'Mahalo' - A project with Steve Ehrman, March 2023
The silent but powerful roll of the wave - shooting through it is the best feeling ever.
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida in 'Coconut Grove'.
Miami gets waves and I’ve surfed a few hurricanes - the only times the waves were any good!
From an early age I had an afinity for beauty and might of the ocean.
I Moved to Dana Point, California and lived there for 18 years. It was within walking distance from 'Strands', a great surf point brake. That area has some of the best surf spots in California.
I loved it. Surfing in the morning, driving 90 minutes and being on the slopes, night skiing at Big Bear.
Later, I bought beach front land in Fiji. It was a beautiful western style home. I continued surfing and scuba diving there.
Later on, I sold my California and Fiji home and bought a beautiful home in Phuket, Thailand. I now live part of my year in Phuket and part in Maui, Hawaii - where I continue to surf.
Artist's Note:
Mahalo. A name that embodies gratitude and aloha spirit, just like Steve. He used to ride the waves like a true surfing hero, and now, as he watches from the shore, the colors of his life come alive in the vibrant waves.
The wave is a metaphor for life, a journey we all ride, each with our own rhythm, movement, and colors. You can sense the energy of the wave, the thrill of the ride, and the beauty of the moment.
It's a reminder that we're all riding our own wave, and that every moment is a chance to experience the beauty and vitality of existence. So take a deep breath, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Let it remind you of the power of gratitude, the beauty of life, and the spirit of aloha.
The old surf term I’ve always loved to say:
“Go For It!”
- Steve
Do I see myself in paint?
Most definitely.
Although in your paintings you purposely leave out any details that would create any recognizable features, it leaves the viewer with a full interpretation and feel of the painting.
My personal style and stance cannot be mistaken for anyone else but me.
Surfers all have very personal distinguishing features such as the way you position yourself on the board, goofy foot or regular, standing with an arch to the back or squatting very low or, in my case, a little bit of everything depending on the wave.
The position of my hands, one for balance and one to feel the energy of the wall of water beside me. It’s a ballet type dance with the wave and the feeling and energy you absorb while barreling inside the wave at a high speed.
The way you captured my body positioned at that moment was unmistakably me, without a doubt! You always capture the true spirit of what is being seen.
Advice passed down to other surfers
Live for today, for the moment.
Now is all we really have anyway.
Pack it full of everything you possibly can.
Adventure, travel, sport, love, romance.
Never put off any of those things, if at all possible. One day, if you're lucky, you will be an old man. If you’ve lived in the now and been adventurous with all your desires and passions, you will have no regrets.
I can truthfully say, I have no regrets. My bucket list has very little left on it to fulfill. If it’s important to you, and you are passionate about your dreams, you will find a way to fulfill them.
Go for it!
The majesty of a huge wave.
- Steve
Connection
I found Seb while watching Tik Tok one evening and was mesmerized by his unconventional painting style.
He is very kind and charismatic. One can easy be lured by his magic hand and a brush and the selection of the wild paints he chases to create these works of art that transform before your very eyes.
I immediately knew if anyone could recreate this feeling I had onto a canvas, it was Seb.
I emailed him some surf pictures and the rest is history.
My son and I were blown away as we watched Seb create the magic. In the end “ Mahalo,” was born.