A career in art was a secret dream that I didn't even tell myself out loud until I was in my mid-twenties.  At the time I was traveling around the surf destinations of the world wondering what I was meant to do with the abyss of time in front of me.  It was a white fog that I did everything I could to avoid staring into.

The panicky feeling started after I graduated, I didn't know what to do with myself: I had a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting, possibly the most useless piece of paper anyone has ever paid tuition for.  I knew I wasn't an actor after second year but at my family's urging I finished my degree.   I traveled abroad in the summers to surf, skate and see what else was out there.  (those summers are another story, which deserve a whole entry)

At that time in my mid-twenties when I discovered I wanted to be an artist I was living on the North Shore of Oahu surfing and cleaning vacation rentals for free rent.  I budgeted $50 a week for food and shared a shack with 5 boys, 4 cats and bedbugs.
Life was so  great when it was good:  I got to surf and skate and live like ferrel teenager.  Most of the rest of the time wasn't fun: it rained for a biblical 48 days straight my first winter so no matter what time of day or night, everything was damp, the surf was big and messy forEVER, the vacation rentals were over crowded so there was twice the work just to pay for the bed in a shack and on top of everything my food money was running out.

There was this pivotal day I got a call from my boss about a complaint that I didn't scrub a toilet to the guest's standards and I would have to go back and do it again.  As I scrubbed the inside rim of the uptight Norwegian guest's toilet, trying to explain that it wasn't a bad job, rather the old toilet had been stained because the porcelain was worn away... I started wondering if this was the best I could do in life.  A panicky feeling welled up inside and without knowing what I was going to do or say, I walked to the office with a combination of seething anger and utter defeat.

The lady that owned the vacation rentals always seemed cold to me, and I got the feeling she didn't really care to hear problems unless they were disrupting business.  I opened the door and said something to the effect of "I can't do this anymore.  I work twice as hard as the boys do because I'm the only one who does a decent job, on any given week my mattress is either full of bedbugs or full of bug poison, I'm living off the food left by your guests when they leave and no matter how hard I scrub the oldest toilet in the world, it will NEVER appear clean!"  She took a moment, looked me over and asked "can you drive?"

I ended up driving her 13 year old son to his private school in Honolulu 4 days a week, a job which afforded me my own room and $100 a week!  I was so happy with my good fortune that I didn't even notice that my 6 months were up and I was supposed to go back to Canada.. besides  I couldn't!  Not now!  I was finally living comfortably and the winds of destiny were blowing in my direction, what if I missed that special once in a lifetime discovery that would change the course of my existence?!!

In the year I drove Conner to school, I spent a lot of afternoons killing time in Honolulu waiting to pick him up.  I didn't lay around on the beach or shop. Waikiki wasn't my thing and I had no money for shopping so I spent most afternoons in the university library looking up books on favorite artists and how-to books on figure drawing... I figured I had some good stories that would work in autobiographical comic form but I just needed some artistic skills to pull them off.  I'd never been to school for art, but I'd been drawing my whole life, it was just something I was compelled to do.   I had stacks of sketchbooks at home in Canada and with this new windfall of $100 a week, picked up some supplies and started drawing again.  This time it was different though because I had a whole day to devote to it and I treated those afternoons like school.  When I picked up Conner, I'd ask him what he learned that day and he'd look through my book to see how my drawing was coming along.  I think having someone to answer to at the end of the day was the biggest motivator to gain the technical skills and start executing my own original ideas.  He was a creative kid himself and I really valued his opinion.   Not long after, I started doing sweet graphics for his surfboards. Next came a little series of paintings inspired by our after school surf sessions (some I joined in on if the surf was small, and some I stayed on the shore taking in the beauty of North Shore life as an observer).  He told me I should get my work up at the Pupukea Starbucks, which I asked about but I was told it was the domain of a local artist.   Fate stepped in:  not 3 days later, I got a call from Starbucks telling me the local artist was moving to Maui and the space was available!  After that things moved pretty fast, the owner of Wyland Galleries noticed my work and I got an offer to hang at the gallery, Freesurf did an article on me and I was being commissioned by people I never dreamed I'd meet in real life!   It seemed pretty clear that it was the beginning of a career in art.

