A DEFINING PATH IS STRONGLY DISPLAYED IN THIS COAST ARTIST WORK
The colour, shape and transparency of cylindrical waves ending the journey to meet a rocky headland or wide sandy beach play out through each of his individual pieces.
His paintings capture and ignite the imagination. They speak to all who have sat and watched or experienced the energy of mother oceans embrace. Owens passion for his work and time spent abroad further fueled his infectiously upbeat persona. An unswerving commitment to the Sunshine Coast and protection of the pristine beaches hugging its shoreline are driving forces, while his love for surfing and any pastime connected with the ocean are a constant source of inspiration.
The use of organic materials in his distinctive airbrush creations take on a photo realistic appeal. The old adage of ” only a surfer knows the feeling” resonates throughout his art. Locals and tourist traveling on the Sunshine Coast motorway daily view the old shed in the cane field with Owen’s instantly recognizable image of a peeling wave with Old Woman Island in the background.
His airbrush treatments on vintage (roundie) refrigerators from the forties and the fifties, is a case of demand outstripping supply.
After spending so much time working on boats he started making sculptures with epoxy filler and other materials he has used over the years to refinish yachts. An overwhelmingly positive response was received so he then exhibited his sculptures alone for the first time in 2011.
His love of surfing and his desire to learn about other countries & cultures outside the Sunshine Coast lead him through Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Travelling the world has had a huge influence on his art work especially his time spent in Hawaii where he met up with the famous surf mural/artist Wylan who inspired and made Owen realize the potential of his work with airbrush art.
Since returning to the Sunshine Coast he has established a studio where he has been able to set about creating what he envisioned while abroad. The content of the majority of work is influenced by Owen’s dedication and love of the coastal environment. The technical mastery of his airbrush art has come through years of working in the commercial painting industry. Owen has achieved such satisfaction and pride with every one of his art pieces.
