My Name Is Jonas

My Name Is Jonas

- Alex Whitbread

Jonas Claesson, otherwise known by his pseudonym 'Jonas Draws', is a surf artist, and an extremely unique and talented one at that. Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, he now resides on Australia's sunny Gold Coast. Consequently, Jonas' work draws inspiration from his new home in Australia and his Scandinavian roots. His colourful, aesthetically pleasing drawings combine and eclectic mix of wildlife, from polar bears to seals, with surfing and the surf lifestyle. Jonas' individual trademark style is instantly recognisable, and is often achieved using digitally coloured imagery which is both striking and vibrant.

Alex: Can you tell me about growing up in Sweden; which part are you from? What was it like to grow up there?

Jonas: It was awesome. I grew up in a place called Saltsjöbaden outside of Stockholm. Very close to the ocean and big forests, did a lot of running, orienteering and skiing.

Alex: Did you surf there?

Jonas: There are a couple of surf spots about an hour drive south and north of Stockholm, but that came later when I was about 15. You can get it really good, but you have to be good at timing the elements. There are no long period groundswells, mostly wind-generated short period stuff, but sometimes you get lucky.

Alex: What is your earliest memory of surfing?

Jonas: I remember first getting hooked on surfing after reading a summer issue of the magazine Åka Skidor. 10 pages were dedicated to beautiful images and stories of the North Shore and there was something about it that sucked me in…

I first tried surfing on a language course to Guernsey when I was 15, and got hooked on it, the ocean, the anticipation of good waves, the smell of wax, I liked all of it, and still do!