We met up with the talented Lex Weinstein at one of her favorite secret spots inĀ Kaua’i. Read on to find out how this surf goddess mixes art, farming and travel into her daily life!
Shop the Le Romantique Aahana & Goji Ruffle Shoulder Top & Le Romantique Aahana & Goji Sport Brief Patch Bottom
Q: Hey Lex! Can you tell us a bit about your path into the surf and art world?
A: Sure thing š I went to school for graphic design and fine art at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida where I surfed tiny but warm waves all year round. After graduating I did a few years of visual merchandising for Anthropologie and and then won a styling contest with Reef. They flew me to Tahiti where I was able to assistant style my first campaign, and from there I was hooked on the surf, travel, styling lifestyle. I’ve basically been a gypsy ever since, seeking surf and creativity from Byron Bay to Kaua’i, California and Europe and everywhere in between. I’ve also expanded from just wardrobe styling to travel writing, producing, guiding retreats and giving workshops. I’m trying to incorporate a broader array of interests into my work that I think the world is craving right now — connection to nature through farming, surfing, and adventures abroad and connection to self through meditation, journaling and tarot readings.
Q: What role does the ocean play in your life?
A: The ocean to me, is a gift. She’s a guide, a friend, and a playmate all in one. I try to listen to what she has to offer every time I’m with her, and not use or judge her based on my own satisfaction. I’ve played in her waves until the stars came out, and cried at her shoreline when feeling lost. She’s a part of me and I’m a part of her. It’s a much more intimate connection than just a place I go to surf.
Q: Where do you draw your artistic inspiration?
A: The ocean has always been my biggest inspiration, I adore traveling to different coastlines and immersing in the culture, the food and the people surrounding it. I love to read and have about 4 half-read books with me at all times. I also play ukulele, piano, guitar and now drums a bit so music definitely plays a big role in my art as well.
Q: Youāve traveled quite a bit, can you tell us about some of your favorite places?
A: Australia will always hold a special place in my heart, Sri Lanka and Morocco were also unbelievable trips, Tahiti is magic and Samoa will take the cake for most beautiful landscape and people I’ve ever visited! But Europe right now has stolen my heart, Portugal, France and Spain have such an incredible eclectic mix of culture, food, wine, art, and surf culture. It’s nice to mix it up from island life and see what else the world has to offer.
Q: What adventures and travels are you up to next?
A: Next week I’m headed to Morocco with We Are Creative Adventurers for a week long retreat of surfing, camping, and immersion. We’ll be exploring food, culture, and creativity with writing workshops and community service projects. I’m so excited!
Q: Can you tell us about some of your current projects, especially your involvement inĀ organic farming?
A: I have a homebase on Kaua’i that is very special to me, my dear friend runs a small organic farm and living and working there has taught me so much about this beautiful planet we live on. To me there is a direct connection between the sea and the soil, and right now I’m dreaming up ideas of how to integrate surfing and farming in a more comprehensive way. I think a lot of people are intimidated or think they don’t know much about how to grow food, but it’s not as complex as people think. As surfers, we care deeply about our natural resources, and if we all learned a little bit, we could easily be growing our own food and living more self-sufficiently. Our communities would be stronger, and the impact we could make as surfers across the globe could be huge. I’ve got a few ideas brewing so we’ll see what the future holds.
Q: What advice would you give others trying to follow in your footsteps?
A: Always listen to your gut. Do what makes you happy and say yes when an opportunity presents itself, even if you’re not sure how to make it happen. Be humble and trust the universe and the answer will reveal itself.
Shop the Stars and Stripes Fire & Earn Your Stripes Line-Up One Piece
Shop the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Cross Back Top & the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Brief Bottom
Shop the Stars and Stripes Earn Your Stripes & Fire V-Racerback Top
Shop theĀ Le Romantique Mauve & Versailles Plunge One Piece
Shop the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Cross Back Top & the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Brief Bottom
Shop the Stars and Stripes Earn Your Stripes & Fire V-Racerback Top
Shop theĀ Le Romantique Mauve & Versailles Plunge One Piece
Shop the Stars & Stripes All-Star & Ice Braided Bandeau TopĀ and the Stars & Stripes All Star & Ice Braided Thong BottomsĀ
Shop the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Cross Back Top & the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Brief Bottom
Shop the Le Romantique Aloala & Terra Braided Cross-Front Bra Top & Aloala & Terra Braided V-Knot Bottom
Shop the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Cross Back Top & the Le Romantique Versailles & Mauve Sport Brief Bottom
Photography & Words By: Megan Costello @avalanchevocals
SaveSave