Check out our interview with talented abstract painter Alex Silver, who’s known for his exquisite surfboard artworks. Silver utilizes recycled, broken surfboards and brings them back to life by turning them into a masterpiece. His art takes something that had a finite purpose and restores it with a new reason for being.
As a lifelong surfer, born and raised on the beaches of Malibu, Ca, Silver has grown to understand the deep-rooted connection we have with our natural environment and is passionate about incorporating sustainable practices into his artistic process.
Silver goes under the alias H.A.N.D. Painting Co which stands for “Have A Nice Day”. He created it with the purpose of affecting others positively and each artwork carries empowering and uplifting messages hidden within the layers of acrylics.
Follow Alex @h.a.n.d.art
Hi Alex, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a Los Angeles based artist, born and raised here on the beaches of Malibu and Venice. I started surfing at an early age which developed into a passion for traveling and surfing around the world. I started creating artwork during the pandemic when my profession as a Sports Chiropractor was essentially put on hold. I’m grateful for that necessary pause because it allowed for my artistic pursuit to accelerate out of this world.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Compassionate, Creative, and Adventurous
Who is your role model?
My dad- his work ethic, outlook on life, and love for our family puts him at the top of the charts.
How did you get started into the art business?
It all started during the pandemic, when the spread of Covid essentially forced all physical medicine practitioners to stop their operations. During that time, when we were all forced to stay home, I allowed my creative side to fully take over. Every day I would paint- and when I ran out of canvas, I started painting on my old broken surfboards. Every new piece I started, I’d film from start to finish which I’d then post on Instagram. A lot of people were excited about what I was doing, so that gave me good feedback to keep pushing forward. I soon met my good friend Pernille, who has years of experience in the art world and runs her own successful art PR agency representing other amazing artists. Her belief in me and my work gave me the courage and confidence to truly sink into the business. The rest is history.
How has this changed your life?
Where do I begin- the entire process of creating art is so meditative and therapeutic for me. If I’m feeling stressed out in any capacity, my studio is just steps away to help shift my mindset. I used to always think surfing was my only therapeutic outlet but that’s just not the case- I have two different practices to help keep me balanced.
Tell us about H.A.N.D. Painting Co and about your super cool surfboard artwork?
Gladly- H.A.N.D. stands for “Have A Nice Day” and was created with the purpose of affecting others positively, encouraging others to have a nice day. The goal of H.A.N.D. art is to create a ripple effect of kindness and positivity throughout our communities. H.A.N.D. ‘s surfboard series utilizes broken, recycled surfboards as a way to repurpose and honor the life of the surfboard. Each surfboard can live on, serving as a platform to promote my positive message – Be Kind to All, Treat Others With Respect, and Love Yourself. The art takes something that had a finite purpose and restores it with a new reason for being. Each surfboard created embodies these artistic principles, serving as a physical representation of the fundamental philosophies I live by.
Can you mention the top 3 challenges you had as an artist. And what mindset you had at the time to overcome those challenges?
The 3 challenges thus far would probably be professionally cataloging all of my pieces (there are a lot) and building an amazing website to showcase them, exposing the world to the artwork in different capacities, and challenging myself with new creative ideas and artistic techniques. With each one of these challenges, I always tell myself to keep pushing forward and stay persistent- it’s not a matter of if, but when.
Now tell us where the creative ideas comes from when you start creating your art?
It literally can come from anything- whether it’s from graffiti I see in the streets or a color palette I resonate with in nature, my mind is always gathering ideas from the world around me.
Why did you decided to work on surfboards?
It initially started because I ran out of canvas during the pandemic and all the art stores were closed- but then I quickly realized it meant much more than that. As a surfer, your surfboard is like your magic carpet. It takes a lot of time and energy to create one but as soon as the board breaks, it becomes trash for the dumpster. I chose to work with retired, broken surfboards as a way to extend their life and purpose, honoring its existence in the world.
Do you have a favorite surfboard art that you created and why is that special?
Honestly, they are all my favorite. Each one holds a specific meaning and represents a different philosophical meaning, which makes it hard to favor one over another.
Where we can view more of your work?
Great question my website (handpaintco.com) and on my instagram (@h.a.n.d.art)
What mindsets helped making you so successful?
A positive mindset that keeps me going is that “everything happens for a reason” and my efforts I put in today will manifest in near future.
Name your top 3 favorite artists/painters?
Michael Torquato DeNicola
Richard Wilks
Kelly Graval aka Risk
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Just go for it, seriously. When you apply yourself and chase your dreams, you’d be surprised the path it takes you on and the doors that may open.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Slow down, stop stressing, and take a deep breath because everything will work out at the end of the day.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
How To Have A Nice Day- a step by step book on how to focus on the good in life.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Brussel Sprouts, they’ve really rebranded themselves well.
And your favorite cheat food?
Any form of pasta.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Surf, Skate, and Beach all wrapped together in a flour tortilla.
How would your best friend describe you?
Hilarious, goofy, fun, carefree, and present.
What’s next for Alex Silver in the last months of 2022 and for 2023?
In the last months of this year and potentially the beginning of the new year, I will be having an art show to showcase my current collections, surfboards and canvas pieces together.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Surfing perfect waves, hanging with friends, eating great food, and creating amazing artwork- in no particular order.
How is a normal day in your life?
Waking up in the morning to make some pour-over coffee, treat my patients in the office for half the day, come home and go surfing or finish working on some artwork, then cook a delicious dinner.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleeping in, grabbing some delicious breakfast on the way to the beach for a surf, coming home and starting/finishing a new piece of art, then cooking a healthy dinner and watching a movie before bed.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Taj Burrow- he was my favorite surfer growing up.
Best advice ever given?
“If it is to be, it’s up to me.”
Do you support any charity?
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an amazing foundation that I’ve worked with in the past. It’s truly inspiring to see the passion and love everyone has who I’ve met working with the foundation.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In 5 years’ time, I see myself traveling, creating, and sharing my work with other amazing communities that resonate with my artistic vision. I’d like to perform live painting events, exhibit in large galleries, as well as expand my surfboard art into larger sculpture pieces.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles, no questions asked
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a double-edged sword to be honest. It can be used for greatness but can also be detrimental to one’s mind.
Where we can follow you?
On my instagram, @h.a.n.d.art, or on my website handpaintco.com
Quote: “Flow with the change, change with the flow”
Favorite Singer/Artist: Khruangbin
Movie: Step-Brothers
Travel Destination: Costa Rica
Sports Team: Anything Surfing
Tv Show: Nothing at the moment, I’m in the market for a new one.
Book: Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari
