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Donated surfboards have been transformed into vibrant works of art which are set to go under the hammer next month in aid of Mind Jersey.
Jake Powell from Jersey Surf School and Mango Tree Surf Academy donated three shortboards that served as blank canvases for the project's young artists.
The boards were cleaned and redesigned by Sarah, Marysa, and Chloe – members of Mind Jersey's Young People and Youthful Minds voluntary participation group, which aims to combat the stigma surrounding children and young people's mental health.
The silent auction allows individuals to confidentially place bids on their preferred surfboard, which are currently on display at the YES Project on Colomberie.
They will also be featured at an evening event at the Pomme D'or on 19 October, where silent bids will be assessed.
Jake has worked with Emma Lawrence from Mind Jersey over the past eight years to tackle the stigma of men's mental health in particular, hosting initiatives such as the Good Vibrations Festival held in June at the Watersplash.
The three young surfboard artists shared the stories behind each of their unique designs...
Sarah's surfboard features a vibrant sunset, silver-lined clouds, and rows of waves, accompanied by two quotes: "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf" and "Life is like the sea... it goes up and down."
Explaining the inspiration behind her design, Sarah said her surfboard aims to convey "a positive message" while evoking "a peaceful feeling".
"I knew that I wanted to fill the board with an explosion of colour because bright colours are often associated with happiness," she explained.
Sarah also decided on "the scene of a vibrant sunset as it shows the natural beauty of the world," and included the two quotes "to encourage you to keep going".
She continued: "I first used the Yin Yang in the sun to symbolise balance and harmony; the clouds in my design have silver linings to show that even when things are bad, there is always hope.
"Finally, the ocean is built of smaller pieces as a way to show that great things come from even the smallest of steps."
Marysa's design depicts a white turtle swimming amidst blue flowers, with an ombre blue gradient as the background.
When designing her surfboard, Marysa said: "I wanted to capture a sense of tranquillity and serenity through its design.
"To preserve this essence of peace, I opted for a minimalistic approach."
She also felt that the inclusion of a turtle would reflect "tranquillity and healing'", and match "perfectly with the overall theme [she] aimed to achieve."
Marysa chose a blue background as it serves as a "visual representation of the ocean, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere".
She added: "Additionally, this beautiful colour carries symbolic significance, representing not only freedom but also sensitivity.
"I believe these qualities align beautifully with the pure white turtle."
Chloe's design features a variety of imagery, including the chicken from the animated film 'Surf's Up', hibiscus flowers, a whale, and a palm tree.
When designing her board, Chloe said: "I wanted to create an art piece that portrayed peace and love.
"The chicken from Surf's Up (Joe) represents the peace because his character is very relaxed, and finds the joy in not just surfing, but in life."
She added: "Moreover, the hibiscus flowers in the centre are associated with happiness, sunshine, and good luck.
"The pink hibiscus in the middle stands for friendships and all different kinds of love.
"Finally, the whale in the ocean is a symbol of peace and wisdom, bringing the surfboard together."
Interested bidders are invited to send their bids via email to Emma at e.lawrence@mindjersey.org.
Bidders should specify the surfboard they wish to bid on and the amount they are willing to offer.
Successful bidders will receive notifications shortly after the evening event on 19 October.
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