Stacy Peralta, the legendary surfer and skateboarder, is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Now, in his latest venture—his first art exhibition—he’s taking this belief even further. For Peralta, everything in life, from painting to surfing, is a form of art. And as he continues to explore these various passions, he reflects on how each is interconnected, ultimately providing a deeper understanding of himself.
At 67, Peralta is known for his groundbreaking work in both the skateboarding and surfing worlds. As a key member of the Z-Boys, he helped revolutionize skateboarding, transforming it from a backyard activity to a global phenomenon. But Peralta doesn’t stop there. With his recent foray into painting, he has come to see the act of creating art as a deeply personal journey of self-discovery.
“Painting is just the thing I’m doing, but really, I’m learning about myself,” he says. Though he’s only been painting for under two years, Peralta admits he’s always had the desire to pursue this craft. “I started late, got into it, and I went berserk because I liked it so much,” he reveals. But more than just learning to paint, Peralta has come to realize that he’s learning about patience, frustration, and personal growth through this creative process.
“Learning new things is not just about acquiring a new skill,” he reflects. “It’s about unlocking who you are.” He credits his artistic journey with helping him become more patient and less frustrated—insights he says he’s only able to see now, later in life.
For Peralta, being a “bohemian” isn’t just a label—it’s a way of life. It’s the mindset that fueled his pioneering role in skateboarding, taking the sport from flat driveways to the streets of Venice and, later, the pools of Santa Monica. Peralta’s innovation was instrumental in developing new tricks, like the “Bert slide” and the vertical climb, which eventually led to the aerial. His contributions to both skateboarding and surfing are unparalleled, influencing generations of athletes and creatives alike.
“I didn’t go to college, didn’t get a very good education,” Peralta explains. “Everything I got thrown into, I just had to figure out.” It is this DIY approach that fuels his belief that virtually every activity can be an art form, from surfing to gardening.
“I’ve found that you can inhabit creative spaces, but you can’t control them,” he says. “That’s why it’s important to pursue a creative craft. Surfing, skateboarding, painting, gardening—they are all never-ending learning processes.”
Peralta’s perspective on creativity extends beyond his personal experiences. He believes that all of his passions are interconnected through movement and the search for inner beauty. “Surfing is about movement,” he explains. “You’re always looking for that stationary, glide position. Skateboarding is the same. Even painting—you’re searching for that center where everything just comes together and surprises you.” This shared pursuit of beauty and flow is what drives him to constantly push the boundaries of his craft, whether in surfing, skateboarding, or painting.
While Peralta continues to explore new creative pursuits, he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Though his days of intense skateboarding are behind him, he still rides for exercise and enjoyment. “I actually do it for toning,” he says. “It’s been such a huge part of my life that it’s a touchstone. I need to do it.”
Humility is a key part of Peralta’s character, and he often downplays his accomplishments. When discussing his work in filmmaking, he says, “It’s an art form, yes. But instead of creating the art, I’m documenting other people doing it.” As a filmmaker, he sees himself as a storyteller, capturing moments through a camera lens. “Everything we do is art in some form,” he asserts. “The more we practice one thing, the better we get at everything—whether it’s painting, surfing, or gardening.”
In his view, the approach to all creative endeavors is the same: a blend of passion, patience, and the constant pursuit of growth. As Peralta continues to explore new artistic avenues, his holistic view of life and creativity offers a profound reminder that everything we do can be an art form, if only we approach it with an open heart and mind.
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