Surf- and Ocean-Inspired Art in Costa Rica
![Riding a CheBoards surfboard on this beast of a wave](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/waves.webp)
Costa Rica is an artist’s muse. Her lush jungles drip with cloud dew; the harmonious animal choir brings the airwaves to life against electric sunsets; the deep turquoise seas kiss the white, black, and shell-laced beaches; the colorful and cordial culture of the Costa Rican people inspires, as does the sense of security and freedom that comes from a country without an army. Costa Rica is a place with inspiration in every nook and cranny. The ocean is the primordial birthplace of all animal life on earth and the source of creativity for some who find a deeper connection to it.
There are artists in Costa Rica who pay homage to this source through their art. The following artists either live in Costa Rica full-time, part-time, or have spent a significant period of time living there. Words can not properly describe the talent here, but photographs of some of their work will do just the trick.
Maria Soledad de la Riva
![Pura vida vibes](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/hawaiian-twilight.webp)
![Keep your channels open](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/keep-your-chanels-open-by-soledad.webp)
Robb Havassy
![In your wildest dreams](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/rh.webp)
![The feminine sea](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/rh2.webp)
Johnny Coopwood
![Inside the artist’s studio](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/jc.webp)
![A gem in Costa Rica](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/jc2.webp)
![Mind surf](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/jc3.webp)
David Artavia
![Costa Rica dreamscape](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/da.webp)
![Dancing palms](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/da2.webp)
![Yes please!](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/da3.webp)
Kathryn Colvig
![Deep in a blissful barrel](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/kc.webp)
![Wedged up](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/kc2.webp)
EK Art Jewelry
![What mermaids wear](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ek.webp)
![Fossilized coral found on the beach](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ek2.webp)
CheBoards
![Fresh sticks](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/che-1.webp)
![Fun quiver](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/che2.webp)
![Endless color combinations for your custom board](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/che3.webp)