While staying on the Hawaiian islands this past February, I was lucky to interview several people for the DM column. I always enjoy meeting new folks when traveling, and learning about their surfing experiences. This column is about Bird, our favorite island artist, a resident of Maui, and a surfer. You can click the thumbnail pix in this column to open larger versions in a new window.

One Saturday at the Kahului Flea Market, we again met Mark Jamgochian; his nickname is Bird. Bird adorns t-shirts, dresses, and other articles with his unique artistry, personally selling them in various places around Maui. We bought a lot of stuff, enough for birthday presents for C's family for the next year. And C has a large family.

Bird is a tall man, with striking blue eyes and a tanned, slightly weathered face. Undoubtedly this is from many years in the ocean, the wind, and the sun. He's slender but muscular; his shoulders are straight and broad with tight, well-defined muscles revealed by the tanktops he likes to wear.

Bird speaks softly in measured cadences, and appears to be one of the most mellow people I've ever met. I had some hesitation about asking him for this interview. He is so low key, I thought he might not want the publicity. But when I approached him, he readily and enthusiastically agreed to the idea. As the interview progressed, Bird became more animated then I've ever seen him before. He smiled broadly, used many gestures and indeed his whole body as he talked on and on about surfing, island life, his past, and his art. I was challenged to keep up with him.

During the interview Bird used the word "favorite" many times. He finds great delight in his world and in his life. I never once caught him describing any dislikes, disappointments, or regrets. It's this attitude and philosophy that come through in his art, and in his surfing.

In some ways, this was the easiest interview I've ever done. I only asked a few questions the entire time. Mostly Bird talked freely of his life, his surfing, and his art. I wrote furiously in my logbook, attempting to match his pace. Early in the interview he looked down at my writing with concern. He was tempted to slow his talking to match my writing. I told him "pay no attention to me, just talk. I'll keep up with you." I didn't want to interrupt the flow and spontaneity of what he was saying.

Later, I pieced together this interview from my notes, constructing a question and answer dialogue that didn't happen. But what Bird said is not fiction; I hope to convey his love of life and stoke for the ocean that is obvious when listening to him speak.

DogMan: "First things first. How did you get your nickname, Bird?"

Bird: "My last name is Armenian. In school no one could pronounce it, so they called me Mark J, then J-Bird, then just Bird. It's an evolution. Besides, everyone had a nickname."

For the record, Mark's last name is pronounced "jam-GO-shun." The last two sylables rhyme with "ocean."

DM: "Where did you grow up, how did you come to live on Maui, and how long have you been here?"

Bird: "I've lived on Maui about 12 years; I'm originally from Laguna Beach, California. Among other things, I used to body surf The Wedge. I came to Maui with my wife. She was planning our wedding and asked me 'How do you feel about moving to Maui?' We've since divorced, in part because I surf too much. But I still live here."

DM:"How would you describe yourself?"

Bird: "If I have to be honest, I'd say I'm a surfaholic. 'Hi! My name is Mark Jamgochian and I'm a surfaholic.' "

DM: "What's your number one ocean sport?"

Bird: "My biggest love is bodysurfing, because you can be the most intimate with the wave. It is so easy and free to go backside, frontside. I used to bodysurf 10th Street in South Laguna. The waves hit the wall and then go sideways."

"My biggest gift in life is bodysurfing, but I never made a dollar from it. My second gift is art, and it pays the way. I truly believe I am a better body surfer than artist."

DM: "What breaks in Maui are good for bodysurfing?"

Bird: "One of my favorite spots is in front of Whaler's. When every other place is closed out, the cylinders there are incredible. I also like to bodysurf Baldwin, and Big Beach in the Summer."

DM: "What do you enjoy about board surfing?"

Bird: "I love to surf because of the speed. I like to go fast, to glide so smooth.... My favorite board riding wave on Maui is the Bay."

DM: "I've seen you at several North shore spots with your windsurfing gear. Tell me about this sport"

Bird: "Well besides body surfing and board surfing, I also windsurf. Maui has world class wind and waves, so it was a natural. I first tried it at Dana Point in California. I thought I knew how to windsurf, but when I moved to Maui I discovered what it's really all about."

Mark proceeded to describe the joy of windsurfing for me, while pantomiming the moves he makes on his rig. Though he was on dry land, it was clear that in his imagination he was in the waves and wind on the ocean.

Bird: "You catch the swell, watch the wave, waiting for just the right moment. Then you pull the sail back, and zoom off the lip. When the wave is over you can sail back to the lineup in a few seconds; it makes paddling seem so prehistoric."

DM: "What are some of the places to which you've traveled for surf?"

Bird: "I was in Santa Cruz in the '80's where I surfed the Hook. Some of my favorite surf spots are in Bali, like Padang Padang. Indo has the longest glassiest walls. My second favorite place is the Mexican mainland; the rivermouths, pelicans, restaurants right on the beach. You surf as long as you can stand it, then jump in the river to freshen up. After that you have a fish taco on the beach, and a long peaceful siesta."

DM: "Is that how you like to finish a great surf session?"

Bird: "My favorite pastime is laying in the hot sand on the beach, and take a nap after surfing. My second favorite pastime is eating, then taking a nap. It's kind of a funny thing; after surfing three hours, I have to sleep for six."

DM: "Lets talk about art a bit. When did you first know you were going to be an artist?"

Bird: "When I was little, my Dad gave me art supplies because I was so hyperactive, and he wanted to keep my energy misdirected. In third grade I had a great teacher who was a major influence on me and my art. He now designs for a dinosaur TV show for kids. All my friends were artists; we lived together in the Laguna art colony."

DM: "Can you describe your creativity?"

Bird: "My art comes from my subconscious; I could never be a commercial artist. Staring at a blank sheet of paper is a sure way to block my creativity. When I am not thinking about it is when it comes to me."

DM: "For me, your art reflects the feeling I get when visiting and surfing Maui. Can you talk about the ocean as an inspiration?"

Bird: "I like all the moods of the ocean: silver-grey to deep deep blue. The prettiest water is the blue turquoise at Dumps. Sometimes the afternoon winds pull the tops off the waves and turn the whole scene foamy brilliant."

Bird is so laid back now, it's hard to believe he was hyper as a kid. Island life agrees with him. He is a low key salesman, patient with his customers, and very accomodating. While I talked with him in his booth at the Kahului Flea Market many many people came in to shop. Lots of t-shirts and other items left with happy customers.

Bird plays ukelele when business is slow. He has a dark koa wood four string instrument, shaped like a pear and "Mahalo" inlaid in the pegboard. But he doesn't get to play it a lot, because his booth and his art draw a steady stream of people.

DM: "One last question. What turns you on the most about surfing?"

Bird: "The main thing is the ocean. When I was younger it was all about the waves and riding them. But now the stoke is not about the waves, it's about being in the water."

So that's it; the DogMan interview with Mark Jamgochian. Next time you visit Maui, keep your eyes peeled for Bird's booth at the local craft faires and flea markets. He has a regular spot Saturdays at the Kahului Flea Market. Tell him the DogMan sent you. Buy something from him for yourself; some of the aloha will rub off on you.

CU Out There,

DogMan