Grass is Greener

FAREWELL FRIENDS

2010-10-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

The Grass is Greener Project began in October of 2008, with one goal in mind; To push and promote the living shit out of artists of all different breeds, that weren't getting the credit they deserved. We sought out friends and their personal networks, then studied blogs day and night- looking for people all over the world, that we could add to our family and start something together..
It's now two years later, and to see how far each artist has come, is seriously in-comprehensive. Most of us started as passion-driven crazies with no other outlet other than our talent, doing what we loved because we had no other options. We are still those same people, but now you see us popping up all over the blog map, starting companies, being published in editorials all over the world, working with living legends, and still doing what we love.. not compromising a single bit.
Thank you for all the emails, friendships, and encouragement.. but most of all- thank you for consuming quality art. We personally stand behind each and every artist we have ever promoted on this website because of two things; We believe in what they are doing is unique and genuine, but also because we believe wholeheartedly that they are the best at what they create.

*GiG will no longer be updated, but the archives will remain- so feel free to browse around and see what we're talking about if this is your first time stopping by.

GiG~2010.

DAVE ALLEE/ALMOND INNER-VIEW

2010-09-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

IN LOVE

2010-07-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

With photographs that Simon Perini produces..

STOKED ON SUMMER

2010-07-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

FOAM Magazine is hosting a show sponsored by Insight, and it will be held in LA from July 17th-31, with an opening party the 17th. Kassia Meador, Jeffery Jones, Kyle Lightner, Joni Sternbach, and Dan Monick will all be showing new work accompanied by a musical performance by Magic Bullets.

ART QUIVER

2010-06-23T18:40:00.001-07:00

V E L O

V - B O T T O M

P I G

S I M M O N S

S T U B B I E

(Sculptures / Mixed Media = Esteban Bojorquez)

ROBIN via JJ

2010-06-23T15:25:00.001-07:00

JJ Wessels did this wonderful watercolor depiction of Robin.

CAPTAIN FIN AT YOUR LOCAL LIQUOR STORE!!!

2010-04-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

CIRO IS ALL LOVE

2010-04-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

(artwork : Bicudo)

MASTER SIMON

2010-04-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

This here is why we at GiG love simons work so much. Never seen a shot like this before, and it is complete mind-blowing beauty... WELL DONE SIMON!!!

(Photo : Perini)

HAT TRICK

2010-03-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

RT putting Hadley's Burrito through a good routine..

(Photos : Lightner)

SHUV THAT LOG

2010-03-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

THE HILLS HAVE EYES

2010-03-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

Recent work from our Ras friend in the hills, Nick Cook.

GO! GO! GO!

2010-03-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

GER

2010-02-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

DARK STAR

2010-02-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Erin recently brought this image to our attention; A fully committed & relaxed RT setting up for what may be thee greatest experience the mind can possibly handle...effortlessly.

(photo : unknown)

BIGGER = BETTER

2010-02-01T16:46:00.001-08:00

Mitch & Friends are re-opening Captain Fin Company's 'Captains Helm' store front in Oceanside, CA (they moved directly next door). You should definitely come- it was awesome the first time they opened; But now it's gonna rule hard...Thee Cormans are playing.

CPT. FIN JAPAN

2010-01-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

Mitch & Scotty just returned from a week long trip to Japan; where they got some footage & partied down. Here is a little video and a few photos from their trip..

RK | JP

2010-01-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

40 some years apart.. Robin doing a fine John Peck impersonation..

GARAGE LIFE

2010-01-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

(Photo : Kim)

THE MISSING LINK

2010-01-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

"Dirt"
(Photo : Lloyd)

QUALITY DIGS

2010-01-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

(photo : Perini)

(HE RODE)

2010-01-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

Dave Velzy on his '45 Harley Knucklehead.

CIRO BICUDO INTERVIEW

2010-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

Our Brazilian brother Ciro Bicudo just had a great article/interview posted on Liquid Salt. Be sure to stop by and take a read (CLICK HERE)- great stuff! Well done Ciro! Much love.

