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!

Her Waves, Her Stories. Meet surf inspired artist Cathy Surgeoner

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!

Her Waves, Her Stories. Meet San Diego based artist Cathy Surgeoner Designs

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/

I’m inspired by the water, the sun, the moon, and the stars. My countless wipeouts, my dreams of noseriding, and the feeling I get when sliding across the face of a wave.

Meg Jacovino