The runway and stage set up at Irvine Spectrum Center.
Definitive Collection Features World's Most Significant Icons, Artists and Writers in Surf Culture
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 August, 2009 : - - Newport Beach, Ca -- Noted artist and surfing enthusiast Robb Havassy announced today the pre-release and launch of 'Surf Story,' an authoritative 444-page book and associated museum-scale exhibition featuring art and surf stories from 88 iconic, creative and inspirational personalities from surf culture.
This announcement comes on the heels of the settlement of Havassy's two-year legal battle with apparel giant Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co., a complaint that alleged liability for unauthorized use of Havassy's artwork and personal identity in the retailer's national marketing campaign from 1999 to 2006.
"This book is perhaps the most significant creative effort of my creative life, other than my baby daughter’s birth, and I trust it will serve its purpose as a unique hallmark of the sport, spirit and culture of surfing," says Havassy. "’Surf Story’ is a wonderful affirmation of all things timeless, creative and experiential in surfing, and it’s a fitting denouement for a drama in my life that had everything to do with preserving the integrity of decades of surf culture."
The first-edition of the "Surf Story" book is limited to 1,000 hardback copies, each signed and numbered by Havassy. The book is slated for public release this late fall with a $250 price tag, and it is being sold exclusively on surfstoryproject.com. As pre-sale inducement, 500 books are being offered at $150 through Sept. 15, while the last 100 books are earmarked for auction and sale at charity fundraisers.
Havassy is planning an international book tour through 2010, a sojourn that will culminate in a live showcase of featured “Surf Story” content, including symposiums and penned stories offered by many of the book’s 130-plus contributors, and upwards of 200 pieces of art reflecting the eclectic spirit that pervades surf culture.
According to Havassy, the events are designed to allow the public to meet “Surf Story” personalities in a casual setting, interact with these renowned progenitors of contemporary beach lifestyle and get signatures along the way. Sales from the Surf Story project will benefit the Surfrider Foundation.
“‘Surf Story’ is by far the greatest collection of surf stories and art ever gathered under one roof, lavishly illustrated, majestically presented," says Drew Kampion, writer, editor and author of ‘Stoked! A History of Surf Culture.’”
With an eye toward the future, Havassy is initiating a “Surf Story” contest, wherein the public is invited to submit stories to the author for his consideration in a future “Surf Story” volume. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 1, 2009 through Sept. 30, 2010. Three entries will be selected each month during the contest period.
The best story per month will earn its writer a limited edition “‘Surf Story’ Peace, Love, Life, Surf” surfboard and special edition lithograph. At the end of the contest, Havassy will choose 12 stories for inclusion in the next “Surf Story” installment from amongst the 36 monthly selections.
For more information about “Surf Story,” interested parties may go to “Surf Story Project” on FaceBook.com or log-on at surfstoryproject.com or havassyart.com
