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Andrew Holder is a prolific artist and beard-grower who calls Northern California home. His geometric style weaves surrealism with a strong connection to the ocean and the natural world -- a bit like Escher merged with The Endless Summer.
So it’s no surprise that when we brainstormed with our buds over at Huckberry who would rise to the task of the blank canvas for a limited run California Coastal design, we could think of no better human.
And to close the loop we teamed up with non-profit Save the Waves — $5 from every purchase supports their work to protect and preserve the coastal environment.
Andrew has created for clients that range from The New York Times and National Geographic to Sub-Pop Records.
We sat down (editor's note: it was a conference call) with Andrew to discuss his life as an artist and reluctant businessman, visual punching bags, and the clarity that emerges from floating on a surfboard in the ocean.
Photos by Will Holder
Honestly, I'm horrible at the business side of it (editor's note: his client list says otherwise). I like creating imagery and collaborating. If I could exist without all the other stuff, I'd be happy.
I was lucky and landed some cool clients early on that validated what I was doing. Now I'm able to curate more and be pickier with what I take on.
A blank piece of paper is a frightening thing to me.
I do some gallery stuff here and there, but I like to have some parameters or a goal.
If I have extra time I do something different, or else I’m creatively burnt out. I either pick up a guitar or one of my kids.
I also have these vintage index cards — when I'm stuck, I just put the pen down on the paper and start going. I revisit these sketches if I hit a wall. It's like a visual punching bag.
I'm most productive at night. I get in that zone where I'm not thinking about time. I'm not conscious of what's going on around me. Just going, and all of a sudden three hours have gone by, I pick my head up, and say “oh, I'm about done with this."
When life is complicated, I just go out there in the water and float on my board. The ocean is still, and I can just exist there. That simplicity is something I shoot for in my work. It drives me to get rid of the noise and the frivolous stuff.
Save The Waves protects coastal ecosystems around the world through innovative strategies in partnership with local communities. Utilizing a unique combination of protected areas, economics, and direct action, Save The Waves partners with locals to preserve their coastal resources and in turn strengthen their communities.
