warm wishes show at urban orchid

I have my very first solo show at Hingetown's Urban Orchid, from May 6th-June 2nd! Below are some photos from my opening reception!

"Monstera Leaves", 10x10, watercolor.

"Hibiscus", 14x18, watercolor & cut paper. This piece was inspired by my recent trip to Nicaragua; an unforgettable country filled with beautiful wild hibiscus. I added the cut newsprint to create an aesthetic texture & represent the stories shared with new friends along my travels.

"Palm Springs", 11x14. watercolor.

A lovebird in process shot.

Beautiful arrangement crafted by the talented Urban Orchid team, sent by a special someone to remind me of Florida! I've been feeling home sick with all of the chilly weather.

 Matching my Bohemian ensemble to my art!

Celebratory drinks next door at Jukebox!

northern nicaragua 2016

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Northern Nicaragua this past January and participate in the Surf With Amigas surf and yoga retreat! Above is a peek at some of the essentials from my packing list. Akela Surf had just released these super cute surf shorts, featuring my artwork! It was fun to see my design come to life on swimwear, as well as have the liberty to test it out in action!

I had the pleasure of meeting new friends from all over the world, including Australia, Slovakia, Venezuela, Barcelona, Canada, and every time zone of the US! Despite our vast backgrounds, everyone united over their love of surfing. The surfers ranged from beginner to intermediate level (with former competitive coaches), so it was a great opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone! As you can see above, we had quite the quiver! I rode a thick short board and switched to a funboard once my arms turned to noodles!

Just minutes from my bed awaited this beautiful, warm, and uncrowded surf at Manzana, Chinandega.

Yours truly, going backside on a cute one!

The paddle out!

Beautiful wild hibiscus adorned the countryside. 

Going left on a bigger day!

Cattle crossing on the beach.

Hiking up Cerro Negro volcano, with the girls. Courtney leading the pack!

Adorable eco friendly cabanas at Coco Loco Resort.

A lovely historic church I passed while exploring Leon, Nicaragua.

Going frontside.

Working on my pumping.

Dropping in on a bigger day in the Bay.

Kim, myself, Emily, and Hilary riding on the "people mover" on our way to dinner.

A group shot of all of the lovely and empowering ladies I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with!

floral textile painting workshop

I had the pleasure of traveling to Brooklyn, NY to take a floral painting workshop with lovely and talented artist Helen Dealtry! The class worked on experimenting with different ink painting techniques. It was fun to loosen up and paint intuitively, without laying in my pencil drawing first. My favorite piece of advice Helen offered was, "If you make a mistake just keep going! The more you try to to fix it the more attention will be drawn to it!" Below are some photos from the workshop.

Helen's beautiful ink and gouache paintings.

Helen's class demo.

Our pretty studio space with fresh flowers and mimosas!

My ink painting in process.

Close up of one of my ink paintings from the workshop.

interview: ali kurzeja artist for akela surf

March 16, 2015

Interview with Akela Surf: http://akelasurf.com/blogs/journal/17597229-ali-kurzeja-artist-for-akela-surf

Ali Kurzeja Artist for Akela Surf

1- Tell us about yourself: Where are you from? Where do you currently live? Tell us about some of your hobbies and passions.
 

I grew up in the beautiful beach town of Sarasota, Florida where I became interested in art and surfing at a young age. My memories of turquoise waters and vivid green surroundings serve as great inspiration in my art. I enjoy painting nature and using colorful palettes that echo the feel of my coastal home. I studied illustration at Ringling College of Art & Design. Upon graduation I received the opportunity to work as a professional illustrator at a large studio in the Midwest. Having never seen snow, I was hesitant about the relocation. However, I decided to embrace the adventure and made the move to Cleveland, Ohio. I soon found myself amongst a small, but welcoming surf community on Lake Erie. I invested in a thick wetsuit and a snowboard for the off-season. I now spend my days creating colorful artwork, riding snowy hills, and catching chilly lake waves with wonderful newfound friends. I visit Florida often to recharge and soak up sunny days, and when I can't catch a flight home a hot yoga session will sometimes do the trick!

2 - Tell us how you found out about Akela Surf and what impact it has had on you thus far? 

I found out about Akela Surf through Instagram. I stumbled upon Victoria Jones' beautiful textile design, which then led me to the brand's homepage.

Akela Surf has made a huge impact on my life! I worked at a beach shop selling swimwear when I was a teenager. I always admired the textile designs I saw in the store and dreamed of one day creating my own. Akela Surf has made that dream a reality!

3 - What does art mean to you?

I believe art is an expression of one's self. Whether I'm creating art for myself or a client, my personality becomes interwoven with the project. In some ways, making commercial art is quite similar to making a sandwich. There are expected ingredients defining the structure, but the chef chooses particular spices, colors, and textures to add. In the same manner an artist interprets directions to create a design. My background and personal preferences have the opportunity to come into play and create something uniquely specific to me.

4 Can you describe the feeling of drawing to us? 

Beginning a drawing and staring at a blank page can often be the most intimidating part of the design process for me. I tend to create multiple sketches on tracing paper, then cut and reposition layouts several times. Once I establish a composition and begin adding color I start to flow into the blissful state of creating.

5 - What are your future plans and goals?

I plan to continue creating artwork, with a focus on fashion/textile design, as well as fine art. I would also like to travel! I have seen so little of the world and would love to broaden my horizons, particularly to warm surfy locations!

6- Who and what inspire you?

I've always been inspired by my environment. My mother was an interior designer and filled our home with fresh orchids, tropical botanical prints, and my father's watercolor paintings. All of these components have subconsciously snuck their way into my work. I am also influenced by an eclectic group of artists, including Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, Bernie Fuchs, David Downton, Helen Dealtry, Annie Everingham, Luli Sanchez, Luki O'Keefe, and all of my talented studio mates in Cleveland! I would be remiss if I didn't mention Pinterest also!

7 - What do you like the most about being an artist and surfer?

As for me, art and surfing go hand in hand. Sitting on my board, seeing the horizon blend into the sky makes me want to paint, and dipping my paintbrush into a palette of vibrant colors make me want to surf. I feel incredibly lucky to do both.


8- Anything you will like to share with us?
Yes! Please check out more of my art at: www.alikurzeja.com (and on my instagram account: @ali.kurzeja).

Interview conducted by Servio Anez. Photos by Audrey Tyler Jones.

akela surf flamingo surf wear!

Here is my final design to be featured on Akela Surf 's 2015 summer line! I also included fashion designer Annie Gange's swim wear mock up. I can't wait to surf in it! Many thanks to Annie & Servio of Akela Surf! What a great team to work with!

akela surf flamingo print

I'm debuting my new flamingo and floral pattern for Akela Surf! It will be used on their 2015 summer line of surf wear and bikinis! I couldn't be more excited! These are my first color versions, soft and vintage inspired. More to come on the next post!

Mint Color version of my Akela Surf pattern.

Turquoise color version of my pattern featuring the Akela skull and surf fin logo amongst the flowers and flamingo.

printsource nyc january 2015

I'm super excited to be showing my work at Printsource NYC tomorrow! Here's a look at my new textile collections.