Surfboards as Wall Art?

Surfboards were never meant to hang on walls.

They were designed to cut through waves, to be carried across sand, to be waxed before sunrise and rinsed in saltwater at the end of the day.

But over time, they began finding their way into my studio…but how do I transform them into ocean inspired wall art?

From the Shoreline to the Studio

Living in Cornwall, surf culture is woven into everyday life. Old boards appear everywhere - tucked behind garages, stacked in surf shops, or quietly gathering dust after years of use.

When I first started experimenting with surfboards as a canvas, I was drawn to the idea of giving these objects a second life.

Just like the reclaimed textiles I use in my seascape paintings, surfboards carry history. They have travelled through waves, wipeouts, and unforgettable days in the sea.

Turning them into art allows those memories to continue - but in a completely new form.

Two Ways I Transform Surfboards into Art

Over time, my surfboard artworks have developed into two distinct approaches.

Each one creates a very different aesthetic, depending on the collector’s space and taste.

Hand-Painted Surfboards

These are the most tactile pieces I create.

Working directly onto the retired board, I build up the ocean scene using the same process as my textured seascape paintings - layering reclaimed materials, pigments and textiles to create depth and movement.

The result is a three-dimensional surface that captures the energy of the water.

Because of the materials used, the finish is naturally soft and matte, allowing the texture to take centre stage.

No two boards are ever the same.

They feel raw, organic and completely unique.

Printed Surfboards

For collectors who love the surfboard artwork format but prefer a sleeker, more polished finish, I also create surfboards using a specialist printing process.

Working with a local printer and board shaper, one of my artworks is printed onto fibreglass before being carefully reglassed onto a new board.

The result is a high-gloss, glassy surface, very similar to a traditional surfboard fresh from the shaping bay.

These pieces have a crisp, contemporary feel and work beautifully in modern interiors.

Why Surfboards Work So Beautifully as Art

Surfboards are sculptural objects by nature.

Their curves were designed to move through water, which means when they hang on a wall they immediately bring a sense of movement and flow to a space.

For ocean lovers, they also carry a deeper symbolism. A surfboard isn’t just equipment - it represents freedom, adventure and connection to the sea.

When transformed into artwork, it becomes a piece that holds both art and culture at once.

A Piece of the Ocean on Your Wall

Many of the people who collect my work feel a strong pull toward the ocean - even if they don’t live by it every day.

Surfboard pieces capture that feeling particularly well. They’re bold, sculptural and unmistakably connected to coastal life.

And perhaps most importantly, they keep the spirit of the ocean alive in a completely new way. Old boards that once rode waves now carry those stories onto the wall.

Collecting a Surfboard Piece

Each surfboard artwork is created in limited numbers, and many are made as one-off pieces.

If you're interested in commissioning a surfboard artwork - whether hand-painted or printed - you can explore available pieces or enquire about a bespoke project.

Because sometimes the objects that have lived closest to the ocean tell the most powerful stories.

Explore available surfboard artworks and enquiry about a bespoke commission → https://www.gemmalessinger.com/surfboard-art