The Ranch by Ron Stoner

This picture reminds me why I surf, why I design, and why I make art — every time I see it.

Without a doubt, Stoner’s surf photography has influenced the way I look at the world, perhaps more so than any other artist’s work. If you’re not familiar with Ron Stoner’s story, it’s an incredible rise to surf stardom, capped by his abrupt disappearance at the height of his game.

A retrospective of his work called, “Photo/Stoner,” is one of my most prized possessions.