We’re excited to announce the winner and shortlist entries to our SurfGirl Art Comp! We were blown away with all the talent and we want to thank everyone who submitted their artwork – it truly exceeded our expectations and showcased incredible creativity.
We had over 200 entries and to help us with the difficult task of selecting the final five, we were fortunate to have two talented artists on board Lea Wells and last year’s winner Angie Samblotte. With their invaluable input, we arrived at our shortlist of outstanding artists.
While the competition was extremely close, we had to choose one winner. From the shortlist, Erika Bradberry’s piece stood out for us. The simplicity of two friends waiting for a wave together conveyed so much and it deeply resonated with us.
Winner: Erika Bradberry
Erika, where are you based?
I’m from Los Angeles but live in Laguna Hills, CA now.
Can you share the creative process behind creating your image that we’ve chosen as the winning entry?
In my process I try to compose imagery that captures the feeling of being in the present moment, be it a landscape or with figures. In this instance it was a photo I saw by Sarah Lee of Leah Dawson and Kasia Meador, that inspired me, and I just hit the easel, spontaneously (which is the best feeling). I like to keep parts of the composition abstract, such as the water in this case, to focus the viewer on the experience of the figures.
How stoked are you to win the competition?
Quite honestly, even as a professional and lifetime creative, being recognized in this competition has excited me more than other exhibitions I have been juried in to. For me, it means that what I am doing is resonating with others who love what I love, and I would be truly honored by the nod from my tribe.
Taisila Kordiukova
Taisila, where are you based?
I live in Bali, having built my life around the ocean and the energy it gives me.
Can you tell us about the subject of the image?
The inspiration for this piece came from a trip to the Mentawai Islands, where we were completely disconnected from the outside world – no electricity, no internet, no phones. We spent our days surfing, laughing, and surrounded by wild nature. Those moments of freedom, joy, and deep connection with nature are what this illustration is all about.
Jula Osten
Jula, where are you based?
I was born in Northern Germany, but have lived for 6 years in my old timey RV somewhere in Europe and sometimes other places in the world.
Say something about your artwork
I would love for more people to see my work and hopefully inspire them to discover a place they have never been to or spark a curiosity for their own surroundings.
Can you share the creative process behind creating your image that we’ve chosen for the Short List?
The map of Cabo del Este I drew this spring when traveling w my boyfriend and dog through Baja California, Mexico in his self-built box van. The process of creating this map is very similar to my other maps: I go on a lot of walks. I observe. I talk to people that call this place their home. Once I have the feeling all impressions become one, I begin to draw. First in pencil then in ink. All analog and on paper.
Maria Delgado
Maria, where are you based?
I’m from Nicaragua and live in Playa Maderas, Nicaragua.
What’s your image about?
It’s a woman who’s frothing to go surfing and sees how good the waves are. The waves are so good her mouth is watering.
Can you share the creative process behind creating your image that we’ve chosen for the Short List?
I’ve been inspired by my community of surfers, especially all the girls who surf here. As a Nicaraguan woman ironically with all the beaches we have around here not many of us where taught how to surf when we where little. That has changed in the past years and it makes me happy to see. In my collages I try to project what it’s like to live here by going to the beach for a sunset beverage, hang out with friends, etc. I get my ideas, then go into my art studio and start to create. I do a mix of analog and digital collages so I start to search for specific images in my vintage magazines. I pick my images and start cutting or scanning to create my final collage.
Taylor Trbo
Taylor tell us about your art?
My work is a colourful collection of the beauty that surrounds my life, from the ocean to the earth to the beautiful people I get to love. In more recent years, the symbiotic relationship humans have with land has been incredibly evident and in the, rightfully deserved, spotlight. Which has obviously inspired the f*** out of me. Mother Earth is to be respected, and this respect for her makes respect for self and others possible.
Why is art so special to you?
I love being queer, being a woman, and I love being able to showcase the magic that we just naturally are, in my art.