SURF IS FREE

2010-01-03T12:16:00.001-08:00

(photo : Jones)

BURN ONE DOWN

2009-12-30T20:43:00.001-08:00

(Photos : Jacques)

"GOING LEFT"

2009-12-14T16:24:00.001-08:00

Our good pal, Greg, just got this amazing ink done on his arm yesterday. So rad.

JAZZ THE GLASS

2009-12-09T15:52:00.001-08:00

WILL BE SHOWING @ HURLEY HQ THIS SATURDAY!!!
(screen shots of Mike being interviewed on SlidersTV Live [12/09/09])

J J

2009-12-04T09:37:00.001-08:00

FRIENDS & FAMILY

2009-12-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

In Blue Magazine's most recent issue; there are a ton of our friends and family- here are just a few...

Chiz, Robby, Al, Jared

Tyler Hatzikian

Brian Bent

Andy Davis, Troy Elmore, Turkey Stopnik

Nathan Adams, Christian Wach

David Allee, Scotty Stopnik

Mitch Abshere, CJ Nelson

FLEX FINS ANYONE?

2009-11-18T21:02:00.001-08:00

Mitch just sent over an email informing us that Captain Fin Company is now making their very own batch of signature flex fins! Here are a few from the first batch...

Alex Knost

Tyler Warren

Chris Christenson

GET SOME

2009-11-11T14:25:00.001-08:00

GO TO CHURCH

2009-11-06T11:03:00.001-08:00

David from Almond sent over these great shots Cameron took the other day at Church of Nate Adams, Kameron Brown, and Andy Nieblas. Waves looked super fun!!!
**Be sure to check out the new Almond online store- you can always navigate over there by clicking the photo link beneath the Captain Helm online store link, on the right hand side of the page!

Kameron

Nate
Andy
(photos : Oden)

The AKs in SF

2009-11-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

Alex Knost & Alex Kopps hulling somewhere in SF...looks epic!!!
(courtesy of : crappysurf.com)

CAPTAIN HELM : ONLINE STORE

2009-11-04T22:16:00.001-08:00

Our good friend Mitch Abshere and his Captain Helm have opened themselves an online store for your overseas, out of state, and other lazy needs- so all you have to do is click away and boxes of goodness will show up to your door step; making everyday a Christmas day! Be sure to check it out tomorrow or a bit later on in the week. Stocked full of Boards (CC, McCullum, Dyer, Prairie, etc.), japanese rubber (full, long-john, short-john, lil jon, vests, etc.), vintage clothing (vests, leather jackets, shirts, hats, kicks, etc.), records, captain fins, cycle gear, posters, and other epic goodness. You'll dig it- we promise. Be sure to click the link pictured on our right hand of the page, that will take you straight to the Captain Helm!

This is what Mitch's store looks like...

This is what Mitch looks like...
(slides : Lightner)

EAST MEETS WEST

2009-10-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

GiG homeboy Yusuke Hanai is having a joint show with Pickle & Joe Curren at the Surf Gallery in Laguna. Be sure to stop by and check out the brothers work all the way from Japan, as well as the two other local cats that are sure to be displaying some masterpieces.

THEE GOTHIC DOLPHIN

2009-10-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

Nolan Hall recently shot this amazing pictoral of Alex Kopps hulling his life away, this shot is unreal!

HEAD-DIP & COMPLETELY CLOTHED

2009-10-12T21:53:00.001-07:00

(Photos : Rudy Jacques)

HOLY ____!!!

2009-10-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Our good buddy Robby sent this link over...WTF?!

JOEL TUDOR FOR VANS

2009-10-01T20:12:00.001-07:00

This is hanging on the walls of Vans HQ; one of Joel's boards painted by him, for the fine folk who keep the best shoe company known to man afloat. Well done.

