messing it up!
Where do you find your inspiration?
Ocean, beach, surf & sail. Right now, the big wave surf women are absolutely an inspiration in my art and life. To live the dream!
Tell us a little about your surf journey...
I began surfing in New Zealand, Northland, and then Raglan. When I moved to Japan, it was overwhelming, so I went to the sea to calm myself. I used to surf a fickle reef break at Shichirigahama and beach Kamakura. We loved Capitola and Asilomar in Northern California; now we enjoy all the mellow spots, Tourmaline, San Onofre, and a little north of that.
What do you love most about living and working in San Diego?
The weather! I can be in or on the ocean all through the year!
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an artist?
Financially, I wouldn't be able to pursue dreams if my husband wasn't supportive.
Confidence to just go for it and live the dream. I wish I'd been this way ten years ago!
A piece of advice you'd give an aspiring artist?
Learn a good skill that you can use for $$ and keep making art until, hopefully, the art takes over.
Quickfire Questions:
Your dream surfboard? A custom fish
Favorite color? Blue
Dream Surf Trip? Costa Rica (been wanting or planning since 2012🤦♀️)
One item you couldn't live without? Phone, to keep in touch with family at home.
Your greatest achievement? Traveling the world by myself, most of the time, it was on a shoestring!
Fav surf spot? Just north of San Onofre 🥰 , And I love Tourmaline just before sunrise if it's not crowded!
Follow Cathy on Instagram: @Cathysurgeoner
Visit Cathy Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/cathysudes/
