Surfboard art makes waves

New wave art: Oliver Certa, of Unplugged in Byron Bay, shows off the surfboard art created by internationally famed David Bromley.

Jay Cronan

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Noosa's Festival of Surfing 2010

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THESE have to be the most expensive surfboards in Byron Bay, or maybe Australia.

In fact, they cost more than $9000, but they’re not really for riding the waves – they’re a piece of very collectable art.

The boards feature paintings by noted international artist David Bromley, who has just moved into a larger studio premises in the beachside town.

He started painting the boards after he met Oliver Certa, the owner of Lawson Street surf store Unplugged, and found they had a ‘connection’.

“David loves life and he loves surfing,” Mr Certa said.

So far the shop has sold three of the pricey boards.

“It is possible that you could use them to surf, but they are really a beautiful piece of art,” he said.

Mr Certa said he gave the artist shaped blanks to be painted, just like a canvas.

Once the artwork, that can range from a nude to a skull, is completed, the boards are covered with fibreglass.

Ray Arthur, a communications officer for Arts Northern Rivers, said the price tag was certainly high for local art.

Mr Bromley has had more than 30 solo shows across Australia, Europe, the United States and Asia, and has been listed as one of the ‘50 most collectible artists in Australia’. He divides his time between Melbourne and Byron Bay.

David Bromley's biography

View David Bromley's gallery