Drawing Conclusions: Seth Conboy
Images Courtesy of Seth Conboy
Seth Conboy is an artist we love.
A painter, a surfer, a show-goer, a heartthrob - Seth’s got it all. Based on the East Coast between Ocean City, Maryland, and Ridgewood, Queens, Seth’s artistic output projects the macabre onto the coast, blending the laid back and the gothic, all on beautiful canvas and at thoughtful scale. Does that introductory sentence sound like we are gushing? That’s because we are. We asked Seth a few high and low-quality questions to get a sense of the surfing art maker of our dreams.
Something unexpected that inspires you artistically?
I guess it isn't something that is so unexpected, I feel like all people are inspired by nature in some sort of way. Recently landscapes from where I am from and landscapes from recent travels have inspired me artistically. Big country settings with tons of green and brown close to the ocean have been on my mind a lot lately haha.
What is your favorite sea creature?
I'm a sinner if I don't say the Maryland blue crab. The thing is so ugly, but they provide a sweet treat for you and your friends/family accompanied by some frickin’ beer. It's fun to talk shit and pick crabs, it is a Chesapeake tradition.
Design a machine to help you drink beer for when you are painting.
Any kind of two-funneled head attachment will do the trick, straight to the brain.
What's your favorite medium when creating art?
All mediums kick ass. My favorite thing to do is use as many different mediums as possible. Art has this liberating aspect to me which I fell in love with. It actually used to bother me when I was young, I would make stuff and ask myself "are you allowed to do this?". The art world has a funny way of being open minded to concepts, yet there is still a "rule book" to how things are supposed to be done. I am super comfortable in trying any medium as it is refreshing as hell to be new to something at times! Do whatever you want, right?
What is your favorite song this week?
Damn dude sometimes you return back to a classic album over some time of not listening to it and it rolls on repeat for a week straight. I've been ripping every song off "My War" by Black Flag as of lately, it's like aged fine wine that gets better and better.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?
My guilty pleasures that sometimes kick my ass into gear. A little bit of coffee and a little bit of weed does the trick for me. Surfing is also an insane way to get the juices flowing.
What is your favorite NYC hangout?
Everybody has their spots. I really enjoy seeing shows over at TV EYE in Ridgewood. The venue is sick and they host some solid live punk shows. If I'm in Manhattan I'd try to meet you just off East Broadway at 169 Bar. It's just a bar with a funky theme for your everyday city person. Balaram Stack and I always meet over there, grab a drink and twist one up while we do some good ol fashion people watching. It's a nice place to get the night started.
Who are some of the artists or surfers who have influenced you the most?
Two artists that have stuck with me over time that continue to inspire me are Bob Roberts and Seymour Chwast. Bob Roberts from a talent perspective has really impressed me. His artwork was inspired by traditional American tattoo flash, Tibetan thangkas paintings, and outlaw sub cultures like motorcycles and punk rock. Not only was he tattooing and creating other forms of art, but he was musically talented playing alongside bands like the New York Dolls. Jack of all trades well before his time.
Seymour Chwast is one of New York's oldest graphic designers. His playful and satirical style created a way to take serious matters and turn them into digestible and impactful images. He was a cofounder in Push Pin Studios out of NYC and created the package design for the first Donald's Happy Meal. He was one of the first of his time offering design and illustration to the people of New York! Overall artistic badass and is still kicking in NYC.
Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that guides you?
Don't expect anything from anyone, trust your process, and be thankful when someone provides you with an opportunity.
What advice would you give to young artists and surfers who are just starting their journey?
You have to be you. If you want to do something, do it. If you want to make something, make it. I know it sounds so surface level and easy to say, but people love to complicate things for themselves. It's that whole you vs. you thing, they call it self-doubt. You deserve to believe in yourself, give yourself the love. Be your own boss and kick your own ass. It's mad fun.
