Jason Woodside is a New York based artist. He made the journey from Florida and attended the school of visual arts in the early 2000’s. His bright and vivid works of art have made it around the globe and we were lucky enough to sit down with him for a conversation.
Read through below + get to know Jason & what drives his inspiration below:
When did you start painting?
I’ve been kind of drawing and painting my whole life or since I can remember. Always creating things, making music or building something.. I feel like it all falls into the same sort of channel.
What or who inspired you to start creating art?
It wasn’t really a person it was more just a general drive to create matched with being resourceful or just a bit bored haha.. growing up in Florida, there wasn’t surf all the time and then it was too hot to skate nine months out of the year so it led to a lot of time conceptualizing and exploring creative outlets.. I know that I would get bummed if I was in creating something or went a while without drawing or painting..
What did you like about designing a towel?
I like the chemistry between the folks at slow tide.. I feel like that’s a big one before I team up with anyone on a product or collaboration. Then for me it’s always a goal to contribute some sort of creativity to that beach culture.
What or who are you currently inspired by?
I’m mostly inspired by nature and music.. Music tends to take me to a different place.. whether it’s nostalgic or progressive, it always seems to get my brain moving.
Any advice for aspiring artists?
I guess just don’t give up, whatever you do. Patience is so key.. nothing happens overnight.. prioritize money as the very last thing on the list. Just be genuine and stoked with your work and nothing can stop you. All the other stuff works out.
What is a change you've made in your life that has made the most impact on you or the people around you?
I think getting out of high school and moving straight to New York City when I was 17 or 18.. kissed my comfort zone goodbye. It just forced me to be resourceful, self aware and focused. I wasn’t at all comfortable, but I feel like those were the foundation elements. I don’t think it helped watching the twin towers come down in front of me the day after I moved up, but I guess that was all part of my journey.
When you're not creating, what are you up to?
I spend lots of time at the beach and with my family.. been stoked on cooking lately!
What is your dream trip?
I think a euro trip.. France, Spain and Portugal and do the drive.. great wine and food. Hit the costal towns and take my time, which is such a luxury. I’ve been to those spots, but they would always be rushed as I’d be stuck painting a wall then pressed to finish and jump on a plane to split. So yeah haha a relaxing euro/surf trip would be epic.
Do you have a favorite product?
So many things haha I’m really into surf fins at the moment... You can never have too many and it’s fun to experiment!
