Roy Gonzalez – A Vibrant Virtuoso

 

The Artist of a Thousand Canvases

 

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Legendary film star Lon Chaney (1883 -1930), known for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, was dubbed "The man of a thousand faces" because he could immerse himself in any role.

 

Roy Gonzalez might be called "the artist of a thousand canvases" for his epic creations in surf and skate art, comic books, music album covers, murals, media, brands, fashion, and more.

Infusing each artwork with his own electrifying style of kinetic energy, Gonzalez' paintings are the personification of "mind-blowing" art, interweaving vibrant colors with minute details. 

In addition to using his art to share his view of the beach and music worlds, his Roy’s Real Tales stories series tells about his life experiences and how they shaped him, hoping that others can learn from them.   

SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel were fortunate to be seated next to Gonzalez at a California Surf Museum annual gala in Carlsbad, CA, and to hear his stories firsthand.

 

Surprisingly mellow for someone whose artworks are filled with so much excitement, Gonzalez was enjoying soaking up the surf vibe in the room.

 

Waving to the surfing greats passing by, he talked to surf artist Ron Croci and Phyllis Tracy, a “Gidget” 1960s Malibu Beach scene regular, and enjoyed the ohana – sense of family – that was all around.

Calling himself “a Rebel with a Pen,” Gonzalez is an original, who loves to point out life’s absurdities and poke fun at convention.

 

An iconic artist who is full of surprises, much like Frank Sinatra’s famous song “My Way,” Roy Gonzalez puts his own spin on life and this painting of the blue-eyed crooner.  

 

It’s a spin that’s wild, irreverent, and filled with a passion for living each moment to the fullest.

  

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.

Surfrider's Wave of Victories in 2023

 

Protecting Oceans, Waves and Beaches

 

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

The nonprofit Surfrider Foundation is an advocate for the world's oceans, waves, and beaches, organizing beach cleanups around the world, educating people about protecting the environment, and helping to make the beach accessible to all.

 

In 2023 it hosted 1,200 beach cleanups in the U.S. alone and removed almost 100 tons of trash, keeping it from entering our oceans and waterways. 

Surfrider's Blue Water Task Force monitored water pollution levels at 500 sites to protect the safety of ocean-goers and communities alike.

Surfrider volunteers showed people how to plant Ocean Friendly Gardens that don’t pollute the environment.

And it helped restaurants create Ocean Friendly Restaurants that use sustainable food-handling and service methods.   

 

Throughout the year Surfrider won major legislative victories in pushing bans on single-use plastics, which frequently end up in the ocean.

It also helped improve coastal access to beach spots so everyone can enjoy the ocean.

 

Since it was founded in Malibu, CA in 1984 by a group of surfers, Surfrider has fought to keep the beaches clean and safe for everyone.

As it enters its 40th year, Surfrider's grassroots, volunteer network is committed to making a positive difference in the quality of our beaches and to ensure that each new challenge is met. By becoming a friend of the ocean, you can help, too!      

 

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.