Sean Ruttkay has a gift for finding beauty in the water that is all around us and the world we live in. Many people who come into the DA’s Office have experienced great trauma and need to see that there is still hope in a dark time. Sean’s artwork hangs alone in the conference room of our office where we meet individuals and families and offer them hope as we seek to get justice in their cases.

When we settled in Wilmington three years ago, I found myself exploring Wrightsville Beach and particularly The Lighthouse’s outdoor area. It was there I first encountered the mesmerizing water art displays signed by a certain Ruttkay. A quick search led me to Global Surf, a hub connecting water enthusiasts worldwide, and there I found him: Sean Ruttkay, a local artist of my new home.

Meeting Sean was like reconnecting with a long-lost brother. Instantly, our conversation flowed freely, and I knew an incredible new friendship had begun. Upon meeting his family, it was evident that Sean and Cornelia were exemplary parents, a trait I deeply admire.

Now, our Wilmington Beach home is adorned with four classic Ruttkay pieces—each a treasured addition. Observing Sean’s meticulous installation process, I was particularly struck by his dedication to family, illustrated by a poignant pause to talk with his father during our setup.

Sean’s influence extended to our daughters, who now also display his work, and even to my social media habits—I joined Instagram just to follow his inspiring journey. His work ethic is as admirable as his artistry, which continues to grace the halls of UNCW, his alma mater, in a daily testament to his legacy.

Recently, I had the privilege of joining Sean at a Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser. Witnessing the community’s love for him and the prominence of his art throughout the event only solidified my view of him as a true rock star.

Thank you, Sean, for enriching my family’s life, and for being a brother in spirit. My support for you and your family is unwavering, today and always.

We are in awe of Sean’s talent and feel honored and proud to display his works of art in our home and office. We have his photographs in every patient room and gathering area. His beautiful pieces set the tone when entering the room and have a calming effect on our patients. We particularly love the pieces we have purchased for our outdoor entertainment area. Sean is always pleasant and professional.

EDA Surf has completed several pieces for our offices at Intracoastal Realty beautifully decorating our spaces in the office. Our agents, staff and clients constantly comment on Sean’s work.

Additionally, I have purchased Sean’s work for my home. It is a beautiful addition to our home.

Sean’s work is unique and demonstrates his love for the coast and the environment. Everyone should have one of his pieces in the office and at home. They transport you directly into the picture.

Everyone in the surfing community respects Sean for his humanity and his artwork.  Sean has been my favorite artist for more than a decade and I have collected 23 of his pieces for my home, my office, and the homes of friends that I love.

His work is the perfect addition to my aquariums. It never gets old. That’s the best way I can put it.

My favorites are his abstract works from the seafloor looking up while a wave breaks just above his perspective in the water. Can’t say enough about these pieces. Quality is top-notch, indoors and out. Time tested and cuz approved.  Sells itself.

When I stare at EDA Surf’s many pieces in my house and in the businesses that I frequent, I am always brought back to the moment I envision Sean was in, when he took the photo. Whether it’s board riding a wave, or wiping out while trying, I have seen the view – the perspective – that his photos portray. Those moments in the ocean are the places of some of my greatest challenges; even in a wipeout, the outcome is successful: time spent with nature is always better than time not spent in nature, and that is something that Sean’s art reminds us all. From stocking stuffer drink coasters to the glamorous wall pieces he’s installed across the land, Sean’s art stands apart from all the other water photography. Do yourself a favor and ‘Water the Wall’!

We have Sean’s art in our home and in my office. All are visually stunning, but also calming with the colors and the memories they bring back of places incredibly special to me. Very thankful for Sean’s work and vision.

We have lived around the ocean almost my entire life; I’ve been surfing for over 48 years. Salt water runs in our veins. We have passed our passion on to our kids and they to theirs. Continued generations committed to the care of Mother Ocean… We have two (for now) of Sean’s magnificent pictures in our home. Nobody captures the magic like him!

As a childhood friend, I’ve known Sean’s passion and love for the ocean since he was an adolescent. When I purchased one of his works of art, I was struck by not only the beauty of the image but also of Sean’s appreciation for and ability to capture every element – the texture and composition of the ocean wave and the light dancing off the water droplets. It was magnificent.

Being able to have Sean’s art on the wall in my office not only feeds my daily need for the ocean, it allows me to share that feeling with anyone who stops by.  It is a fixture for my sanity.

