Surf legend, Rusty Miller, who lives in Northern NSW, near Byron Bay, is having his first ever photographic exhibition. Known more as a superb surfer, little known is his ability with a camera. Tucked away in a box for 40 years he has uncovered a collection of slides and film negatives taken during the early 1970’s while working for Tracks surfing magazine.
Rusty’s photos, most of which have never been seen before, document two seminal times. The 1970 World Surfing Championship at Bells Beach, and the following migration of surfers to the Byron/Lennox region that evolved into the North Coast surfing lifestyle. These images provide a unique insight into this transitional era, featuring Rolf Aurness, David Nuuhiwa, Reno Abellira, Peter Drouyn , Nat Young, Bob McTavish and an associated posse of guys, girls and afghan hounds.
There are some rare photos: Peter Drouyn, Gold Coast surfer, with his father, Victor, Legendary American surfer, Miki Dora, in Byron Bay 1971,Wayne Lynch at Bells and Lennox.
The opening night exhibition is on at the Top Shop this Thursday March 3rd (from 5:30pm) as part of the Byron Bay Film Festival and runs through to the 11th March. Paul Witzig and Steve Barilotti will be opening the exhibition. Rusty will say some words also.
There are also some superb surf films on during the film festival, as well as a Carpark Coversations on Friday 11th March. BBFF is proud to host Carpark Conversations: The Evolution of Surf Film. In a laidback and inclusive fashion we’ll take a look at the past and future of the surf film genre. Featuring Byron’s own Rusty Miller; First Love’s Claire Gorman & Clare Plueckhahn; Derek Hynd & Steve Barilotti (Barlo) Surfer magazine’s editor-at-large, and Dave ‘Rasta’ Rastovich.