It’s no coincidence that most of Margaret River artist Mark Heussenstamm’s studios were found close to great surf. For more than 50 years he has divided his time between creating art and catching waves.

  Born in Los Angeles, the 68 year-old migrated with his wife Leslie to Australia in 1975. Known locally as “Heusso”, he says the surf is the simple reason he has stayed in Margaret River since then, though he has maintained studios in various cities in the United States.

  “I’ve had studios in several cities in Hawaii, Northern California and several in Palm Springs, Ca.”  Heussenstamm says.

 Heussenstamm’s creation include a variety of large Cat, fish and surfing sculptures. “Most of the fish will be made out of surfboards or plywood with metal pieces,” he says. 

   A self-taught artist, Heusso says his works are characterised by his use of recycled materials.

  “I’ve made pieces out of everything, from old stoves to the front ends of cars. You find some things and you go ‘Oh, I’ll make that out of that’, and then other times you go ‘Oh, I’d like to make this’, and you start gathering pieces. It’s inspiring to find stuff that you can reconstruct into something that makes people smile. Hence why they refer to what I do as constructivism, a fancy word for a scrounger.”

  His interest in giving new life to discarded materials sometimes takes him away from the surf. “A lot of people always say ‘You must be really inspired living in Margaret River because it’s so beautiful’ but you do your best work when you’re in the city because there is lots more junk there and there’s lots more stuff you can find.”

   Despite having experienced widespread international success, Heussenstamm retains a relaxed outlook on life. Still loving the surf! And still loving Australia.