Perched above the picturesque beaches of North County San Diego sits the home of “the best surf artist of our generation,” Andy Davis. If you are familiar with Andy’s work, his house is everything you’d expect it to be and then some: great design, bursting with colorful art by friends, carefully curated artifacts, cozy beach house vibes, and a general feeling of playfulness. For those who are not familiar with Andy, he grew up watching the action sports industry bubble up in neighborhoods around him. Always daydreaming and drawing, he was obsessed with Southern California surf culture. His authentic passion for surfing began to take shape in his colorful art — a fresh way to look at the energy of surfing while paying homage to classic surf iconography of the past. His legendary surf artwork has shown in galleries in all corners of the world, from Bali to Rome, from New York to Laguna Beach, and even our humble gallery space in Ventura. Andy’s surf shack has been undergoing many gradual renovation projects over the years, so we weren’t able to include him in the first two books, but the day hath now cometh. As a longtime fan of Andy, it was a special treat to finally make this shoot happen and feature his abode in our Surf Shacks project.

Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Andy Davis. I live in Leucadia California. I am an artist I think?

What brought you to North County San Diego and how long have you been living here?

My mother brought my brother and I to North County area in the late 70’s. I have been here ever since for the most part.

What are your favorite parts of your home?

The favorite parts of my home are the close proximity to the beach, friends, and my studio. Also the little street on which it lives. Sunsets are wonderful as well. Lots of things really. Too many to list.

What are your favorite parts about San Diego and the area in which you live?

My favorite parts about San Diego and where I live is it’s pretty slow paced still. There’s a few little spots that I like to surf that haven’t gotten too crowded yet. The waves aren’t that great, so that helps keep it from getting too busy as well. So many of my friends are here, I love spending time with them. Going out to eat, going to see live music at lots of really great venues. We have some amazing record stores too. The weather is beautiful most of the year as well.

Tell us more about your art. How did you get started? When did art become a full time job for you? How did you first develop your style?

I’ve been making art as long as I can remember. I got a late start to painting though. I really didn’t get into it until I was in my late 20’s. Maybe even 30-ish… I started my first brand which was called Free in 1992. That’s a whole other story though. Umm, I guess my style developed along the way. It was definitely inspired by so many things I grew up around. Cartoons, movies, music, other artists, photographers, film makers, surfers, skaters… Talented humans that were making all kinds of things for me to look at. My inspiration comes from many sources. Mostly other people — past and present. Mother Nature always provides too.  I tend to see it through a cartoonish perspective though.

Your art takes so many different forms: you show your paintings in gallery exhibits, hotel projects, and do murals for instance. You also do a ton of apparel and product and brand commissions. What are your favorite types of projects to work on?

Yes, I’m super fortunate to work on many different types of projects. It’s taken a long time to get where I’m currently at, that’s for sure. I like all of them usually. I wouldn’t say I have favorite. I tend to see them all somewhat similarly. They are just different in size and scale for the most part.

I was super inspired by your brand FREE (then Byrd). How did that brand first materialize? What was the story behind it?

I was trying to get through my first few days of art school. It was my first semester and it was going to be learning how to use the computer. Basically early graphic design. I completely panicked. I had no interest in that. It was all way too technical and really math based. I dropped out the second day. I was very blessed to have some money for college from my grandparents. I went and told my grampa that I wanted to start a clothing brand instead of continuing with school. To my surprise, he understood and was very supportive. That’s when I decided to call it “Free.” Because I was finally Free from school! This story is way too long to get into though.

What have been the biggest challenges being an artist and running your own business over the years?

The biggest challenges of being an artist for a living is the consistency. It’s very difficult to have any sort of stability or longevity. As far as the running of the business I have never been cut out for that.  I have always had so much help in that area. I continue to have it to this day. It takes a village as they say. Especially with someone like myself. I am seriously challenged with pretty rudimentary responsibilities. I think that’s why I make the art that I do.

On the other hand, what have been the greatest rewards?

The greatest rewards: meeting amazing people. Getting to travel and experience things that continue to inspire me. I tend to really take the time very often to not take what I have done and am doing for granted. I’m so beyond grateful.

As an artist who is deep rooted in the surfing lifestyle, what are your favorite parts of surf culture in general these days and why – what is exciting and inspiring to you?

The things that are inspiring me the most in surfing lately? Hmmm. I’ve been listening to some of the Surfers Journal podcasts. There are some really great stories on those. I’ve been loving watching some of the girls surfing too. Steph Gilmore, Jaleesa Vincent, Frankie Harrier, Caity Simmers, Coco Ho, Leah Dawson. Man there’s so many good girls! I recently watched a film called “Body Surfin 2.” It was insane. Super funny, it reminded me of Flight Of The Concords a wee bit. It’s an Australian film. Umm… there’s so much good stuff out there. Too much to think of. Oh, I always have loved Ozzie Wright. He’s still doing all kinds of creating. I could go on for days about all the inspirations.

What advice would you give young Andy Davis – or other aspiring artists / designers out there?

My advice would be to keep making stuff. Be patient. Enjoy it. Do it for you. If it’s meant to be a job for you, it will happen at some point. You have to love it no matter what really.

Any parting thoughts, words of wisdom, or sage advice?

Helloha and Mahaloarigato!!!!