We’re celebrating the inspiring collective of women that are the substance behind Volcom Womens. They are absolutely living for it... approaching life with a creative lens, chasing what they are true to, driven by passion and inspired by each other. Here we chat with Volcom Graphic Designer & Artist Nat Welsh, self-described ‘Binge Artist’ Nirvana Selwood, and Volcom Surfer Jaz Mccorquodale, on what they are driven by and ultimately True To…

NAT WELSH
Graphic Designer & Artist:

What are you true to?

I’m True to living the dream! Filling life with all the things that bring creativity, adventure, and epic times!

How do you describe your art in your own words?

Dreamlike, colourful, and a little out of this world! I love to create art that takes people somewhere else and gets the imagination firing.

How do you feel when you’re in the zone creating?

Being in the zone is my absolute favourite feeling ever. It's hard to put into words, but when I’m totally in the flow state, the outside world doesn’t even exist. It’s just this serene calm yet focus takes over me, ideas are flowing, and what I see in my mind just comes to life – it's unreal!

How would you describe your practice from inspiration to creation?

I usually get ideas for what I want to draw at the most random times, so my phone's notes are just filled with half-thought ideas haha. When it comes to creating, I sit on an idea for a while until it materializes in my mind so strongly that I can pretty much see it. And then I just make it happen! These days I do most of my art digitally on my iPad, and then if it’s a board or something like that, I’ll crack out the paints!

What’s next on your horizon?

Really keen to work with some bands/festivals on tour art so hopefully crack into that this year! Also been loving surfboard and skateboard art, so excited to keep developing that. Just keeping the good times rolling!

NIRVANA SELWOOD
BINGE ARTIST:

What are you true to?

I've always been true to my visual expression, whether it's through the clothes I wear or the art I create... Nothing feels better than tapping into that liberating place of self-expression. Even on a day when I am struggling to connect with myself, I'll wear something outrageous to keep me tethered to that sense of who I am. My art has always been controversial, and finding confidence through my practice has been a journey. However, after my first show, I noticed people are so ready for something original, the type that only comes from a place of authenticity.

How do you describe your art in your own words?

Playfully gothic, a dance of contradiction ever-evolving between themes of dark and light, with a subtle hint of irony. A perfect Gemini duality.

How do you feel when you’re in the zone creating?

I consider myself a binge artist; my practice is pretty inconsistent, but when I do create, I'll be in the zone for ten-plus hours, not eating or showering, and smashing tea or coffee to the comforting chatter of Sex and the City or True Blood in the background.

How would you describe your practice from inspiration to creation?

I draw lots of inspiration from artists I admire, random colourways in the streets or nature, magazines, fashion, movies, religion, travel, and pop culture, which are all areas I pull from. It swirls around in my head for a while; sometimes I scribble it down or voice memo myself if it comes to me while driving. Although cliché as it seems, I get a lot of inspiration from my dreams or spontaneous visions that flash before my eyes. I capture these moments in a notebook or make them up instantly in Photoshop. Then work from there; the design usually takes on its own form as I paint, battling the imposter syndrome rollercoaster as I go.

What’s next on your horizon?

I am exploring the world of leather and hope to create a body of work for another solo show end-of-this-year, incorporating more sculptural, textural pieces instead of just paintings.

JAZ MCCORQUODALE
VOLCOM SURFER:

What are you true to?

I think I aim to prioritize authenticity by embracing who I am, my passions, and my values. I'm true to being genuine in my interactions and following my own path in both surfing and further aspects of my life. Staying true to my culture and heritage is something I also hold dearly, and I try to incorporate it into all aspects of my life.

How do you describe how you approach surfing in your own words?

Throughout the years, my approach to surfing has definitely changed. I remember idolizing the competitive lifestyle and being so eager to compete for a spot on the championship tour. While I still have aspirations to achieve some surfing goals, they have definitely shifted to be less focused on my competitive career and instead revolve around traveling, having fun, and enjoying the journey.

How do you feel when you’re in the zone surfing?

It definitely depends on what surfing situation I’m in: In competitions, I honestly could not tell you what goes through my mind. I go blank, feel rushed, and uncomfortable – It’s something I need to work on. But free surfing is such a rewarding feeling. I find myself relaxed and often going through a revolving playlist in my head. It’s wholesome and enjoyable and puts me in such a good mood.

What are the challenges in what you do?

With surfing being a typically male-dominated sport, it sometimes can be intimidating or daunting being the only girl out in a lineup. I think I’m lucky that I’ve grown up with such an independent and strong mindset (thanks, mum and dad) that has allowed me to overcome these challenges and truly believe that I’m meant to be out in the water just as much as any guy.

What’s next on your horizon?

I’ve been super spontaneous lately, and I’m honestly just loving being able to travel overseas again. I’ve just moved out of home up to Newcastle to start studying, so hopefully, this chapter in my life will open up some new opportunities of its own.

What’s the absolute best thing about surfing?

My favourite thing about surfing (at this point in time) is my boardriders' club. Avoca Boardriders has taught me that surfing is so much more than just an individual sport. They are a community of like-minded people that have done nothing but support me and have made me fall in love with surfing all over again. Big love for all of them :)