WHATEVER HIS NAME IS

2009-09-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

(photo : Klopf)

(photo : Lightner)

THE CAPTAIN FIN STORE

2009-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

CAPTAIN FIN CO. WETSUITS

2009-09-26T10:09:00.001-07:00

Captain Fin Co. has recently done up some very nice Japanese wetsuits, really different than what's currently out in the mainstream market. Very affordable, very durable, and very awesome- you should stop by Captain Helm and try one on, they're neat; real neat..

ART BY STEVE PLEYDELL-PEARCE

2009-09-26T09:53:00.001-07:00

(Artwork : Pleydell-Pearce)

IF YOU DON'T KNOW- NOW YOU KNOW...

2009-09-24T21:29:00.001-07:00

(photo : Lightner)

COMPOSITION

2009-09-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

Cam Oden got this great shot of Nate Adams (well, at least most of him..) and his signature Almond model. Loving the composition and tones of this shot. Super rad.

(photo : Oden)

IT IS TIME

2009-09-19T23:00:00.001-07:00

Once again, for the French master Rudo to have yet another show. Times like these we wish we lived on the other side of the world. Good luck Rudo!

EPIC FIND!

2009-09-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

A good friend of ours had this laying around in his garage with a few other vintage wave stabbers. Had to get a photo before it turned into a piece of art. Full S-Deck with extremely minimal rocker, and a very bellied out bottom. It was considered 'unrideable' (after a few test spins) by the owner, who's an extremely talented surfer that knows plenty of history.

US TOO!!!

2009-09-16T21:50:00.001-07:00

BOB DYLAN, 1978

2009-09-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Neil Griffith sent this bad boy over a few minutes ago- Mr. Dylan from Spring 1978, on "The Desire Tour", as in "One More Cup of Coffee" & "Hurricane"

(Photo : Griffith)

ITS THE RAGE!

2009-09-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Alternative surf equipment (and shooting film), that is; Mats, paipos, handplanes, and kneeboards. Here, we have Scotty Stopnik riding his 15" wide (yes, 15"- we measured) kneeboard at Newport Point, that Kyle recently sent over. Good work guys!

(sequence/photo : Lightner)

WHERE IS SIMON?

2009-09-14T09:26:00.001-07:00

Simon is supposedly coming to CA soon, but is he still in OZ... or is he finally here- that we do not know... Either way, totally looking forward to catching up with you in person Brother!

(Photo : Perini)

THE MAN

2009-09-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

His name is Ryan Heywood, and he takes photos like this...

(Photo : Heywood)

SOFT, SUBTLE, & STOKED

2009-09-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Love this shot Nate- thanks for updating so frequently, helpin' keep the blog stoke alive!

(Photo : Oldfield)

CIRO FOR ALMOND

2009-09-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

This is what we are all about here at GiG- connecting with those you love and supporting them with all you've got. Ciro designed this beautiful piece for Dave, and man- really really diggin' it! Ciro is always doing it for the love and keeping it consistent through everything he produces.

(artwork/design : Bicudo)

OVER IN BRAZIL

2009-09-14T08:59:00.001-07:00

Felipe Siebert is doing some real neat things over in Brazil, among the likes of Ciro Bicudo and Jair Bortoleto. Love seeing beautiful photos such as this; a bike, a board, and a beautiful broad. The work Felipe is producing is definitely one of a kind, a master craftsman in all forms of the word.

MS. KATE CZUCZMAN

2009-09-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Kate sent over these really nifty Polaroids that she took in France. Beauts!

(photos : Czuczman)

A FEW FROM ARGENTINA

2009-09-10T15:20:00.001-07:00

Santiago from Argentina contacted us earlier this week, and sent over a couple images that just caught our eyes...couldn't help but sharing. Thanks Santiago!

(photos : Santiago)

BEHIND THE BEAUTY

2009-09-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Neil Griffith sent this image over. All around beautiful.

