Press: VC Reporter Article

Erik Abel is Making Waves

Photo: Claudia Pardo

Ventura artist and designer Erik Abel — known for his bold geometric designs, unique graphic patterns and shapes, and Eastern-inspired images of waves — has released a series of limited-edition prints on FSC-certified birch plywood for Waves for Water, a nonprofit organization working toward global change one glass of clean water at a time. Waves for Water’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Initiative struck a chord with Abel, whose travels have gained him clear insight about the world along with abundant artistic inspiration. Each print is a very limited edition of 25, with 15 percent of sales donated to Waves for Water. Additionally, Abel will donate 5 percent of sales from art on his site to reach his goal of raising $5,000 for the cause.

Abel’s efforts to use his art for a good cause have resulted in meaningful partnerships with a variety of organizations, including Surfrider, SurfAid, Save the Waves and Heal the Bay. He is currently exhibiting his work at the Sandbox Coffee House and West Side Cellar in Ventura, and at the popular Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., for which he designed the official artwork. If you aren’t yet convinced about why you should support Abel’s cause, take a minute to read his blog. It is chock-full of original art, works in progress, cool vids and a very honest look at the artist’s journey. Go to www.abelarts.com/w4w or www.abelarts.com/blog.