Meet Collin Dewell | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Collin Dewell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Collin, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was 20, I had thyroid cancer. As a college baseball player, I had dreams of the diamond, but life had other plans. I woke up with a migraine from surgery and spent the next 6 years struggling with that aspect of my life. It wasn’t until I picked up my mom’s camera one day that I started to rediscover joy in life. I shot and shot some more. I began to do art shows and custom print requests. Eventually, I wanted a new challenge. So I made a hge investment at the time into some water housing for my camera. I went and shot in the ocean every day for a year straight. Now it is pure joy. Some things are a blessing in disguide. These days, I’m working on scaling the wonderful qualities of the ocean into artwork to as many people as possible, as organically as possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I shoot in the ocean as much as I can. To me, it is a sacred ritual filled with intention and intuition. Salt water on my skin, the first light of the sun light coming through my eyes, ducking and dodging waves in the impact zone. The art of calm in the midst of chaos is worth practicing, in life and in ocean photography. I hope to share this beautiful intersection between inspiring art and intrinsic wellness. I am fascinated by what happens when we follow our heart. In every way, from bio-chemistry to finding out who and what we really are, the secrets of the universe never cease to amaze me. My work is about following your intuition, living in your purpose, and creating – regardless of the circumstances. We are powerful manifestors, so once we shift our attention to how we would like to feel, the universe is usually looking to mirror your vibration. Just be patient. This is a key that has unlocked a lot for me. Finding health and happiness is a wonderful thing, especially through art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay, first of all, we are going swimming. There are too many beaches to take you to so we’d have to get a read on the buoys. After a morning in the ocean, we’d go to Dune coffee and grab a cup. Is there anything better than that post sunrise swim coffee? You tell me after you visit. Because I’d bet the tacos are better. Mony’s. It’s my favorite taco shop to date – the woman at the cashier knows my order. I am telling you right now, the rajas and chicken mole tacos are *chef’s kiss*. Then it would probably be time to go paint, rest, recharge, and get ready for the sunset swim. A perfect way to end a Santa Barbara day. Then for dinner, we will go to The Lark, hopefully JP will come say hi. He’s the chef and a good friend. We will be very stuffed after the feast, so by then it will be time for bed. And then the next day, it’s back in the ocean!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my Mom and Dad. When I was struggling with my health, they took care and supported me. I had no social life, my life plans had been changed by life itself, and I was lost wondering when I would feel good again. When I took my first step in an artistic direction, they were the first to recognize my smile and encourage me to keep creating. Mind you, my parents aren’t exactly artists so to have them appreciate something like a walk with a camera, it really made a difference. They are my biggest fans, and I am most grateful to have such loving parents. And of course, this wouldn’t be a complete paragraph if I didn’t mention some close friends, you know who you are!

Website: collindewell.com

Instagram: collindewell

Twitter: collindewell