Meredith Ambruso

In an exclusive interview with artist, Meredith Ambruso, we reveal the person behind the paint. Interview by Global Team Manager, Christopher Clark.

Christopher Clark: What is the genre that you could best classify your art in?

Meredith Ambruso: I would say that the genre I can best “classify” my art in is life. A walk between where dreams meet reality. I think life is the clearest genre because on a daily basis I feel constantly inspired. From people to books, movies, music, surfing, gutters, hot air balloons, traveling, stories, cameras, the past, present and day dreaming.

CC: What mediums do you typically use?

MA: I have four sort of … categories that I place my art in. One is photography. I started with photography before I ever painted because as a kid growing up with artists who were all very talented I sold myself short on my weird so “imperfect” drawings. I was also impatient and loved that my pencil and paper were replaced with film. I loved the anticipation of waiting for film to be developed. I loved working in the dark room and developing my own film. And I really just love everything about it.. Second, mixed media. I was in art class stumped with my paintings. They were on the verge of being something, but I didn’t know what that was. Finally I expanded outside of just paintings and found mixed media to be a huge part of my life. I use everything from parking tickets to my own photos, to painting on found objects which vary from books, dart boards, etc…I always liked painting on found materials. The process is mod-podge, paint (acrylic or oil) and then usually pen and ink over. Third, embroidery. I have been sewing since I came out of the womb. My mom would buy me those sewing packets as a kid and I would sit and match the colors and then sew for hours. I was never able to just sit still so that kept me busy. I started drawing over fabrics just a few months ago and embroidering over my drawings. I use fabrics, dye fabrics and also sew photos onto them too. Fourth, pen and ink. In art class we had to keep a sketch book. I spent a lot of time on sketch book homework. I would sit in other classes “taking notes” in my sketch book and came up with some great painting ideas and sketches that were just as random as me. I was very influenced by Rick Griffin when I was twelve. I was obsessed with his art and techniques, one of which was pen and ink. Thus .. pen and ink.

CC: What mediums do you specifically use on surfboards?

MA: Typically I use paint pens and acrylic paint. But I have also painted on boards that were on just straight up foam. For that I used watercolors and colored pencils. If you look at my photos you can see some boards I’ve done.

CC: Anything different about the way you approach a surfboard project?

MA: Usually I go to McDonalds and order a Big Mac with chicken nuggets on the side. Then I eat a double double from In-N-Out and if I’m not over it by then I might start a project. Just kidding I don’t even eat meat. And if I did eat all that I would probably have a stroke. I approach surfboard projects as I do any new art project. I get really excited and then sketch out and write out ideas. I keep in mind what the person wants and then what I’m going to do and I just put on some music and go to town.

CC: What art projects are you most proud of?

MA: There are a few, I’ve done some things for TOMS I’ve had a lot of fun with. I also did a few shirts for raising money for breast cancer. I think anytime you are able to do what you love to help someone else is beyond rewarding.

CC: Do you have a favorite piece from your portfolio?

MA: I really loved the first mixed media piece I ever did. It was for an assignment that called for us to pick an artist to copy but make our own art from. I was so stumped with painting at the time. My teacher handed me the December issue of Surfer magazine and said to check it out. That’s when I first saw Wolfgang Bloch’s art and something about it made my painting wheels start turning and things just clicked. I always appreciated paintings but this was something that made so much more sense to me. Something about it being so simply beautiful and different..if you see his art you will know what I mean. I don’t know if I could ever let this piece go, it’s sort of sentimental. It’s titled “January” because that was when I turned it in haha

CC: Explain how you approached the Twilight project… Inspiration, music, art, imagery?

MA: Look I get it. I get the obsession with Twilight. I’ve seen the movie (I own the movie) and I’ve read all the books. So that’s that, I’ll stand by it. I think the director is awesome and I think people who deny it shouldn’t be ashamed; you know you love it too. I took inspiration from a lot of the movie. The whole idea of classic and modern, this quote Bella says, and just the whole idea of fact meeting fiction. The first book inspired the quote. The music I was really inspired by was actually from Where the Wild Things Are because I had seen the movie the night before I started the board and from that I became obsessed with the soundtrack. I literally listened to it looped over and over!

CC: Any notable people that you’ve collaborated with?

MA: I would say they are also all notable in they’re own way:) I did this thing called The Nike Challenge with my friend Tyler Warren. He is one of the most talented persons I’ve ever met. It’s crazy how much talent is in that boy’s veins. It’s the kind of art that just makes you feel… check out his blog. Surf Knot Blog

CC: What are your goals for your art career?

MA: Honestly, I can’t think that far ahead right now. I have big dreams and I’m so thankful for the things I’ve already been able to accomplish. I feel blessed beyond words to have been able to start any sort of career that is with art. Right now my goal is to continue on this dream I’ve had built up that didn’t go through last year because I tore my ACL and a disc in the same knee shifted so my dream was put on hold. But I plan on going to Africa (first and Tibet after) and working with kids that were child soldiers and using art as a therapy for them. So for now that’s my goal. I am going to be selling shirts to help get me there and to also help supply the trip with art. As well as other events and art shows…so keep a look out or email me if you want to follow what’s going on meredith_ambruso@yahoo.com

CC: What music, artists or songs, are you currently listening to?

MA: This is the worst question; I’m so indecisive and love music so much as it is. I grew up in Long Beach so obviously I love Snoop Dog and I’m still listening and in love with the soundtrack to Where the Wild Things Are, but then again sometimes you just need a boost of Gipsy Kings to get your blood flowing. And other times you need some Ray Charles, The Growlers, Salt N Pepa, TLC, Iron and Wine, Devendra Banhart, Arcade Fire, and Mattson 2.

CC: Is there anything you would like to share with the surf / action sports community?

MA: If anyone is looking for an artist…let me know. But truly I hope you all have a wonderful time out surfing and to never take it for granted because we are all so lucky to have something like surfing. God Bless!