Art for Activism: Maddie Hartiens
Surfers get asked all the time, “aren’t you afraid of sharks?”. The majority will say no because anyone who spends countless hours in the water understands the reality. Although sharks are present at most popular surf breaks (it’s their home after all), they are uninterested in humans. One look at photographer Carlos Gauna’s drone footage shows what traditional media won’t - encounters of surfers, paddlers, and swimmers coexisting among sharks in their ocean home. That is the reality.
Our newest collaboration with artist Maddie Hartiens depicts the coexistence between surfers and sharks. Check out the Coexistence Crop Tee and read on to learn about Maddie’s life in Hawaii, her passion for surfing, and how both blend together through her artwork.
SC: Your art centers around the ocean, surfing, and coexistence. Did a personal connection to the ocean spur this general theme?
MH: Absolutely! I have always been a big ocean-loving gal. Even back in Washington where I grew up, I longed to be near the ocean. It was always a place where I could clear my head and feel at peace. So when it came to my art, it just felt natural to have it reflect that.
SC: A lot of your art depicts the surfing lifestyle. Is surfing a big part of your life?
When I was in high school I watched the movie soul surfer (if you haven’t seen it I highly recommend) and ever since then I KNEW I was going to move to Hawaii some day and learn to surf. I actually think back to the moment I told myself that all the time and am in awe I made that dream come true. Ever since moving to Oahu, I have fallen in love with surfing and definitely consider it a big part of my life.
SC: How did you decide on graphic design as your medium? Tell us a little about your artistic process.
MH: Surprisingly I used to really hate graphic design. All I ever wanted to do was paint, and people would always suggest that I try out graphic design. It wasn’t until I got an iPad and started playing around with the app I use, Procreate, that I realized I love it. It’s so much easier to think of an idea and be able to just draw it up really quick wherever, whenever.
SC: What was your inspiration in creating the Coexistence piece?
MH: I really love trying to make something unique with my art and incorporating different aspects of the ocean in different ways. When I was creating this piece, I wanted to incorporate something people tend to fear (sharks) with something people tend to love (surfing).
SC: Have you had any experiences with sharks?
MH: Very minimal. I would love to have more and plan to go shark diving sometime soon. The few small sharks I’ve encountered have been absolutely mesmerizing. I find them amazing creatures!
SC: This question has two parts: What is your favorite marine creature? And do you have a bucket list species you want to see?
MH: It’s so hard to pick, but I’d probably say either the manta ray or dolphin. A bucket list species to see would definitely be the whale shark.
SC: You're lucky enough to call Hawaii home. What do you love about these islands?
MH: My list would be endless if I listed all of the things I love about Hawai’i. However, I love the culture most of all. It’s amazing to see people carry on the spirit of aloha through generations and really show what it means to care for your Ohana.
SC: Where do you find inspiration for your art?
MH: Definitely the beautiful island life mixed with all the gorgeous female surfers I know!
SC: Is there a specific piece that stands out as your favorite? Why?
MH: “Birds of Paradise” is one of my favorites because that is my favorite Hawaiian flower, and I waited until I had the perfect idea for it to incorporate it into a piece. I love how the girl surfing the leaf is so small that the birds of paradise looks almost powerful, similar to the effect an ocean wave gives.
SC: What is one key message you hope to spread through your artwork?
MH: I have two messages I try to spread within my art. One is about female empowerment and inclusivity. I know it can be hard for girls of different skin colors and body types to find artwork that resonates with them. I try to make sure I am conscious of that every time I make a new piece, so anyone can see themselves in my work. The other is to remind people to take care of our Earth. By incorporating people and plants/animals/elements together, I want to remind people that we all share this planet and we all have a responsibility to take care of it.
