ABOUT THE ART: SSF 2026
JASON WOODSIDE
The 6th Annual Solento Surf Festival is almost here and in the spirit of all things art, surf, and culture, we wanted to spotlight this year's artist: Jason Woodside. In our chat with Jason, we dove into his creative inspirations, his artistic process and how he unwinds and takes things slow.
ABOUT THE ART
Sessions: Andy, tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, where are you now, and how do you spend your days?
Jason: My name is Jason Woodside. I’m a visual artist. I grew up in Saint Augustine, Florida, then went to college in New York and stuck around for about 20 years and at the moment I’m between Florida, New York and New Zealand.
Sessions: Your work has come to be a staple of the surf landscape and community, how would you say that came to be?
Jason: I think you attract like- minded people over time. Growing up in a place like Saint Augustine, and having that core foundation of surf community- then taking it somewhere like New York you can really find your people to celebrate a relative expression and join that movement. In regards to a commercial approach, I’ve been working with Vissla for close to 10 years- traveling, sharing ideas, collaborating, building lifelong friendships have all contributed to that journey.
Sessions: Can you explain a little about your style and what the inspirations were that helped shape your art?
Jason: Initially, I just wanted to make movies and was always super fascinated with film, light and movement.. at the same time i was heavily inspired by textiles and fabrics.. in a way I feel my pieces are my version of storytelling or language and what you’re seeing is the end result of a lot of these passions, progressing to where I am today.
Sessions: Can you tell us a little about what your process looked like when you started to dive into the SSF design?
Jason: Well, I know I wanted to incorporate elements of light and landscape.. and base the concept around the sun and sun shades. I lay everything up by hand- forever fueled by coffee and music.
Sessions: Life gets pretty busy sometimes, where do you find your 'slow'?
Jason: I find my slow with family and beach days. So many distractions- it’s the best limit the intake, tune out and rinse.
Jason: I’ve had some really fun ones lately where I could really highlight my scale.. recently one in Boston and one in Nashville. A pool in Florida with a Hotel Palms- but also my canvas practice has been really enlightening and stoking me.. I guess because it’s more forgiving in regards to size and messing up is what it’s all about. Progress through process.
Sessions: What are some other recent pieces you are proud of and want to share?
Come see Jason Woodsides’ art (AND OTHER WORKS) at the SSF ART EXHIBIT ON monday, SEPTEMBER 14TH AT hot water gallery.
