Mark's intention with his "Surfing Madonna" mosaic was not only to create a visually stimulating piece of art, but also to create a vehicle or stage to showcase his important message of "save the ocean."

The location just up the street from Moonlight Beach was carefully chosen. The direction which the "Surfing Madonna" looks and the way her robe guides her towards the ocean was also carefully planned.

The face of the "Surfing Madonna" was created at a mosaic school in Italy and transported back to Mark's home of Leucadia after the completion of his studies. The next 8 months consisted of sporadic creative outburst until its completion.

As an artist, as well as an advocate, Patterson created through talent and through a true passion for the ocean.