When Craig Hubbard transitioned from Brooklyn to Venice Beach in 2013, he brought with him a seasoned background as an animator and comic book colorist. However, it was the breathtaking West Coast sunsets that rekindled his passion for photography. Immersed in the vibrant scenes around him, Hubbard began capturing his surroundings during his downtime. “As an avid surfer and former skater, I gravitate toward skateparks and water,” he shares. Naturally, his fascination led him to the ocean’s majestic waves.
Surfing and sunsets: A visual symphony
Venice Beach, known for its eclectic and surf-loving culture, stands as an iconic Los Angeles neighborhood. Despite new developments, it retains its relaxed charm. Surfers often gather at hotspots like the Breakwater and the Venice Beach Pier, where Hubbard joins them with his board and camera in tow. “Dusk, dawn, and fog banks activate my senses,” he explains. With a graphic designer’s eye, he captures bold outlines, contrasts, and the dynamic energy of motion. “Nature ultimately does the heavy lifting,” he notes.
For another take on West Coast life, explore Hilary Pecis’ vibrant paintings capturing the essence of the West Coast.
The ocean as muse
Hubbard’s ethereal and cinematic photos often depict surfers and waves bathed in the soft glow of morning light or shrouded by a mysterious marine layer. At times, the intense spray, elegant curl, or wave crest alone command attention within his frames. “The water is the muse and artist,” Hubbard mentioned in a recent interview. “I’m just a biased translator and documentarian. My ego relaxes in the ocean; the need to peacock recedes. This is where my best work comes from—or favorite, I should say.”
To delve deeper into visual storytelling, see how Jaehyun Kim creates narrative worlds through art, much like Hubbard’s explorations through photography.
Discover more of Hubbard’s captivating work on Instagram and catch some of his videos on YouTube.
Sources & Links
Source: thisiscolossal.com