Throwback Thursday: Drew Brophy & Spunky's Surf Shop
During one of his trips along the East Coast, renowned surf artist Drew Brophy made a memorable stop in Florida. Drew was thoroughly impressed with what Spunky had achieved with the surf shop. The logo of Spunky's, reminiscent of the wave once used for the "Save the Beaches" banner, caught Drew's eye.
While visiting, Drew painted the distinctive wave design on a surfboard, capturing the essence of his experience at Spunky's Surf Shop. This wasn't just any stop on his tour—it was a special visit where he connected with the local surf community. Drew met a lot of wonderful people, went surfing, and left a lasting impression with his art.
The painted Spunky's wave symbolizes more than just a design; it represents a good memory of great times shared with the locals at Spunky's. It's a colorful reminder of the vibrant, welcoming spirit that defines our surf shop and community.
Drew Brophy has been a professional artist for over 30 years, and he proudly states, “It’s my job to make things look cool.” A lifelong surfer and traveler, Drew’s career took off in the late 1990s when he began painting surfboards using water-based paint pens, a technique he developed himself. This unique approach quickly caught the attention of the top action sports companies, leading to numerous illustration projects. Over time, his work expanded to include fine art paintings that are now sought after by collectors worldwide.
An early adopter of standup paddle surfing, Drew played a significant role in promoting the sport through his adventurous travels. Notably, he and whitewater expert Seth Warren were the first to standup paddle the entire 225 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Drew’s passion for surfing has also sparked an interest in studying weather patterns, the effect of waves, and the sun’s influence on Earth. This curiosity led him to explore physics, deeply influencing his artwork. His distinctive art style now incorporates elements of sacred geometry, reflecting his efforts to decode the knowledge left by ancient civilizations.
Through his art, Drew aims to convey the message that everything is energy and we are all connected. He strives to create images that help people understand the true meaning of life: that it is meant to be enjoyed!
The Wave
"The Wave," a beautiful piece of art created by Drew Brophy, has become an iconic symbol for Spunky's Surf Shop, embraced by many. Featured on stickers, shop shirts, and coffee cups, this wave has been part of the shop's identity for a long time, capturing cherished memories and its inherent beauty. When you see this wave, it’s more than just a reminder of Fort Pierce or Spunky's Surf Shop—it's a celebration of life's journey. So, ride the wave of life and let "The Wave" be a symbol of adventure, joy, and the spirit of living fully.
Special Thanks
We wanted to give a special thank you to Drew and his wife Maria Brophy for sharing back round knowledge on this story and cultivating his time in Fort Pierce, Florida with this piece!