Eventually I did have to go home to Canada and face the music regarding my massive overstay in America, but I've made it work for the last couple years by commuting back and forth as much as I can, trying not to miss anything important, (but sometimes feeling painfully out of the loop).  Although it's a struggle to keep the momentum going, I've managed in the mean time to become an official Triple Crown Artist, do shows as far away as Brazil and Denmark, and get my work published in several magazines.  Fate gave me a huge series of opportunities and I'm not going to let it go easily.  I just got back from the North Shore a couple weeks ago and I've made the decision that I'll do whatever it takes get back to the place where my life as an artist began so I can see where it takes me next!

-SHINN


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The New FOAM MAGAZINE Digital Issue is now Available online!  Just click on the image above and Enjoy!

PiperGirls - Element Tote Bag Contest
 

Congratulations to RACHEL WONG!

It took a while to get through all the GREAT designs and pick a winner, but after narrowing it down, we chose Rachel's design as the winner of the Element Tote Bag Design Contest.  Besides being outfitted with an entire Element look from the summer "Conscious By Nature" collection, Rachel's design will appear in Elements holiday line. 

Thanks to those who entered, we love seeing all the participation, and keep up the good work!  Enter the newest PiperGirls Contest - The FOX Contest. 

Remember that you must be a part of the PiperGirls Community to enter.  Join Now!

  It seems like almost every community has a skate park–a place for the youngins’ to go, try out some sick tricks, and hang out with friends. City officials like them because they keep kids off the streets, and kids like them because they provide an adult-free haven where kids can be on their own. But despite their appeal, skate parks are basically empty swimming pools, made almost entirely out of concrete, and do nothing to reduce urban heat island effect or filter stormwater. Now, however, skate park designers are starting to incorporate greener features and nature into their designs. Read on to see how projects like the Ed Benedict Skate Plaza in Portland, Oregon are leading the charge.

Click the photo to watch the video

 

Volcom knows how to do it. They brought hick to the beach. With a full on white trash celebration! There was nothing white trash about the prize money at this event. As winners walked with some serious cash! Congratulations to Malia Manuel for winning the mountain momma division! For more check out Surfline.

A couple days ago, during a pumping swell at Sydney's most infamous slab, seven-time world champ Layne Beachley go towed by Bra Boy Richie Vass into the biggest barrel we've ever seen ridden by a women (outside  Hawaii + Tahiti) - during her first-sever surf at the place.  "When I let go of the rope I thought I was too deep," Layne explained.  But somehow I negotiated the bubble -- I didn't even know I was on the foam ball until I saw the photos-- and made it out/  It was the best barrel I've had in Australia, for sure.  I'm glad I made it!

Click the photo below to check the sequence on surfline!

The BarrelHouse presents: A Benefit for the Keep a Breast Foundation Friday, May 15th 7:30 PM at the BarrelHouse. The night will feature a performance by members of Chicago’s post-rock band Tortoise and San Francisco’s own Tommy Guerrero as well as the auctioning off the “Prevention is the Cure” mural painted by Ferris Plock, Jay Howell, Cody Cochran. We hope all of you can join us to support our cause Friday! Please RSVP to rsvp@barrelhousesf.com or on our Facebook invite page as space is limited.

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PiperGirls - Fox Contest

Everyone needs a great pair of sunglasses.
Some more than others. If you’re in dire need (runny mascara, bloodshot hungover
eyes, you name it) show us the pics to prove it. One winner gets a pair of
Fox’s brand new Alliator sunglasses (valued at $170)!!!

Here’s how it works:
Upload your pics by clicking on the image above. The winner will be selected on July 11th, 2009. See more Fox eyewear at foxeyewear.com.

Remember that you must be a part of the PiperGirls Community to enter.  Join Now!

Melody (live acoustic) from Kate Earl on Vimeo.

