Event Artists

2026 Featured Artist: Tim Bessell

Renowned surfboard shaper, designer and artist Tim Bessell has spent decades shaping the culture of surfing through innovation, craftsmanship and creativity. Bessell began shaping surfboards professionally at just 15 years old before later founding Bessell Surfboards, which became one of Southern California’s leading surfboard manufacturers with a global following.

Over the course of his career, Bessell has created more than 46,000 surfboards for surfers around the world, including world-class athletes such as Luke Egan, Jon Roseman and Brad Gerlach. His work has appeared on the covers of leading surf publications and in solo exhibitions at institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and StolenSpace Gallery in London.

Bessell’s Andy Warhol-inspired surfboards are among his most recognized works, reflecting both Warhol’s connection to La Jolla during the filming of San Diego Surf and Bessell’s longtime admiration for the iconic artist.

Beyond surfboards, Bessell has contributed designs for Billabong, developed his own clothing line and collaborated on multiple surf films with Watershed Productions. He lives and works in La Jolla, California.