On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we talk with Brooklyn-based artist and sign painter Jon Bocksel. With nearly two decades of experience, Jon's work artfully combines history, typography, and his love for hand-lettered signs. We discuss Jon's meticulous creative process, the timeless craft of hand-painted signage, the evolution of written language, and how these elements intersect with surf culture and everyday spaces. Jon shares insights into his artistic journey, his background in printmaking, and the influence of surfing and skating on his work. It’s a fascinating conversation on creativity, craft, and culture. We hope you enjoy…
You can follow Jon Bocksel on Instagram @jonbocksel
Or check out his work at https://jonbocksel.info/
The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com
Music:
Artist: Television Personalities
Song: Diary of a Young Man
Album: And Don’t the Kids Just Love it
00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast
01:10 Meet John Boxell: The Artist Behind the Signs
01:59 John's Creative Process and Inspirations0
2:31 The Intersection of Surfing and Art
03:24 John's Artistic Journey and Influences
04:49 The Challenges and Rewards of Hand Lettering
09:19 From Skating to Surfing: John's Evolution
12:56 The Path to Becoming a Professional Artist
27:24 The Art of Sign Making
32:59 Balancing Art and Life
40:13 The Unpredictable Nature of Wave Pools
40:58 The Art of Sign Making
42:40 Glass Gilding Explained
44:10 The Challenges of Gold Leaf Work
45:10 Maintaining Focus in a Distracted World
45:40 From Skating to Surfing
46:15 The Evolution of Surfing and Sailing
47:19 Creating Films and the Influence of Limitations
51:53 The Philosophy of Limitations in Art and Surfing
53:32 Competitive Surfing and Personal Preferences
56:16 The Craft of Hand-Painted Signs
57:23 The Intersection of Art and Performance
01:04:06 The Future of Handcrafted Work in a Digital Age
01:05:26 Shaping Surfboards and the Value of Flex
01:09:24 The Joy of Riding Different Surfboards
01:12:28 Exciting Residency at the Albers Foundation
01:14:37 Conclusion and Contact Information
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