"Artist by the Sea" night at Dana Point's Ocean Institute celebrates the careers of Bob McKnight and Greg MacGillivray.
March 20, 2010 By: Jason Murray
Jason Ward Studios
Two men that have literally changed the course of surfing swap a few stories at Dana Point's Ocean Institute.
The mission statement of Dana Point's Ocean Institute is, "to inspire all generations, through education, to become responsible stewards of our oceans." True to their aim, the OI has produced an enlightening lecture series titled, Artist by the Sea, which provides artists and professionals an opportunity to share their passion and respect for the ocean. The most recent ABTS affair brought together two of the surf industries pioneers in Bob McKnight, CEO and co-founder of Quiksilver, and Greg MacGillivray, IMAX film maker, for an evening of candid discussion, humorous reflection and thoughts on where the surf industry has been and where it's headed.
If business is an art, McKnight is the Da Vinci of surf trunks. When he teamed up with Jeff Hakman to bring Quiksilver to the U.S., it was simply a means of extending the surf experience for a few more years after college. Little did he know his love of surfing and skills for the apparel business would eventually turn that endeavor into a $2.5 billion company and leader of the board sports evolution. "You have to find the balance between salt and suits." McKnight's zen-like approach to finding balance in everything in life has rewarded him both personally and professionally.
MacGillivray and his longtime late partner Jim Freeman have influenced every surf and adventure film you've ever watched. From "Free and Easy" to the high-speed camera work in "5 Summer Stories," all the way up the capturing the worlds' highest mountain in the IMAX epic, "Everest," MacGillivray has perfected the art of story telling and pushed the boundaries of large screen experimental motion pictures. Much of his library focuses on the sea, "The ocean is my life. I hope my films inspire people to love the ocean as much as I do and to do everything they can to ensure its lasting health."
Listening to two luminaries discuss their careers, passions and the numerous highs and lows that accompany such voyages was a humbling experience. A big part of learning is knowing when to open ears and shut mouth, especially when those speaking know a heck of lot more than you. If you haven't ever seen one of MacGillivray's movies, turn off your computer now and drive to the nearest IMAX theatre and enjoy one immediately. Next time you throw on a pair of board shorts, say a little thanks to McKnight and the rest of the surf industry forefathers who put in the hard yards to make your surf experience a better, less rashed out one.
If you are ever in Dana Point, be sure to stop by the Ocean Institute to check out their campus and learn about how you can do your part to help save the seas.