Westbeach is doing a jacket for their 2010/11 Winter collection to raise funds for Keep A Breast and promote early age self breast exams. 30% of online 10% of retail price will go to KAB. But they need your help! THE JACKET:
The jacket will feature a unique printed lining showcasing anonymous images of all shapes and sizes of, you guessed it, boobs! By placing this print on the inside of the jacket our goal is to make a personal statement and keep the idea and cause close to the wearers heart! The Jacket will also feature a DIY breast self-check guide hidden in the pocket!! WHAT WE NEED:
We are inviting any ladies over the age of 18 that are interested in participating in this project to submit a photo of your breast, nude or wearing a bra to contribute to the lining print art work. Keeping with the anonymous theme please don't show your face in the photo. Your photo should be a clear front chest shot, please no side or back shots. YOU COULD WIN JUST BY CONTRIBUTING:
Anyone who submits their photo will automatically be entered into a draw to win the jacket when it is released in September 2010 as well as a monthly draw. For more info and where to submit go to westbeach.com/keepabreast

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Well, if you missed the US film tour of Thomas Campbell's newest movie "The Present" you're gonna want to go out and buy it after watching this clip. Thomas is by far one of the most talented film makers in the surf industry.  He's one of the last remaining few that still use film for his movies.

NIKITA CHICKITA EUROPE 2009
 

Nikita Chickita Europe 2009 was a blast!  Thirty-five girls from all nationalities including Swiss, Italian, Austrian, German, Slovakian, Polish, Slovenian, Croatian, Dutch, Swede and Finnish travelled to make this year’s contest the best EVER!!  Thanks to everyone who made it such a super sick event.  

The weather gods were with us and similar to last year, the day began with some light snowfall with the afternoon clearing up to let in some sunshine.  Mexx and Flo, the shapers, made sure the girls had a great course to ride with two kicker lines, a stairs set with a down flat down kinked box and rail combo or choice of a flat box to picnic table, finished off with a tyre jib and wallride.  



The atmosphere was happy and relaxed from the start.  At registration the girls came to collect their goodie bags, stoked that each got one despite the contest being free to enter.  Every girl had a Polaroid picture taken which was pinned to a board and displayed in the chill out area next to the course so everyone could see who was riding.  It also made it easier to know who’s who by what they were wearing, especially as the Nikita Chickita rule is strictly no bibs.  No point in covering up a girl’s style, right!?



After warm ups the thirty-three girls in the women’s category started out the qualifiers with three runs each.  The two amazing juniors also stomped the course and impressed the judges.  The girls pushed themselves throughout and the riding was immense; most girls doing spins of 3s and 5s and hitting up the stairs with a double kinked rail.   After all the qualifications, 11 finalists from the women’s were chosen and as the juniors killed it with their runs, they both went through to the finals.



We had a great crew judging the contest in the form of Nikita team riders Julia Baumgartner (Austria), Sabrina Kusar (France), Ana Rumiha (Croatia and Nikita Chickita 2008 winner) and Maude Richon (Switzerland).  



Things stepped up again in the final with an even more impressive standard of riding; more spins including 720’s and junior Klaudia Medlova from Slovakia, at just 15 years of age was the only girl to be doing backflips.  



Nikita Chickita Norway winner Cecilia Larsen from Sweden clinched first with some solid runs throughout the course of the day, never missing a trick. She pulled out a frontside 5 to cab 5, 50 50 to frontside boardslide on the kink box and a super high wall ride, all on just on one run! The judges unanimously agreed she was this year’s winner saying “Cecilia ROCKS!”  She has a great style, super smooth and continued to pull out some impressive stuff like the 50 50 180 to switch 50 50 on the double kink box.   



In second place was the silky smooth Cilka Sadar from Slovenia who had some fine runs including a frontside 5, switch backside 180 on the biggest kicker and in other runs hit the box, 5050 180 out, a backside 3 and frontside 7, the only 7 of the contest.



Third place winner was Anais Cettou, champion of the recent Nikita Goodie Lady Session in Switzerland. She landed a backside 3 cab 5 among her runs and just pipped Nikita Chickita Europe 2007 winner Steffi Hamman for third place.   



Another mention of the juniors is a must.  Klaudia Medlova from Slovakia really surprised and impressed the judges.  She was a definite contender in the final and if she had the same run and luck as her qualifiers, would have made the top five for sure.  She pulled out a front 5 and backflip, the only backflip of the comp.  She clinched the top spot for the juniors ahead of Katarzyna Rusin, who did a backside 3 frontside 3, wallride and tried out the double kink box.  Definite big ups to the juniors, the judges appreciated your style!



The judges enjoyed the contest as much as the girls seemed to and last year’s winner Ana Rumiha said she “had the same fun riding as judging this year”, also because of local shredder and team champ, the ‘easy style’ Julia Baumgartner.  



