Everyone loves a heroine, and there’s nothing more heroic and inspiring than overcoming obstacles and successfully living your dreams. Kona artist and professional surfer Danielle Zirkelbach is doing just that. Winning the surfing title of Hawaii Island State Champion for the past two years, Zirkelbach is also recognized as an accomplished painter whose work can be found most recently on Kona Boys merchandise, such as trucker hats, and T-shirts.
Zirkelbach first met Kona Boys co-owners Frank Carpenter and Brock Stratton while surfing at Pine Trees, also known as Kohanaiki.
“We surfed with them occasionally and would go into Kona Boys to buy our stuff,” said Zirkelbach. “We got to talking with them one day and they offered to sponsor my husband and I in surfing. They really had faith in us. When someone has a dream, Frank and Brock really get 100 percent behind it. They’re really great — such supporters.”
“Later on they decided they wanted to put some of my art on their hats. I went back and forth from surfing to art and finally Frank and Brock asked me to do something of Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, so I created a painting of Manini Beach and the waves. I donated my work to them because of all they’ve done for me. They made hats out of my work and they are going to make shirts and postcards as well. It’s turning out awesome.There’s stores in Costa Rica and in Florida that want to order them, so I’m stoked.”
Zirkelbach prides herself on originality. She’s not interested in creating paintings for money or fame, but to inspire hope, love, and change. Her goal is to incorporate her passions of surfing and art to create a career that allows her to fulfill her dream of being near the ocean and inspiring others.
“I give about 90 percent of my work to organizations that will help kids, the environment, or in some way help those out there who need it,” she said. “I wait tables to make ends meet, pushing my limits everyday, in pursuit of becoming a full time artist of change.”
Overcoming the stigma of being diagnosed with severe dyslexia as a child made Zirkelbach even more determined to succeed. With the support of her family, she fought relentlessly to fulfill her dreams.
“I had to work twice as hard as every other student, stay at school twice as long, and deal with bullies that thought dyslexia was like the flu, and would get it if they were around me. But in those times I found real friends, profound love from my father, and my brother that became my foundation and proved to be stronger then any negative pressure that tried to bring me down,” she said.
Not only did Zirkelbach graduate high school as an honor student, she was also an accomplished soccer player who earned a full athletic scholarship to a private college, where she also graduated with honors.
“I played soccer for the Olympic Development team and then I received a scholarship to play for Florida Southern College. I played four years for them, then I was offered to play after as well, but really felt the need to seek out this crazy dream to follow the ocean,” she said. “Not taking that opportunity caused a rift in my family. Following my dream to be an artist and a surfer was tough for my family, but now that they see I’m having success with it, they’re really happy for me.”
Although her road to success hasn’t always been easy, Zirkelbach continues to strive to be her best and never give up. She proved that she is capable of achieving any goal she sets for herself and hopes to share the message that love heals everything, and people should never be told their incapable of making their dreams a reality.
“My journey has been anything but easy. I have become an expert at working hard to accomplish what I set out to do, no matter what the hurtle may be. I have earned my successes with my own two hands and take pride in being a self-made person.”
Zirkelbach is currently finishing up a new book project called “Drawn to Sea,” which includes the stories and meanings behind her paintings. Her artwork is displayed at Mountain Thunder in Kona.
To learn more about her work, visit www.daniellezirkel.com