While surfers shred and glide, they are exposing the truest parts of their animal existence. Beautiful, fearless, aloof, every style unique. For many, surfing is a fleshly pleasure that allows surfers, no matter their chosen craft, an opportunity to hold no remorse, just as non-human animals experience all of their lives.
The creative process for Animal Shred went like this: photos of human shredders were found, and if they beckoned for a new and improved animal head, they would get one. So who is the Flamingo? None other than Alex Knost. No doubt an influential slider of the current hour, the gentleman has some serious style. He also has some serious ‘tude–therefore, he was given a very aloof flamingo head to fit the man. I have a love/hate relationship with Mr. Knost. I love his style, watch his every move as if they could be calculated, and admire his ability to shred with his signature grace in most any wave…but his attitude drives me absolutely crazy.
And who is the lion? Craig Anderson. He is, quite simply, the man. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. He has a fluid style and a beautiful personality. He’s one of those people that make you want to be the best person you could possibly be. Throughout our lives, we will experience surfers that shape us and become role models, and I’m thankful to be a surfer in the time of Ando. I actually painted three using Ando’s body, only one of which is shown above. To be honest I could have certainly painted more….and I most assuredly will.
Animal Shred is a series of 10 paintings and will be on exhibit at the Charleston Music Hall on April 23, 2015-June 7, 2015.
See more from Kate on Instagram and on Animalshred.com.
