‘TAKE 5’ with Surf Artist Jay Alders

BB: Jay man, can’t thank you enough for taking the time out to do this.

JA: Happy to oblige…But will have to be somewhat quick..in the middle of packing for Florida and preparing a lotttttt of stuff.

BB: K then, here goes…How and when did you and Donavon meet and become friends?

JA: Back in Nov 2007 I was blessed enough to be on a Surf Art and Music tour in Brazil for 2 weeks with Donavon, G Love, Matt Costa, ALO, Sean Davey and others.  I had been a fan of Donavon and the other musicians for years which made this encounter with them so much more amazing.  We hit it off as buds and we’ve been in touch ever since. 

BB: What’s it like working and collaborating with him on his tour art?  What were your inspirations?

JA: He is such a cool cat and lives life to the fullest , creates his own style and walks his own path.  I admire him a lot for his burning desire to chase his passions for music and surfing and provide his family a beautiful lifestyle to go along with it.  So working with him on the many projects we’ve collaborated on since 2007 has been an incredible experience and a source of inspiration in itself.  

The “Rio Jam” painting, was the initiator of our collaborations, he really dug the painting and right from the beginning told me he was on a mission to help me succeed.  With complete sincere gratefulness, I credit Donavon for truly showing me what it means to “Pay it Forward”.  He is a selfless human being, always helping those people around him that he cares for and believes in.  I have been trying my best to do the same to talented people I’m friends with, lending advice, sharing opportunities and living in a “World of abundance”

BB: Jay Alders/Donavon Frankenreiter/Quincy Mumford/Lightly Salted/Stone Pony/Clean Ocean Action…did I leave anyone out?  This is an amazing group of people and organizations coming together.  What does having this art show, being a part of this day’s events mean to you?

JA: Actually yes, you left out Gary Jules :)   Gary has also become a friend and has been on tour with Donavon for some time now a true lyrical and musical artist.  This event is a sign to me that I’m on the right track.  I am fulfilled so much by following my artistic dreams and the Universe is supporting my lifelong passion for art.  Furthermore, the morning after this show we fly down to Florida at the crack of dawn with Qunicy to do the Surfrider Foundation’s 25th Anniversary 3 Day Surf Art and Music Festival which is also epic.  My dear friends in the band Echo Movement helped get me involved in that festival which is turning out to be huge, I in turn got Quincy in the line up.  It all comes down to supporting each other, paying it forward whenever possible. 

BB: Right on!!!  What else does it say to you about the Asbury Park beach scene?

JA: It says a lot.  I remember a few short years ago, it was a bit sketchy to just walk through Asbury.  Now the town has an amazing art, surfing and night life scene and it’s one of my favorite places to hang.  I’m a giant fan of Twisted Tree, Stone Pony, and Langosta Lounge and regularly surf in or around Asbury.  Asbury Park is regaining it’s greatness and I’m real glad to see it’s transformation.

BB:  Think it goes without saying, but i couldn’t agree more.  There’s one question I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while…Between your website, social sites [facebook, myspace, twitter], plus all the magazine and newspaper press about you, your life is pretty much out there.  How does it feel to be a rockstar artist?  Do you enjoy it, and what do you enjoy and dislike most about it?

JA: Haha…Anyone that knows me (you included Billy) will hopefully acknowledge that I’m a pretty laid back dude.  As “recognized” as I am or as “successful” as I am blessed to be working towards becoming, there is always, always (did I say always?) , always an insecure, shy little boy inside.  I have spent literally my entire life since the time I was 2 or 3 working on my art and wanting to achieve in the art world.  So to some it may seem like, ‘Wow Jay, you’re work is just everywhere..it’s happening so fast!” …To me, it’s taken a long time and I work really hard towards my goals. So I am eternally grateful, humble, and passionate.

That said….Let me say, hhhhhhell yeah I enjoy it!   It’s so rewarding to wake up and just think ’Thank you!!’…Knowing I can do what I literally LOVE and earn a living doing it.  Having people connect with my creative expressions and relate to them is a beautiful and magical experience.  I adore hearing from fans and learning how my work affects them in different ways.

