Early attempt at surf art

In 1960, the Great Chilean Earthquake generated tsunamis that savagely struck Hilo, Hawaii, and (less severely) the coast of California.

I heard the warnings on the radio of a coming “tidal wave,” and estimated the time of arrival, and what did my friends and I do?  We all went to the beach to watch it of course!  Nothing happened on the beach, since the waves were at most about 2 feet high, but they did surge into the local harbors like fast tides and tore up some docks and boats.

The idea of tidal waves completely captured my imagination.  They were probably the first type of "surf" that I tried to draw.  The idea of tidal waves and earthquakes together was even more appealing, so I drew the Golden Gate Bridge being destroyed by a combined hit!  I loved bridges at the time, too, and was fascinated by how a suspension bridge might look as it was being ripped apart of unbearable forces.  I was 13 when I drew this, so maybe it was also reflective of raging hormones...

Tidal Wave Wrecking The Golden Gate Bridge
1962, pencil, 8" x 11"

Comments

[Chenresie]

My bridge! My favorite bridge! What have you done to my favorite bridge!
I’ve walked that bridge, hugged its pylons, hung out perilously into traffic to take photos of that bridge. I just love it, no matter how cliché the image is. Its Art Deco styling is just great.

But seriously, that is an amazing drawing for a 13 year old, raging hormones or not.
Wonderful perspective, clever composition, and great energy and movement.

Have you ever done it as a painting? It would, of course, have to be called “The Big One”. You know, the mega-quake they’ve been predicting that’s due to happen soon.

Well, if that’s a result from raging hormones, then those raging hormones need to be encouraged! Or perhaps, let’s face it, it’s just sheer native talent.