(photo/screen capture : Griffith)

THE CABIN IN THE HILLS

2009-09-05T17:41:00.001-07:00

Our friend and family member, Nick "Ras" Cook has been doing some great work up in Santa Barbara. He is a man of basics, knowledge, and passion. Letting his creativity and his ideals speak for himself. Nick lives in a cabin in the hills of Santa Barbara, and man is it beautiful. The man is a lover of all sorts, just take a gander at his blog. Keep up the love Ras Nick.

(photo : Cook)

(photo : Lightner)

COME ONE, COME ALL.

2009-09-05T17:35:00.001-07:00

GREG WEAVER ART SHOW

2009-08-26T20:28:00.001-07:00

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

2009-08-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Rudy Jacques, the man behind Avthentic, now has his own online gallery/portfolio. Be sure to stop by and take a peak! You will dig it- we swear.

(Polaroids via Jacques)

ARE YOU GOING?!

2009-08-19T00:04:00.001-07:00

THE AVTHENTIC HILLBILLY'S

2009-08-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Rudo & friends had their show in France under the name "The Avthentic Hillbilly's" and the turnout seems to have been great. Rudo- we love you, the work you're putting out there, and your constant dedication to aesthetics. Keep it up brother!

(for more photos, check out the RVCA site..)

JEFF ROBSON : POLAROIDS

2009-08-12T20:18:00.001-07:00

Jeff Robson is most definitely an introvert to say the least- but a total genius when it comes to his photographic approach. Jeff shoots a lot of Polaroids- and sent over a few for your viewing pleasure...dig this...

(polaroids © : Jeff Robson)

Expect to see more of Jeffs work very soon- as he shoots all types of film formats, and various subjects all over the world. Hopefully we can get some more soon...(hint, hint.)

REMEMBER THESE DAYS?

2009-08-08T00:22:00.001-07:00

(Photo : Lightner)

TIME TRAVELER

2009-08-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Nathan Oldfield must be a time traveler. This photo was taken in 1864 if we remember correctly, when Nathan was at the age of -92yrs. old. We don't know how he does it, or his means to an end when it comes to time travel- but when you're pumping out surrealistic gems such as this one...It doesn't really matter. Well done Nathan. Take us with you next time!

(Photo : Oldfield)

GATOR DAZE

2009-08-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

(Photo : J. Grant Brittain)

BROTHERS FROM DIFFERENT MOTHERS

2009-08-05T13:09:00.001-07:00

Tommy Guerrero & Ciro Bicudo - Both love punk rock, both love to skateboard, and both love to create art, whatever medium it may be presented in. Dreams do come true, Eh Ciro? :)

And way to sport the Siebert shirt!!!

(check out Ciro's new work - it's always incredible)

ALAIA-RIDING IN IDAHO..?

2009-08-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here is yet another way to pass a flat day- you could ride your alaia behind a boat (IN IDAHO- cause there is always some sort of wave-type-thing to ride in CA), like Dave Allee did all last week. Dave actually didn't travel with the Alaia- He saw a lumber shop in Idaho while He was shopping with his grandmother. He ran in, grabbed some lumber- and then shaped the board at his grandparents home. Wearing his Almond hand-sewn trunks and riding on a hand shaped board built & left in Idaho; that is the definition of basics. BRA-VO David!

(ALMOND SURFBOARDS & DESIGNS)

SMASH SKATEBOARDS : GRAPHIC

2009-08-05T08:50:00.001-07:00

Smash Skateboards released their first graphic & model early last week. Brandon Wong designed this originally a year or so back, and due to another companies...shall we say, 'laziness'?- He decided to use it for His own endeavors. Though the graphic doesn't really fit the 'vibe' of GiG (the svrf†destroy mongrels must love it), the colors sure do!
The boards measure 8.5"w x 32½" with a 15" wheel base- making it the perfect machine to destroy any backyard-er, or skate park alike. We've had the privilege of taking one on a few test runs, and let us tell you- It's easily one of the best pool decks out on the market right now- JUST BE SAFE!!!

