All photos by Andrew Blauschild
I never got to talk to, meet in the flesh or otherwise communicate with the supremely gifted, East End Of Long Island by way of the Bronx photographer, Andrew Blauschild who, at 56, died last week from a heart attack after exiting the water from a surf session .
Blauschild giving a New York salute. If your from New York or Jersey this greeting when delivered with a smile is a sign of affection and fellowship.
But I did know his work oh so well and admired it deeply from afar .
We did, however, exchange a few words now and then via his Instagram account after I would post gushing, fanboy comments on his incredible works of art that I don’t even want to call “surf photography” but, unfortunately, there was no real relationship as connected to his works that I am .
One of Andrews beautiful sublimation dye prints. Dye sublimation is a digital printing process that uses heat to infuse dye into substrates such as plastic, polyester fabric, metal sheets, and more. It works with specialized sublimation inks that turn from solid to gas without becoming liquid and yield mind blowing looks as this.
Recently featured in The Surfers Journal, he was truly an artist who happened to surf – and take really great surf photos – and we did share a love for Pentax 6×7 cameras we both own and the 120 roll film stock used with it. He seemed like a cool guy you could have a few beers with and talk shop for hours.
The photographer and his trusty, hand me down 6×7 that once belonged to the legendary Bruce Weber.
After 55 years of trying, and without any braggadocio here, I’ve learned to take a pretty decent surf photo but that discipline really ain’t rocket science and I would never claim myself to be the creative artist Andrew truly was.
Drew could deliver the stock surf and or line-up shot in his sleep …
I’m not even in the same universe as this talented man ( very few surf photographers I’m familiar with are no disrespect to the many hard working shooters out there ) with his beautiful, kinetic, distinctly styled visions he captured both digitally and on emulsion based film and turning that talent into thriving fine art print business where some of his works can fetch up to $5,000.00 or more.
… but who amongst the army of surf photogs now in existence can see and capture this ? Simply titled “Fiona”, this extraordinary frame needs no other words.
A far cry from the $40 to $50. dollar buyouts you might get from a surf website these days.
And they’re well worth it if you are fortunate to own one or can afford to own one.
“Sandy Moon” available ( https://www.museum-editions.com/product-page/sandy-moon-by-andrew-blauschild ) at Museum Editions for $4,100.00.
Drews untimely, all to young passing is a deep loss to both the Long Island / New York City surfing community and it’s surf culture that he so brilliantly captured with clicks of a shutter and an unparalleled eye.
“Ghost Twin”, one of Andrews better kn0wn prints in the surf world.
At least we have his legacy of unique imagery to remember him by and this wonderful video below doc lovingly put together by Long Island surf filmers, Corey Frank and Sal Lbrizzi.
Watching this down-to-earth surf doc, there is a true sense and feeling of Blauschild’s humbleness, love of the ocean and for the surf community of Long Islands East End.
Summertime on the East End. When photography meets painting.
And while he may have become a part of the areas chic-chic art scene he was, without a shadow of a doubt, a down to earth surfer at his core.
He was truly one of us and I’ve already dusted off my old Pentax 6×7 I haven’t touched in 20 years and just waiting on the delivery of some Fuji asa 100 film stock to go make some pictures newly inspired by, and in honor of, Blauschild. – Dick Meseroll –
Coveted covershot of Hotdogger magazine.
“Raised in the Bronx, Blauschild gained an affinity for the South Fork of eastern Long Island as a teenager. For 30 years, he has made Montauk his adoptive home and photographic muse. His work captures the region’s natural beauty and its surf culture. Hit the link to watch a short film that follows Blauschild around Montauk and visits his Brooklyn studio. Filmed and edited by Summer Rental Studios, Corey Frank, and Sal Librizzi”.
A longtime lover and resident of the East End by way of the Bronx. Gone but he will not be forgotten through both his work and the many memories of so many people who got to know him.
