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NEW JERSEY SURF SHOP BURNS DOWN
LBI's Pine Surf Shop and Gallery destroyed by fire
By:
Jon Coen
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January 5, 2009
26237 views | 41 comments
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At the beginning of November,
Surfline ran a feature on Pine Surf Shop and Gallery, a joint venture between artist couple Mark Tesi and Julie Goldstein and Farias Surf and Sport, the long standing Long Beach Island, New Jersey outfitter. The shop, which opened last summer, proved to be more than a retail location or art space. It became a symbol of community. But on the night of December 30th, Pine was lost to a raging fire. |
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East Coast surfers who have heard of LBI, have visions (often exaggerated ones) of hollow waves on sparse sandbars and jetties, a mellow place with a few charging locals and little fanfare. There's a bit of isolation. After October, the traffic lights go off. Though there has always existed a tight-knit crew and rich surf heritage, the lack of a high-profile boardwalk, pier, or inlet break on the 18-mile stretch has kept the population fragmented. And without the direct tie to Philly or New York, like some Jersey Shore towns, the cultural appreciation isn't as strong. Pine created a place where both local waveriders and artistic minds came together. "Our original goal was to create a place where people could feel comfortable around art, where they can share the appreciation we all have for our natural environment and to learn to respect the simple things," Goldstein said this week. "We are so fortunate to have been able to create that environment and to experience all of the events and to share it with everybody. Pine became more than we planned." Tesi, a graphic artist, conceptualized the Pine idea. He and Goldstein created the brand and original designs. Partnered with the Farias family, they converted the cedar "salt box," (formerly Farias' rental gear storage space) adjacent to the flagship store into the perfect aesthetic. The shop and gallery opened on Memorial Day weekend, hosting its first show, All Together Now, featuring Chris Pfeil, SP-One, Alex Weistein, Ann Coen, and Jason Murray. "As I was watching it burn, my first thought was, 'What the f--k!?' Then I was just hoping that the firefighters, many of them close friends and surfers, were all going to be okay."
--co-owner Mark Tesi
"As I was watching it burn, my first thought was, 'What the f--k!?' Then I was just hoping that the firefighters, many of them close friends and surfers, were all going to be okay," recalled Tesi, "Those guys were just amazing." Hopefully insurance should cover inventory, which is fine for the eco-flops and DVD's, but what made Pine so special was the original items, retro gems, and crafts. Goldstein, the inspiring surfer/artist has owned the brand "Perfect," a line of hand-stitched clothing, inspired by women who lead extraordinary lives. Her studio was also completely destroyed by the blaze. "Everything that I ever created for Perfect was about something real, a real experience, a memory, a story. I wont ever be able to re-create those particular images again," she explained. The Ocean County Fire Marshall's office has not determined the cause of the fire. At this time, the Farias family, Goldstein, and Tesi are in the midst of filing claims. No one has made any decisions about Pine's future. But the same community that Pine bought together is now supporting its founders. "The emails, letters, and phone calls have been unbelievable. It's the community, our close friends, and family that are getting us through this loss everyday," added Goldstein, "I can't even describe how appreciative we are to have all of the support." MORE SURF NEWS SURFLINE HOME PAGE |
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Comments: (41) Add Your Comment
Charlie Clay 01/11/2009 07:48 AM
Mark and Julie, my son and I visited your shop last summer. We spent some time there experiencing, admiring. It was a soulful venue and a tribute to the honest surfer's cause. I look forward to your return. BTW, this may be a little weird, but I used to teach a poem by Anne Bradstreet entitled "Upon the Burning of Our House...1666;" the link follows. In it, she revisits the stages of one such loss as yours. Keep it solid!
http://www.infoplease.com/t/lit/anne-bradstreet/ar09.html
Paulo 01/10/2009 02:28 PM
Sorry to hear about that. I was just in your store a few days prior, and was shooting the sh*t with Mark. Nice, talented people and a really cool, different shop. good luck, Paulo
johnny 01/10/2009 12:55 PM
sorry to see all the art go down. sure Jules classic art style will bring something positive out of this. Not to upset about the million dollar boards and suits. Hope if pine comes back it will have some stuff for the little guy. Not richie tourist. Would love even a nice affordable print something that doesnt require a loan. Farias was for beach replenishment to.
Hope Tesi and Jules stay positive. Glad everyone is ok. o yeah dont keep vegtable oil and paint in a jar to long.
jon stevens 01/09/2009 12:20 PM
keep the faith, sorry to hear about the shop! In the end it will be a growth experience for you! Be strong and surf hard!
Kristin Bradley Wade 01/09/2009 05:30 AM
So sorry to hear! Thoughts and prayers out to you. LBI is truly a special place and will support the rebuild! Hope to make it back up there soon!...Kristin
carrie harada 01/08/2009 09:34 PM
i remember seeing the feature on this shop. I'm a lover of art and the surf and i'm so sad to see such a tragic thing happen to such wonderful people. i wish you all the best.
Claire Page 01/08/2009 02:27 PM
I am so sorry, guys. You both have inspired me to trust the future even when it seems like I am in the middle of sh*t. If there's anything I can do for you now, please let me know.
Lots of Love!
Cleary Family 01/08/2009 09:21 AM
Yo mark realy sad to see all the hard work go up in flames. Looking forward to what you guys will due in future. LBI is behind you .
Andy Baxter 01/08/2009 05:49 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, guys. I loved what Pine stood for and am sure that you all will find the strength and inspiration to rebuild. Hang in there! -Andy
Vincent Andrilli 01/07/2009 11:02 AM
Bring back this shop, it is a treasure.
Hey Sterling, you never guarded at Holyoke....maybe a Bay Guard a few days
LJ 01/07/2009 09:07 AM
I must say this truly sucks. Pine was not just a regular surf shop but something different and an inspiration for any local artist. My thoughts go out to Julie, Mark, Sean and Donny. Anything we can do to help Pine bounce back let us know.
Soufiane Belmkaddem (surfiane@yahoo.com) 01/07/2009 08:19 AM
Hi Julie, my help can't afford reach you, but I hope there soon going to be a new fresh breath of art-surf mariage...remember that surf history has gone through a blank 19th century...I think that is all to fat's decision, and I personally feel that this time it is going to be alright.
The Moroccan Surfer
Bruce Chrisner 01/07/2009 07:15 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
I can't believe that it's all gone! My condolences to both artists. Being a Surf Photog for 20+ yrs. I can relate to the paranoia of losing images and Photos. Mark anything I can do to help, please let me know. Damn, hard to swallow, lotsa time and efforts were put into making that place amazing. Cell 732-299-4269 Bruce "Harri" Chrisner Surf Rep/Photog.
ben, krystin, sugar and sailor mcbrien 01/07/2009 06:26 AM
we feel for you guys...we definitely will miss the family vibes. so sorry!
Rodney Woodstock 01/07/2009 01:00 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
View All Comments (41 comments)
After viewing the Surfline feature about such a beautiful, artistic, and communal space you created, my thoughts and prayers go out to all who took part in building such a wonderful and soulful place. I hope and pray just as swells come and go so will follow the resurrection of your passion that seems to have touched so many. Best of luck in bringing back the unique environment you built. Like a Phoenix your vision can rise from the ashes! Woody - Save The Waves Coalition - San Francisco, CA
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