Sean’s attention to detail is second to none.  For someone who only gets to visit Wrightsville Beach 1 week out of the year, I wanted to bring the beach to me.  Sean was able to see my vision and designed the perfect piece for my living room.  Now I get to enjoy the Wrightsville sunrise daily!

We have 4 different pieces of Sean’s work in my home. I love the colors and beautiful images. They are the statement piece and focal point of the room. They complement my home decor and bring a calming feel to the space.  The soothing imagery of water is something I enjoy very much. I also like that several of the images are from the oceans in the city we live in. He does great quality work and is a pleasure to work with.

Our first “Ruttkay” piece came from a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser called Pipeline to a Cure; Sean had generously donated his art to the silent auction and we fell in love when we saw it.  We won the bid and since then our “walls have been watered” with five amazing pieces of art from Sean.  Our family loves the ocean and water in general, and having it inside on our walls every day helps us feel connected to the calm and tranquil feeling water brings.  Sean’s passion for the ocean and zest for life shines through in each piece and we get so many compliments from friends and guests.

I’ve followed Sean’s work for many years and finished my house in 2019 when I finally met him in person. His art brought the finishing touches needed to complete my house. His eye for photography, detail, and finishing is unmatched.

Sean’s artwork masterfully captures the beauty of nature, transporting its vibrancy indoors. Adorning both my business and home with his pieces has been transformative, as they effortlessly shift the ambiance of any space. Truly, each piece offers a mesmerizing window into artistic brilliance.

Sean Ruttkay’s remarkable talent has found its way into my home with the most breathtaking photographs of the ocean’s majestic waves.  Sean’s attention to detail in each of my pieces is a tribute to his enormous ability to take nature’s beauty and capture it in all its glory. Ruttkay’s photographic art is something you must explore, feel, and experience.

Sean’s water-inspired artwork gracing my office is genuinely enchanting. Its tranquil beauty and fluid charm not only command my gaze but also foster a calming ambiance conducive to creativity and productivity. It’s more than just art; it’s a daily source of inspiration that elevates my workspace. Water the Wall!”

The pieces I possess from EDA Surf aren’t merely stunning visuals on my wall—they encapsulate moments that resonate with calm, gratitude, and inspiration. These landscapes evoke deep significance for me, filling me with positivity with each glance I take. They echo challenges I’ve overcome, nature’s splendor, and the daily blessings of life.

As a digital art aficionado, I’m drawn to the comforting allure of water and azaleas, emblematic of time’s ceaseless passage. They signify how art connects the past, present, and future. Possessing the original piece from the festival feels like holding a perpetual link to the artist’s insight.

I first discovered Sean’s art while dining frequently at Las Olas (K38) in Wilmington, NC. Visiting at least three times a week, I couldn’t help but be drawn to his captivating pieces on display. Living in Wrightsville Beach evokes a profound sense of relaxation for me, and I wanted to translate that serene ambiance into both my residence and my beach rental property at Station One.

I had the pleasure of meeting Sean personally and delving into his life’s journey, understanding how he uncovered his true calling. Our conversation revolved around the tranquil aura I envisaged for my rental space. Taking into account my existing décor, Sean presented a selection of concepts that aligned seamlessly with my vision. Many of my guests, hailing from various parts of the US, have complimented the condo’s décor and its overarching soothing theme. Sean’s artwork undeniably accentuates this beach-inspired atmosphere. In fact, it resonated so deeply that I acquired three more pieces for my wife’s home office.

Beyond a talented artist, Sean has emerged as a cherished friend. His resilience in facing life’s challenges and his ability to spread joy through his craft are truly commendable.

“We’re passionate about supporting local artists. I have numerous pieces by Sean D. Ruttkay that radiate a coastal ambiance. They beautifully enhance both our indoor and outdoor spaces. His work is versatile; even the piece on my back deck has withstood the elements for years!”

“Sean’s stunning art brings tranquility and joy into my home.“

“We have been purchasing art from Sean for 10 years now and for multiple homes. His pieces bring a sense of beauty and peace into our home. We have memories tied to all of the pieces he has done for us and he always makes it a personal experience for everyone”

Sean definitely lives up to his mantra bringing ‘water to the wall’. I love having a piece of the beach greet me each morning when I walk into my office.