When you talk about surf, skate, So Cal and art, Andy Davis is a name that’s bound to surface on any radar. The powerhouse artist, surfer and California native channels his beachside roots to create some of the most dreamlike imagery that’s as free flowing and fresh, as it is stylish.

Recently, Andy teamed up with Billabong to create The Andy Davis Collection. The new collaboration features Andy’s custom art on tees, hats and some boardshorts. All classic styles, each from the unique mind of this legendary artist.

We caught up with Andy to talk about art, inspiration, his Billabong collaboration and more! Have a read.

 So Andy, how did you get into art? I have been making some form of art for as long as I can remember.

How has skateboarding and surfing inspired your style? They have been two of my favorite things to do since I was about 10 years old. It still inspires me as much as it ever has. It makes me happy. There are so many really great things about both of them and you can always see or do something you never have before.

Daily, what kinds of things inspire you? My family, the outdoors, good people and music.

As an artist, what are some things you hope to achieve? I am so stoked that I get to do what I love for a living. If I can continue doing that I will be very content.

How would you describe your art to someone who have never seen it? I would say it is very loose and whimsical. I hope it makes people laugh and smile...that it touches that nerve that makes them feel good

Your art has a very dreamlike feel to it. Does your subconscious have anything to do with the way your ideas pour out? My subconscious is closer to my actual reality, so it's a pretty constant deal for me. That can be a really big hindrance as well (laughs).

What mediums do you use mostly work with? I draw more than anything else. Pen and ink pencils. I have been doing more watercolors lately. Usually I paint with acrylics.

What artists, both past and present, are you really into? I have always loved cartoons from the 60’s and 70’s. Dr. Seuss is one of my favorites, all the Charlie Brown stuff, The Muppets, Walt Disney, especially the Mary Blair and Alexander Girard art. Saul Bass…Oh man, there’s way too many to name. As for contemporary artists I would have to say Margaret Kilgallen, Geoff Mcfetridge and Thomas Campbell, to name a few. Again, there’s way too many.

How did your collaboration with Billabong come about? I have a legend for a friend. His name is Royce Cansler. He is a wonderful human and he conducted the whole enchilada. I still can't believe it’s really happening.

What made you choose the pelican design, pelican man and beer garden imagery throughout your collection? The pelican is the icon for the collection. The reason I chose it is because they are my favorite surfers. They are always in the right place, at the right place, at the right time. They also have so much style and grace; they make it all look effortless and easy. I'm pretty into the “less is more” vibe. The beer garden was just something that I thought many people would relate to. Beer gardens are usually fun, happy places. I wanted to design something that would be a good conversation piece.

So what’s next for you, Andy? I will be doing promotions with Billabong for the spring and summer collections...we have a few tours on the East and West Coast. I will be working on finishing a new collection of paintings, some new prints, silkscreen’s and a few surprises for my fine art site, mynameisandy.com. I also have a blog that pretty much sums up all that inspires me at mynameisandy.tumblr.com.

 Get Andy’s new Billabong Collection right here at Tilly’s!