Neil Salley Sr. has been free-diving the coastal waters of Rhode Island for over 50 years. From the rocky cliffs off Beavertail to the sandy bottom of Charlestown beach, every dive has brought a unique experience. There are many different worlds beneath the surface of our coastline.

​

The best way to enjoy the underwater seascape is to allow one’s body to relax and become in tune with the rhythm of the surf. When you become a silent part of this world in motion, the light, vegetation, and changing temperature are all-encompassing, as every element moves in unison with the surf.

 

Neil pulls these images from memory and reassembles the experience through a process of illustration and assemblage. Each scene is composed from many separate hand-cut and hand painted illustrations. His process is fluid; as he often works on several pieces at the same time – reworking the various elements until the composition begins to take shape. Like the action of a striped bass chasing bait fish, everything has to flow together with the action of the waves.

​

Take the spirit of the ocean with you! Neil’s collection of wearable art transforms his signature coastal designs into high-quality custom t-shirts and hoodies. Designed with the adventurer in mind, this apparel is a tribute to the rugged Rhode Island shores. It’s the ideal choice for local divers, surf fishermen, and anyone who feels a kinship with the Atlantic. Celebrate your connection to the coast with a gift that captures the essence of the "Ocean State."