SMASH SKATEBOARDS
SMASH YOUR FACE

MATT CHENOT _ 4X5s

2009-08-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

GiG Brethren, Chad Cheverier gave us a heads up about his good friend Matt Chenot, who shot some 4X5 of the past S/SW that rolled through the Southern California Region. Here at GiG, we are huge advocates of multiple camera formats, film mediums, and various processing types- like it says in our GiG manifesto; its our sole purpose of "gettin' back to basics".

These are just perfect, keep up the great work Matt!

(photos : Chenot)

NOLAN HALL PHOTOS

2009-08-05T08:24:00.001-07:00

(photos : Hall)

1939-or-2009?

2009-08-03T00:46:00.001-07:00

Sick of it being 'flat'? Go scout and shred a backyard-er. I mean, that's how it all started in the first place right? A lack of waves is what birthed this entire lifestyle..

(photo : Lightner)

FLOYD IS PINK

2009-07-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

(clockwise from top left : Nick Mason, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, & Richard Wright)

FRANK ZAPPA & FAM

2009-07-31T01:44:00.001-07:00

MOUNTAIN RANGE

2009-07-31T00:02:00.001-07:00

(photo : Oldfield)

WHAT A NIGHT!!!

2009-07-30T13:27:00.001-07:00

Come get your shred on at Hurley in Costa Mesa, around 6:30 & then go see Bearface around 9 or 10 in Long Beach- it will be epic, we promise.

SIMONS CAMERAS WORK!

2009-07-29T14:24:00.001-07:00

Simon's been in close touch lately, sharing about his new camera equipment and the photos they've been providing him. Here a few of our favorites out of the recent batch he sent over...

(photos : Perini)

RYAN "I INSPIRE" HEYWOOD

2009-07-29T14:22:00.001-07:00

(photo : Heywood)

SMASH SKATEBOARDS

2009-07-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

Great friends and GiG family members, Thomas Scott Cooper and Brandon Wong recently decided to collaborate and come up with a new skateboard company under the name of Smash Skates. Be sure to start stop by their new blog on a weekly basis, as it is just starting to come together, piece by piece.

Brandons new artwork on a preliminary run

Here's T. Cooper (co-owner) boosting at Kelly Belmar's in Huntington '08.
(photo : Lightner)

This is Brandon in Santa Cruz. He's the board designer/co-owner of Smash Skates.

SKATE AWAY

2009-07-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

(photo : Oldfield)

NEVER FORGET...

2009-07-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

...How surreal José Segundo can get with his dreamy/dreary empty wave shots. He recently scored a mini portfolio in Drift, and has been creating some really neat 5x5 promo pieces. Be sure to keep checking his blog, as he always delivers the goods.

(photo : Segundo)

WORMVILLE

2009-07-27T07:45:00.001-07:00

Erin 'Worm' Ashley took these with her F-ed up digital camera (If our memories serve us correctly...she dropped it..?), and got some pretty neat results. What the heck kind of shift would you even call this..? Either way, you made New Orleans look pink and pretty...Keep it up Worm.

(... & remember Erin- You shoot digital.)

(photos : Ashley)

LAGUNA BEACH 1971

2009-07-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, can we come over and hang too..? Get back to us...

kingpin johnny gail & david nuuhiwa discussing rainbow surfboards.
(Photo : Divine)

TOM ORTNER 1970

2009-07-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

(Ortner bankin' one in Baja, Photo : Divine)

URBAN SUP'ING..?

2009-07-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Chad is on one :)
LA River = Cleanest water of all time.

ELVIS LOVES AVTHENTIC

2009-07-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

RUDO HAS A SHOW!!!

"A bit like last year, I'll put some pictures in Tamarindo from 8 August until mid-September for sure. There will be an "opening", and a small evening when I would either bring together the world of surfers (longboarders, shortboarders, singlefiners, tri-finers ...), people who do not surf but want a drink ... I take this opportunity to disseminate some videos at the same time.