The chill out area next to the course provided plenty of tunes between shaper Flo playing some select tracks from his i-Pod and DJs RythmusGymnastik giving a taster of what was to come at the after party in the evening.  Those in need of some TLC got a custom massage from El Forage one of the top 5 masseurs in the world. As always he was dressed for the occasion in a black and white Mexican wrestling mask.  Eerie but well appreciated.  



So after the contest everyone headed down the mountain for some après ski drinks, freshened up, ate dinner and headed to the Patschi Bar for the after party.  The prize giving took place first with the winners of the juniors and womens getting huge bags of goodies including Nikita streetwear and outerwear, Lomography cameras, Coal beanies, Dakine bags, Les Ettes perfume bottles and more.  Cecilia won the first prize of 1000 Euros and a one year contract with Nikita, in second Cilka got 500 Euros and third place Anais, 250 Euros.  



Then party – the best yet!  The bar was packed and RythmusGymnastik got everyone pounding the floor with a wide selection of well known tunes.  The Nikita Chickita party is definitely famous in Serfaus!  Some bemused locals joined in the fun with all the Nikita girls and crew, loving the atmosphere and the DJs set which had everyone jumping.  The massage table was out again with a few people taking the opportunity to experience something new – massage and party in one!


Nikita wants to say a BIG THANKS to all the girls that came to this year’s event, you guys made it happen! Some had travelled a long way just to be there and we’re looking forward to seeing you again next year for an even bigger and better event!  

For more photos and info go to www.nikitaclothing.com

 

Estoril Billabong Girls

ASP 6 Star Womens WQS event
Guincho, Cascais Portugal
1 - 3 May 2009

  |  Results/Photos/Videos etc

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 May, 2009 : - - Estoril, Bafuriera Beach Portugal -- The ASP top ranked surfers showed their talent in an incredible opening day of the Estoril Billabong Girls Pro. The ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star event commenced in three to four foot (1 to 1.2 meter) surf at Guincho beach for Round 1 and finished in firing four foot plus surf at Bafuriera beach.

”With the Event being mobile we were able to move to get the best waves and we finished at this great right hand point break,” ASP Women’s World Tour rookie Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) said. “Everyone loves coming to Portugal and with most of the ASP Top 17 surfers here, it makes it really exciting.”

Event organizers were monitoring conditions closely across the peninsula and when the wind turned onshore at Guincho they were quick to move and take advantage of the better conditions in Bafuriera. The swell built from three foot to a near perfect four to five foot offshore conditions, aided by the incoming tide push.

Joint organiser and competitor Jaona Rocha (PRT) commentated that “Estoril has many great waves, it all depends on the swell direction and wind then you pick your location.”

Round 1 and part of Round 2 was fought in tough conditions with a strong sweep and varying peaks making it difficult for competitors to find rhythm. With the move to the point break, surfers found better scoring waves for showing off their talent to the Portuguese fans.

Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), 22, had the highest heat score forcing her fellow competitors to need a combination of scores all whilst surfing on a borrowed board. “I got here early in the week to surf the different breaks and try out some equipment and my boards didn’t arrive. I am still waiting for them,” Miley-Dyer said.

Other contest standout surfers for the day were rising and talented Coco Ho (HAW), 17, Carissa Moore (HAW), 17, with Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Paige Hareb (NZL) completing the young-gun leading pack.

“It is my dream to make the ASP Women’s World Tour,” Moore said. “I am going to see how the year goes for me and just take it heat by heat” finished Moore when asked about her ambition to joining the elite tour.

“I got a good last wave but there was still some time to go. I was hoping that Nikita (Robb) and Lee Ann (Curren) didn’t get one as they were both trading second place and looking to over take me,” Coco Ho said.

Claire Bevilacqua still in form after her Pipeline win is just happy to be here. “I have been really happy and appreciating the fun side of what competitive surfing can offer me. I am really enjoying myself and the WQS this year which is keeping me happy and fresh.” Claire Bevilacqua.

Event organisers are hopeful the swell and wind will stay favorable for the last day of the waiting period tomorrow. A call will be made at 7.30am at Carcavelos to assess if the contest will conclude there or possibly move back to the Bafuriera beach.

