This year the Reef Pro Sunset beach poster was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G, it has been painted by the famous free surfer and San Clemente local Mike Losness. We dont' need to present the talented surfer, but we gonna show you the more intimist part of Losly, The great painter. I call him during the Triple Crown to know more about Mike Losness the prodigy painter.
Freaksurf Mag : When did you start painting, drawing ?
Mike Losness : I started painting when I was about 12 years old but I really started to take it more seriously in high school. I stopped painting for a while when I got out of highschool because I was traveling a lot for surfing and just didn't have the free time. 3-4 years ago I started to paint again because I felt I needed something else in my life besides surfing and I missed painting so I took the hobby up again.
FSM : Who or what inspires you in your art ?
ML : I think other artists inspire me with their use of color and techniques but I am most inspired by the ocean and animals. I love to paint the ocean because I feel close to it. Surfing has brought me close to the beach and I have a love for it like nothing else. So naturally I enjoy painting it.
FSM : How do you define your paintings works ?
ML : I guess I would define my paintings as surf inspired art the way I see it. Most of the time it is like an imaginary glimpse of what the ocean could be. I don't try and make it look perfect like a picture but more of a colorful mess. I could never make it look exactly as it is anyway, I choose to do what I think will draw someone's interest to color and put them in a scene or imaginary state they could enjoy. I try to make it fun to look at.
FSM : Where can we find, see or buy your paintings ?
ML : You can see my paintings at my website www.mikelosness.com
FSM : What's the story of this adventure that drove you to make those terrible paintings for Reef?
ML : I have a great relationship with Reef and they allowed me to have a go at making the poster for the Reef hawaiian pro. I decided to do a painting of the things that remind me of Haleiwa the surf break and beach. The painting is titled "Red Buoy" and it includes the buoy, state fish of Hawaii, a sea turtle some tikis and an angel fish.
FSM : Have you been contracted to make some Surf, snow skate boards series such as Drew Brophy ?
ML : I rode for GFH Skate Boards for a couple years and they asked me to do a painting for them so yeah I have had my artwork displayed on a long board skate board. That was the only time my art has appeared on that type of thing.
FSM : Would you be interested to be associated to a surf company for that ?
ML : I would love to do more artwork for surf related events and products. I feel I am young as an artist and could only hope that some of those opportunities will present themselves in the future. I would enjoy the creative process and challenge.
FSM : Are we gonna see your art for other events ?
ML : If Reef sponsors the Hawaian Pro next year I will most likely present to them another painting for the poster. I would be stoked if I was chosen for that honor again. Other than that I currently don't have any commitments to any surfing events to provid artwork.
FSM : Tell me about your amazing website.
ML : I made my website with a friend of mine Michael Taras about 2 years. Michael is a talented web designer who lives in San Francisco. He did a really good job on the site and I was stoked on the way it turned out. It is really just a way for people to get to know me more and a place for someone to look at my artwork.
FSM : You come from San Clemente, how can you explain so much talents in such a small town ?
ML : There is really no way to describe it. The best thing I can say is that when you live in San Clemente from a young you are watching the older surfers rip. There is a lot of talent to get you motivated to be the best you can be. There is a great bond between all the surfers here and I feel very fortunate to have grown up in San Clemente.
FSM : A few words on surfing, you're an amazing free rider and good competitor too. Are we going to see you in more events next year ?
ML : I probably won't be doing the whole WQS next year. I feel as though I have been there done that and its not for me. I still love to compete and often miss it a lot but I really enjoy traveling the world in search of new things wether it be waves, food, people, sights etc. I just love to travel and be on the move.
FSM : Mike Losness also means Drive Thru, give me your destination and teamates for a perfect one.
ML : My perfect drive through would be Indonesia with my friends in epic waves. Nate Yeomans, Rusty Long, Dane Ward, Ian Walsh, Yadin Nicol and Rizal Tanjung.
Interview Johann Mouchel / Freaksurf Mag - Photo Credit : Kelly Cestari/ASP
