An Interview with Artist Todd DiCiurcio
Likely the most colorful human in attendance for The Surf Thing over the summer was artist Todd DiCiurcio—and that’s in a very literal way. Although his art speaks for itself, what it might not tell you is that he is also an avid surfer, Solento Tequila’s co-founder, and one-half of one of the sweeter romances out there with Meg DiCiurcio. Walking into the Surf Lodge in early June you might have been fortunate enough to spy a beautiful mural by the artist himself. For the final installment of “Beaches Love” with our friends over at ZenWTR (the only alkaline water in bottles made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic), Todd talks about the relationship between art and water—and how it translates to his canvas.
Whalebone: The ocean and art. How are they alike, and does it inform any of your work personally?
Todd DiCiurcio: The meme for existence right here. A child’s reaction to seeing the ocean for the first time was, “Wow, look how big it is!” To which a wise parent replied, “and that’s only the top of it.”
Nature’s struggle for balance in the great oceans is analogous to the filters one might use to interpret a harsh reality. One can only be the best observer to react—and the waves provide that opportunity to understand the greatest value in its presence…timing. This determines all of my mark-making.
WB:What is your personal relationship like with the water?
TD:I feel protected within it, protective of it, a pure love. Our bodies are 80% water, so the depths to which we are attracted is a great mystery, yet it is within us.
WB:What was the inspiration for the mural for The Surf Thing?
TD: The Surf Thing mural process was purely unconscious. Looking back, perhaps a reaction to the energy which brings us to different experiences, dancing together with humans who live for that change. Whose love for the unknown becomes a very clear reality, one which is manifested. We all shared the shift upward that indeed celebrated a coming of age.
WB:When you hear the word zen what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
TD: Koans and the peace plight we are all brought to doubt.
WB: How would you like to leave the planet better than you found it?
TD: I believe reusing what we already physically have should be a driving force for the change that slows our “wants” to only “needs.”
