> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # GETTING PERSONAL Not the easiest person to find - URL: https://www.smdp.com/getting-personal-not-the-easiest-person-to-find/ - Published: 2008-01-04T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T22:57:44.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Sports, Montana, #archive-import *By TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE Special to the Daily Press TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE* No one knows for sure when the very first surfboard hit the waves, though its generally accepted origins date back thousands of years to when Polynesian islanders rode heavy wooden boards to toggle between islands. It wasn’t until the 1950s and the advent of fiberglass (a cheaper, lighter material) that America’s fascination with surfing began. Shortly thereafter, beautiful, colorful boards sporting vivid logos and original artwork were crafted, often designed by the surfers themselve — the “surf artists.” A year ago, at the Farms Market, a family-run grocery store on Montana Avenue, I noticed owner, Sean McGuire flipping through an assortment of wildly imaginative stickers designed by local surfer/artist known simply as PK. I was drawn to PK’s derisive-looking skull and crossbones, which I promptly adhered to the back window of my Jeep. Occasionally I’d spot someone’s vehicle (displaying the identical sticker) but when I’d inquire as to where it had been purchased, was told the bearer knew the artist personally. It seemed the only way to get additional stickers was by referral, and so began my search for the elusive surf artist. I visited several local surf shops, looking for PK’s designs. I even touched base with my surf guru, Skylar Crawford at the Save the Waves Coalition, who led me to Mollusk — the answer to a call for a new type of surf shop. Run by the affable Brett Simundson, Mollusk is part store, part art gallery — specifically selling custom made boards, shirts and surf related designs. The laid back atmosphere, complete with an unconventional indoor tree house, is just right for the Venice scene, attracting an eclectic group of denizens. Simundson opened Mollusk three months ago, with business partner, John McCambridge, after finding the perfect spot on Pacific Avenue. “All the T-shirts are designed by friends of mine. Jay Nelson \[a surfer\] built the tree house and all the artists are surfers,” said Simundson, who strives to make the shop a comfortable home-away-from-home. This month’s featured surfer/artist is Serena Mitnik-Miller debuting “Quiver” a collection of photographs that will run through Jan. 11\. Influenced and inspired by the beauty of surfboards, “Quiver” is a project on color, texture and abstraction. “They’re all surfboards in their natural environment, I just kind of tweak them but not in a recognizable way,” said Mitnik-Miller, whose favorite board is a Christenson 9’ single fin. Mollusk is certainly a highlight, but still no sign of PK. After hunting and pecking and numerous unreturned calls, I finally track him down and secure an interview. Expecting a 20 year-old surf punk, I’m surprised PK’s a 53 year-old, avuncular guy, incredibly genuine and eager to talk to me about his surfing days in “Dogtown” (a term for the south Santa Monica/Venice area) and of the Z-Boys era of which he was peripherally a part. “PK” (which stands for Patrick Keiser) started surfing when he was 8 and began making sketches about the same time. He drafts “old school style” (in pen and ink) without the aid of computers. The curious skull design I love so much grew out of the punk period and has since evolved into a funky modern illustration. Along with the sea, PK gleans inspiration from artists Rick Griffin, Stanley Mouse, and his friend Wes Humpston of Bulldog Surf designs in Oceanside. In PK’s younger years, custom surf boards (and later skateboards) and their designs were born in his mother’s garage on Pearl Street — four empty spaces he and younger brother Kevin, turned into a shaping, glassing and sanding room, where they were joined by friends Jay Adams, Tony Alva and Shogo Kubo; original Zephyr skateboarding team members (immortalized in Stacy Peralta’s documentary “Dogtown & Z-Boys”). One of PK’s popular designs includes the Keiser coat of arms in which, PK said, “I took the eagle out of the shield and dropped a wave in the center.” He then joined the design with the term, “Sak Up” — which means “go for it.” He first heard the term six years ago on a beach in Oxnard with friend John Estrada. While looking at the break which was about 4 to 5 feet high, enough to give the surfers a good “drubbing” (a bit of a beat down) Estrada turned to PK and said, “Looks like we’re gonna have to sak up.” PK said, “It’s always been a dream … starting my own T-shirt line. I kept the term \[sak up\] in my mind and it \[all\] sort of meshed together.” His designs have gained a local following and are available at Horizons West Surf-N-Wear Shop and Z J Boarding House on Main Street. At last, the mystery of PK is solved and I know where to get extra stickers. In the meantime, Mollusk will be presenting a new installation on Jan. 12 featuring art of Esteban Bojorquez and music by The Real Kemosabes. So as PK often says, “Sak Up” and don’t miss it. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 4, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/010408.pdf?ref=smdp.com)