Surfboard Art
For those seeking a distinctive piece that embodies the spirit of the ocean, I offer bespoke surfboard art commissions.
These artworks transform retired surfboards into vibrant canvases, each telling a story of the sea. Whether it's a cherished surf spot, a memorable wave, or the essence of Cornwall's coastline, I craft pieces that resonate deeply with your personal connection to the ocean.
Each surfboard is carefully sourced and prepared, ensuring sustainability and longevity. Alternatively you can supply one of your cherish boards. The process involves collaboration, where your stories and inspirations guide the design, resulting in a piece that's not just art but a reflection of your journey with the sea.
Explore the process and view examples of past surfboard art commissions, or contact me via the button below:
The Process
There are two ways in which Gemma offers her surfboard art. First is a hand painted textured piece, which gives you the 3 dimensional texture Gemma uniquely captures with repurposed materials. Gemma will discuss with you the location you want to focus on, colour scheme, overall composition and then paint directly onto the surfboard, using upcycled fabric, surfboard fibreglass and other beach found materials to build the texture of the waves and shoreline.
Or alternatively you can choose a smooth, glossy finished board which uses one of Gemma’s previous painting designs. Any print in Gemma’s available print store can be chosen for this, even just zooming in on one part of a print. These prints show all the texture of the original painting, the piece being scanned by a v3d high resolution scanner, so you get the beauty of the texture but with a smooth, gloss finish. This is then printed onto lightweight fibreglass and then glassed/resined on top of the old surfboard, using Gemma’s trusted surfboard shaper in Newquay.
With all Gemma’s surfboard art pieces, she leaves the back of the board as it has always been, allowing the board to tell it story; from the shaper who originally crafted it, to stickers from sponsers or journeys travelled.
Pricing & Availability
Commissioned surfboards are all bespoke prices, as it will depend on whether Gemma is sourcing a board or you are supplying, the dimensions of the board etc.
However as an example cost:
A hand painted, textured surfboard (a board averaging 180cm in length), with the board sourced by Gemma, prices starts from £3,000.
A re-glassed gloss finished surfboard using a design from Gemma’s print catalogue, with the board sourced by Gemma, prices start from £3500.
You may ask why the gloss finished boards are a slightly higher price, this is due to the costs involved with printing onto new fibreglass and Gemma’s shaper glassing the new artwork onto the board.
I only take on a limited number of commissions per season to preserve creative focus.
Lead times are currently 8–12 weeks — please enquire early if you have a specific date in mind.
Payment plans can be arranged.
Things to Note
If you are supplying a board for Gemma to use, some minor damage can be repaired, eg. slight damage to the nose or tail, dings down the rails, but this will all be factored into the cost as Gemma’s shaper will need to repair this damage. Boards which are snapped in two unfortunately cannot be used, unless you want just half a board as the piece!
All boards are designed to be wall art pieces - boards can come with hanging fixtures on the back, or Gemma can recommend fixtures for the wall or floor that the board can sit in to be admired vertically or horizonally.
If you would like to discuss creating a RIDEABLE / SURFABLE board, this can be arranged. The board can be supplied by yourself or Gemma can work with her shaper in Newquay to build you a complete custom board. Gemma can then either hand paint a FLAT design (no texture) onto the board or use one of her prints to adorn the top of the board. This is a fully bespoke project which entails additional costs so please contact Gemma for a bespoke quote.
D K - Cornwall
"Gemma's surfboard art captured the essence of my favourite surf spot. It's more than just a piece of art; it's a piece of my journey."
Get in touch with Gemma
To discuss your unique piece of surfboard art, complete the form with your details and a brief message with details of your board/idea and Gemma will get back to you asap.