"From Snowy Slopes to Creative Strokes: A Journey of Passion and Artistry"

Many years ago, I took my nephews skiing for the first time. Little did I know that this simple trip would ignite a passion in both of them, one that would lead them to chase the snow across Australia and the world, taking on various roles, from lift chair operators to ski and snowboard instructors. Whenever they visited me, our nights were filled with laughter as they recounted their adventures.
One day, while planning a skiing trip to Chile, they extended an invitation to me, probably thinking I would be footing the bill. In jest, during a phone call conversation from Chile, they made a playful comment about expecting to see me on the slopes with my "wooden skis" (even though I had never owned wooden skis).
Not too long ago, while rummaging through my garage, I stumbled upon my old skis. Instead of discarding them, I decided to transform them into something unique, all while keeping a "wooden theme" in mind. Inspired by totem poles, I embarked on a creative endeavor as a token of appreciation for the countless laughs shared with my nephews. My message to them is "Now go ski Alaska and Canada – 'Screaming eagles!'"
Alongside my skiing adventures, I've explored another artistic avenue – surfboard design. A special request led me to create a surfboard adorned with pink tigers sporting red stripes. This decorative piece now hangs on the wall of a child's bedroom, a testament to the popularity of surfing in my local area on Phillip Island.
My surfboard artistry has evolved, drawing inspiration from various sources, such as Maori and Art Deco patterns. During a visit to New Zealand, I was captivated by the intricate Maori designs, and my interest in Art Deco was piqued by the stunning artwork I encountered in the elevator of one of New York's iconic buildings. Although I've never attempted to replicate these designs directly, they've lingered in my mind like a catchy tune, awaiting their moment to grace an object or art piece.
I have had my artistic styled nicknamed as "Ra Ra" –nothing to do with the art movement, Dada! Ra Ra is an acronym for Restyled Artefacts Renewed Artworks. The "R" stands for "Restyled," representing the transformation and inspiration I draw from patterns and designs. Sometimes, this happens unconsciously, driven by my creative spirit. The "A" represents "Artefacts" – old items that may not necessarily be antiques and not in anyway archaeological finds. These items often still have a purpose and can become decorative pieces or room displays. Finally, the second "R" and "A" stand for "Renewed Artworks."
If you'd like to explore more of my creative endeavors and see additional images, please visit my Instagram page. @Whoa_chris_appleby

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