Upcoming Round 4 Match-ups
Heat 1: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), Coco Ho (HAW), Carissa Moore (HAW)
Heat 2: Jaqueline Silva (BRA), Nikita Robb (ZAF), Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Megan Abubo (HAW)
Heat 4: Rosanne Hodge (ZAF), Bruna Shmitz (BRA), Rebecca Woods (AUS)

Round 3 Results
Heat 1: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 12.85, Jaqueline Silva (BRA) 8.0, Omella Pellizzari (ARG) 7.20, Francisca Santos (PRT) 4.85
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.55, Nikita Robb (ZAF) 14.25, Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 12.25, Jessica Grimwood (AUS) 9.40
Heat 3: Paige Hareb (NZL) 16.60, Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.0, Arini Mason (NZL) 12.75, Amandine Sanchez (FRA) 9.40
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.60, Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 14.65, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 13.90, Bianca Buitendag 
Heat 5: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 17.0, Bruna Shmitz (BRA) 11.15, Sage Erickson (USA) 10.60, Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN) 9.10
Heat 6: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.10, Megan Abubo (HAW) 9.50, Justine Dupont (FRA) 9.0, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 8.15

Round 2 Results
Heat 1: Omella Pellizzari (ARG) 11.75, Coco Ho (HAW) 11.25, Marina Vrneck (BRA) 10.50, Suelen Naraisa (BRA) 3.45
Heat 2: Jaqueline Silva (BRA) 10.25, Nikita Robb (ZAF) 10.0, Lexi von der Leith (USA) 1.60, Karina Petroni (USA) 0.40
Heat 3: Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 14.50, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 9.0, Dara Penford (AUS) 6.35, Ana Sarmento (PRT) 0.50
Heat 4: Jessica Grimwood (AUS) 13.0, Francisca Santos (PRT) 12.0, Silvana Lima (BRA) 10.75, Wini Paul (NZL) 9.0
Heat 5: Carissa Moore (HAW) 18.10, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.50, Sara Beardmore (AUS) 6.15, Jessica Hickson (AUS) 
Heat 6: Arini Mason (NZL) 11.65. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 10.35, Demi Boelsterli (USA) 9.95, Anastasia Ashley (USA) 4.25
Heat 7: Alana Blanchard (HAW) 10.25, Amandine Sanchez (FRA) 7.10, Jess Dobson (AUS) 5.35. Erica Hosseini (USA) 3.40
Heat 8: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 12.50, Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.85, Crystal Vail (AUS) 9.50, Tarryn Chudleigh (ZAF) 9.0
Heat 9: Sage Erickson (USA) 15.0, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.50, Mizuki Hagiwara (JPN) 8.0, Caroline Sarran (FRA) 4.85
Heat 10: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 12.0, Justine Dupont (FRA) 9.65, Rachel Haris (USA) 4.75, Claudia Goncalves (BRA) 4.55
Heat 11: Megan Abubo (HAW) 13.25, Bruna Shmitz (BRA) 12.55, Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 11.0, Nicola Atherton (AUS) 8.50
Heat 12: Amee Donohoe (AUS) 13.30, Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN) 12.90, Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.45, Joana Rocha (PRT) 5.65

Round 1 Results
Heat 1: Omella Pellizzari (ARG) 13.50, Lexi von der Leith (USA) 4.20, Nathalie Canat (FRA) 4.15, Ashley Smith (AUS) 4.0,
Heat 2: Dara Penfold (AUS) 10.35, Wini Paul (NZL) 6.50, Marie de Jean (FRA) 4.50, Estitxu Estremo (ESP) 1.80
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) 6.50, Demi Boelsterli (USA) 4.05, Anne – Cecile La Tallec (FRA) 2.50, Maria Gonzalez (PRI) 
Heat 4: Jess Dobson (AUS) 12.75, Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 8.0, Angela Keighran (AUS) 3.0, Caroline Perret (FRA) 0.0
Heat 5: Sage Erickson (USA) 11.0, Rachel Haris (USA) 6.15, Michelle Brouillons (BRA) 4.25, Nicole Morgan (IRE) 2.40
Heat 6: Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 4.75, Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN) 4.0, Pico Alegria Eider (EUK) 3.75, Alizee Arnaud (FRA) 1.40