Sometimes an artist combines form and material so perfectly that the normally subjective nature of art flies right out the window. Such is the case with Mark Saracusa’s wooden waves… most everyone, waverider and non-waverider alike can appreciate their beauty.

Photo By Maggie Marsek

There is something mesmerizing about looking at the wave from any angle you want. Its almost as if that hucking A-Frame you always hope to find at your local beachy is sitting there in front of you. This is largely due to the unique, slightly exaggerated form Mark imparts in each wave. Lip lines are tweaked to just beyond gaping, and the roofs of the cylinders sag as if they are being pulled downward by invisible force that carries spit from the tube. The natural grain at times hints at the maze of reflections found in a wave’s surface and the carving marks on some of his waves can imitate a slight offshore breeze. Not since the olo has wood and water gone so well together.

I wrote about these carvings after seeing them outside Seaside market in Cardiff a few weeks ago. Since then, Mark and I have made a little trade for the first wave pictured here. My end of the deal is to show these gems off to you, which I’m happy to do as I think I got the better end of the deal here. ;D

A 12″ wave is $95.00 with the 30″ waves at $225.00… more than fair pricing in my opinion and he includes shipping. I can’t recommend one size over another, as both impart the same feeling when looking at them.

There are more pics of Mark’s process and waves after the jump…

You can get a wave at one of the stores below, or through Mark at his website, mysurfart.com

Pacific Surf Gallery
2081 San Elijo Ave
Cardiff by the Sea, Ca. 92007

WetSand SurfShop
446 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001

HOMELoft
127 N. Hwy 101
Solana Beach, CA 92075

Thanks Mark, keep carving.