An Interview with Jacob Campbell, Artist

After a recent surf session with your good friend, Jacob Campbell, the two of you sat down to lunch at Café Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu, where Mr. Campbell has chosen to present an exhibition of new drawings entitled Absolute Independent Reality Is Hard To Find.  Originally from Oxnard, California, Jacob studied fine art at the University of California--San Diego, receiving a B.F.A. in 2006.  He is also the son of Malcolm Campbell and nephew of Duncan Campbell, the duo who’ve been behind Campbell Brothers Surfboards since 1970.  Malcolm still shapes boards in California, while Duncan owns Café Haleiwa.  Their design, called the “Bonzer,” is unique in surfing history because it was the first to feature three fins, making it the archetype for the modern surfboard.  You took the opportunity to catch up with Jacob about art, surfing, and music, among other things.

THINGS IS COOL:  First of all, congratulations. This was kind of a long time in the making.



JACOB CAMPBELL:  Thanks. Yeah, it’s easily been over a year.  Last year [in 2011] when I was in Hawaii I started with a few drawings.



T.I.C.:  Why Café Haleiwa?



J.C.:  It’s been an outstanding offer that I do a show at the family’s Café.  I’ve wanted to see more surfing on the walls in here.  I remember coming in as a kid, years ago, and seeing all of the older Bonzer imagery.  So, to also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bonzer surfboard design, I wanted to create some artwork that was related to my dad and Duncan’s visual history, in a sense.  

Sperry x Fidelity Outerwear

This is a marriage of New England nautical brands made in heaven. Sperry Top-Sider and Fidelity Outerwear have combined to use their powers for awesomeness. The capsule collection features peacoats and boat shoes in navy wool with all kinds of cool details.  

Weekend Sunglasses on Huckberry

Zach Lee of San Francisco has a sunglass brand called Weekend.  His designs are made out of bamboo and wood, and they're both on sale over at Huckberry for a cool $75.

Hudson Sutler | Biscayne Weekender Duffel

Hudson Sutler gave you a duffel to test out recently.  It was the Biscayne Weekender, a bag so thoughtfully made for beaching it that they named it after one of Floridaʻs historic bays.  You decided to give it to a friend to test it out thoroughly.  Heʻs a champion sailor in your neck of the woods, and he likes to read on remote beaches. His report follows:

Dear Things Is Cool –

Must begin with a big MAHALO for entrusting me with a review of one of your finds.  As far a deluxe sailbag is concerned, this gem exceeded expectations.  In fact, itʻs ideal for what I need on the boat.  I can fill it with all my gear – pads and gloves, shoes and foulies, rum and cola - and thereʻs still pockets inside and out for sunscreen, keys, phone, wallet and more.  Moreover, the tackle on this beast is as-advertised and perfect for ocean-going: stainless rings and nylon zipper operate smoothly and durably.  No catches, no snags.  The fabric – triple-weight - is rugged yet pliant.  No break-in period.  Ready upon delivery.

After putting the Weekender through its paces on a Saturday practice sail with my discerning crew (who approved heartily, by the way) I took it on another test – the beach hike.  Its classic and charming gingham liner and matching navy shoulder strap practically insisted on a faraway picnic.  I must admit then came what seemed, initially, to be the only curious part of the product.  Those acres of delicious, super-thick canvas add a little weight, and conspired to feel like the reason our hour trek to and from an empty beach became a little tough.  But while I was walking through the ironwoods and gazing at the seven-foot swell on the way home, I realized perhaps it was my fault for being seduced by the deceiving, double-portioned dimensions that effortlessly ate up the travel books, two queen-sized terry beach sheets, water and sundries that I jammed in there.  Yeah… that was it.  The Weekender is coyly huge, and ravenously hungry.  Finally, back at the car, I realized I was in love - the glorious sky-blue weave: nothing sticks to it.  Sand and pokies just brush right off. 

So… thanks again; you wonʻt be getting this twofer back.  Please tell the Hudson Sutler folks itʻs perfect for work and play, and pass along my

Warmest Aloha,

AR

Amazing Beards #21

 Frederick Douglass.

 Jerry Garcia.

Charles Darwin.