I am overjoyed when I get to do fun projects for cool companies and people and when I see my work on licensed products in Barnes and Noble or Target, that never gets old.  I love having opportunities I could have only once dreamed of which is really outrageous when I take a step back and think about it.  Getting freebies from companies I’ve worked with like Billabong and Emergen-C for example is a super dope thing and the travel opportunities are awesome.  Most of all, I love the fact that I can now have time and reason to fully focus on what I love.

The dislikes? Hmm…That one I have to really think hard on.  I guess the amount of hours it takes to run the business gets overwhelming. There’s always something to do, something to publicize or prints to prepare and ship out around the planet Earth somewhere. Weird thing to complain about huh?..what I call a “good” problem . Thankfully I have an amazing support system who spread out the work load. 

BB: Wow… awesome answer man…it’s so apparent that you strive to use your talents fo the greater good.  Now…Lets get into some fun & personal stuff.  Hope you don’t think this is silly.  Anyone that knows you or just follows you online [read:stalks]  knows you love Starbucks, are a vegan, and love to skateboard, paint, and surf…

JA: Wow…am I that transparent?  haha…all true!

BB: But…what’s your….

Favorite animal:

I’d biasedly say my cat Connor and dog Piper.

Favorite marine animal:

Hmm..I was just in the Outer Banks surfing with Dolphins, so I’ll say that one, since they’re friendly, I’ll invite them back :)  The first time I went scuba diving years ago, I descending in Key West and there was a Nurse Shark there.  That was pretty cool too. Amazing creatures from afar of course.

Favorite article of clothing:

Umm…Somewhere I have these jean shorts from High School with an American Flat Peace sign patch. I have to find them, they were cool.

Best spot you’ve ever surfed?

Hawaii, Costa Rica and Loch Arbor

Skateboarded?

Owls Head, Long Branch and Sayreville Skateparks

Painted and/or sketched at?

Costa Rica while watching sunset

What beard trimmer do you use?

Ahhh man…trade secret..Ask me in private..haha…I actually am too lazy to go check

Favorite hat:

I have so many, whichever matches best of course

Suntan lotion:

Whats that? That’s one of my vices which I am not proud of but being tan just feels good

Art supply:

My new brush sponsor is Trekell Brushes, real quality brushes

Store [any kind]

I can get lost in any art store, Vintage Clothing Store, Barnes and Noble, Computer Store or Surf/Skate Shop for hours

Cocktail/drink:

I’m really not a big drinker anymore.  I almost always puke when I drink, no matter how much and hangovers are just really really lame.  When I do endulge, it’s a light beer.

Smoke:

Crack.  No.  Just kidding… but I’m a big fan of responsible herb usage.  I think are country is absolutely undeniably ridiculous for making it illegal.

Blonde, brunette, or redhead?

Sucker for blondes. But I think the female form is just beautiful no matter what color hair.

Favorite book, words, or quote?

 I highly encourage people to read “Skinny Bastard”, it’s the macho version of Skinny Bitch and it will change your life if you read either of those.

Vegetable:

Love most of them.  Eat veggies more than almost anything.

Food:

Chinese and Thai food…yuuummm..

Who inspires you?

People who follow their dreams and passions and cause no unnecessary harm to the planet or living things

What annoys you?

Obnoxious tourists,  loud motorcycles, unjustified car horn honking, pepple that don’t use their turn signals, stubborn, ignorant and mean people.

What was your last birthday cake wish?

It’s a secret…Or I forgot, you decide lol

Song you sing in the shower?

This morning I was singing Donavon’s song  ”It Don’t Matter” , which always sticks in my head after seeing him perform.

BB: Great…now you’ve got me singing it!  One last question…I know you must be working on a new painting right now, can you tell me about it?

JA: Yeah, Im actually working on a few.  I’m currently doing the new logo design for Ted Shred’s Surf Wax Candles, another fellow Jersey based Surf Company and also I am working on a wide panoramic piece which was inspired from my Costa Rica Trip.  Then out of nowhere a few weeks back I just grabbed my brushes and improved a painting which I whipped up uncharacteristically quickly and it’s almost done.

BB: Jay, thanks again for your time and such amazing & insightful answers.

JA: No problem man and thanks for the great interview!!!  Super creative and fun questions!  See you tomorrow bro!

BB: No doubt, can’t wait!

Still want to know more about Jay and his work?  Check out these recent features and exposés:

Living In Magazine

mesurf

Red Bank Orbit 

To view and purchase Jay Alders art, photography, and more, visit the online store @ jayalders.com