Encinitas celebrated a good man this week.
Mark Patterson, the artist behind the famous “Surfing Madonna” mosaic in the Californian city of Encinitas, passed away on September 20th of this year at 70 years old. But Patterson’s iconic surf art lives on, and just a few days ago on October 8, the artist’s friends and family gathered in Encinitas to celebrate his life and work.
Local poet Jim Babwe read a piece titled An Attempted Ballad for the Surfing Madonna, providing just one example of how Mark’s work has touched the hearts of many during his lifetime.
The “Surfing Madonna” mosaic is a large-scale mural installation that was initially performed without the city’s permission by Mark and his friend Bob Nichols years ago, receiving much controversy – and legal decision making from the town council –during its first viewings. The mural, which depicted a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe Day on a surfboard, was taken down shortly after being noticed by crowds of passers-by but was later reinstalled across the street from the original installation under the train bridge. Now, you can view the “Surfing Madonna” on the north wall of Leucadia Pizza, on the corner of Highway 101 and Encinitas Blvd.
Though Patterson is most famous for the “Surfing Madonna” mosaic, he is also the man behind the Surfing Madonna Special Needs Surf Camp. The camp, which runs every summer and is free for participants, encourages children ages 4-17 with special needs to learn to surf as a confidence-building tool.
Mark’s obituary also notes that he was more than an artist or event organizer, as “he was a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. His love for the ocean extended beyond the canvas, driving him to support numerous environmental initiatives. Through his work, he sought to “raise awareness about the fragility of marine ecosystems and inspire others to take action to protect them.”
In fact, the “Surfing Madonna” artwork has the alternative title of the “Save the Ocean” mosaic as its message concerns the spirituality of the ocean and the piece was installed on Earth Day. Accordingly, the associated Surfing Madonna Oceans Project was formed in 2012, and the related project coordinates events that raise money for the community and the local beaches.
Needless to say, Mark Patterson’s legacy lives on through his art and charity work. His passion for the ocean and the community that surrounds it is something that is as valuable as ever. In the words of Mark himself, “If we want to make a difference in today’s world, we must start right here at home. We can help Encinitas become a leader in being Green. Setting the bar a little higher for other coastal communities throughout the nation. As the saying goes, ‘If you want to see change in the world, BE the change.’”
Patterson’s “Surfing Madonna” piece, as well as his general life philosophy, certainly inspires change from everyone who encounters it – now and well into the future.