Will even drink, and peanuts."

CHAD CHEVERIER : THE MAN

2009-07-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Chad Cheverier is yet another photographer who is beyond passionate about his creations and experimentation's. It's always refreshing to see some truly authentic cross-processing, not having it done post production PSD. Chad has always been a creative genius in a lot of people's eyes, as he's constantly re-invented himself and his approach to photography and what he puts out to the public. Thank you Chad, we love you man :)

(check his blog for bigger shots of the above sequence)

ROBERT KULISEK

2009-07-24T10:06:00.001-07:00

Rob, Rob, Rob. Dang, what the hell do we even say about this East Coast cat?! I guess we could start by saying that Rob is the real. deal. Man knows his cameras inside and out- like a true photographer. The dude is not 'in it to win it' - He's here for true & genuine reasons. The work Rob produces is not like many others out there at this time, and always has his viewers guessing what he'll be posting next. Here are a few pieces we swiped off his blog > logging & blogging. Keep inspiring Rob.

(a dapper duo : Rob & Ty)

SAN-O : DESTROYED

2009-07-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Svrf † Destroy'ers are at it again... this time, San-O...

(†SELL YOUR SOUL HERE†)

BODY SURF #3

2009-07-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ryan Heywood just posted up the new issue of BodySurf- and it features two shots from our very own Jose Segundo and a shot of Sylvain Guionnet's. Be sure to stop by and check it out!

PARTY

2009-07-02T10:13:00.001-07:00

Come join Dave Allee and the Almond family at 367 Old Newport Blvd tomorrow, Friday July 3rd, for A Live Performance by the Smart Brothers, the release of new Almond shirt designs, the unveiling of the first batch of Almond Trunks, the first public appearance of their newly released "Nathan Adams" model surfboard... And they might even have a visual treat at the end of the night; A little teaser for a film they're working on... All this on top of the newly released es-cent-ial/Almond wetsuits, the arrival of Matuna's organic wax, a new installation displaying the work of Cameron Oden and a briefcase full of epic pairs of vintage sunglasses-

you snooze you lose dude!

Hope to see you there!

OLD (FIELD) ROAD

2009-07-02T09:13:00.001-07:00

Nathan Oldfield has always seemed to be a man of aesthetic. Whether he's shaping a board for himself, shooting stunning / emotion-filled photographs, or filming- capturing the hearts of viewers instantly; He's doing it all for the right reasons...for the passion, for the love, and for the true at heart. Thank you Nathan, You're a true inspiration.

(Photo : Oldfield)

GOD'S CREATIONS

2009-07-01T14:46:00.001-07:00

(photo : Hofstetter)

SIMON PERINI, AT IT AGAIN

2009-06-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

(photos : Perini)

CLOVIS & STEVIE

2009-06-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

THE AVTHENTIC ARMY

KENNY HURTADO PRINTS

2009-06-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

We recently found a couple of original enlargements from a few years back that childhood companion Kenny Hurtado had printed before he moved. Kenny was shooting full time for Surfing Mag around '06-07 and was getting some quality work (though the Huntington day was before he'd been 'discovered') like the mainland Mex shot below. Wish we had a bit more information about both Kenny and the photographs below, but we don't. Kenny is currently attending art school in SF and no longer 'shoots gay surf shit' as he would put it- making these original wet prints and that pipeline shot of his pure gold.

A PROUD BORTOLETO

2009-06-17T21:53:00.001-07:00

A proud Jair in front of his installation at this years Green Room Festival; so so stoked the man has been re-inspired! P.S.- Why are all of the super cool big shows all the way across the world?!

(photo taken from Jair's blog)

TYLER @ LOWERS

2009-06-17T21:43:00.001-07:00

A few familiar faces out on monday at Lowers, one of which being Tyler. Kyle sent us over this shot of Him demonstrating how to make it around/over/through sections on one of RK's hydrodynamica crafts.

(photo : Lightner)