Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Brown.
Kate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband and I both love anything related to the ocean- especially surfing. In preparation for our wedding on Folly Beach, I painted a broken surfboard to say “all waves & forever” so we could use it as decor. I had seen artists in Hawaii turning surfboards into art, so I had been curious to try it out myself.
I’ve been a painter my whole life, and my husband shapes and repairs surfboards, so the collaboration came together quite naturally. People loved the first board, so I started upcycling his collection of unusable vintage boards and turning them into vibrant wall art.
I now have boards up at homes, restaurants, and shops all around the Lowcountry. Most of the time, people request custom designs, sometimes bringing me their personal retired boards to salvage. I’ve expanded my portfolio by painting tropical designs and ocean scenes on cornhole boards, walls, and canvases as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Sourcing boards is the hardest part of my work.
We don’t have the plethora of broken boards that artists in Hawaii have because we don’t have as many surfers (or as dangerous waves) here in the Lowcountry.
My husband and I try to pick up boards whenever we are traveling through Florida or around Charleston.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I primarily paint old surfboards and turn them into wall art. After a certain point, most surfboards have to be retired because the foam gets too much water exposure from cracks in the fiberglass, so they don’t float or ride as well as new boards do.
Rather than throwing those boards away, I give them new life by painting them with tropical designs or ocean scenes. I love adapting my style to fit the client. If you see my boards up at different restaurants or shops, you’ll notice how I apply my designs to match the vibe of the store so the board enhances the feeling of the location.
My art makes people happy. People are delighted when they see a painted surfboard hanging on a wall.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was a very whimsical child, so I taught myself how to unicycle. I spent 2 months practicing in my basement before I took it outside and successfully rode around my neighborhood. I was so proud of myself. I felt like I was flying.
Pricing:
- $500 for a custom board
- $300 for a custom board if I use your old board as the canvas
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.alohakdesigns.com
- Instagram: @alohakdesigns
- Facebook: alohakdesigns
Image Credits
Katye Schrecengost
