I ONLY HAVE TO LAND IT ONCE

A Group Show Dedicated To Skateboarding

Featuring: Alphonzo Rawls, Andrew Pommier, Baghead, Bigfoot, Ben Tour, Billy Kheel, Bud Snow, Darin Balaban, Dave Kinsey, Derek Keenan, El Pez, Emek, Ferris Plock, Funeral French, Hama Woods, Hillary Lauer, Hege Skundberg, Jack Graydon, Jim Houser, Kai & Sunny, Lindsey Kuhn, Luke Ramsey, Mark Foster, Martin Whatson, Max Kauffman, Mike Giant, Mike Graves, Porous Walker, Rene Gagnon, Ricky Watts, Sam Flores, Sergio Garcia, Shepard Fairey, Skewville, Sweet Toof, Tes One and more

Exhibit runs November 13th – December 11th 2021

Black Book Gallery is pleased to present I Only Have To Land It Once, a group exhibition featuring the work of more than 30 artists — including Alphonzo Rawls, Andrew Pommier, Baghead, Bigfoot, Ben Tour, Billy Kheel, Bud Snow, Darin Balaban, Dave Kinsey, Derek Keenan, El Pez, Emek, Ferris Plock, Funeral French, Hama Woods, Hillary Lauer, Hege Skundberg, Jack Graydon, Jim Houser, Kai & Sunny, Lindsey Kuhn, Luke Ramsey, Mark Foster, Martin Whatson, Max Kauffman, Mike Giant, Mike Graves, Porous Walker, Rene Gagnon, Ricky Watts, Sam Flores, Sergio Garcia, Shepard Fairey, Skewville, Sweet Toof, Tes One and more — all of whom have been directly influenced by skater culture.

The exhibition will open on Saturday, November 13th and runs until Saturday, December 11th.

Each of the artists presented has a personal relationship with the skateboarding community—its ethos, brands, movies, tricks, camaraderie, and the DIY spirit that permeates the subculture.

To encapsulate the significance of the skater movement, the gallery asked several of the exhibiting artists to describe the impact that skateboarding has had on their lives and on their artistic development. Their individual answers testify to the deep bond each artist has to the subculture, its rituals, and the symbolism that skateboarding manifests.

“Skateboarding and punk rock saved my life,” says Shepard Fairey, whose early work plastered the streets with Andre the Giant’s likeness, and has since become best known for iconic murals, prints and posters that convey messages of social justice.

“Growing up in conservative Charleston, South Carolina in the 1980’s, attending a private prep school, I was miserable, mean, desperate, and about to blow,” Shepard explains. “Then I discovered skateboarding and its partner in visceral rebellion punk rock. Skateboarding gave me a visceral physical outlet, but also liberated me mentally and helped me find my voice and confidence. Skateboarding and punk had a very democratic, unintimidating, visual language and opened my eyes to the Do-It-Yourself empowerment potential of art.”

Luke Ramsey agrees. “Skateboarding influenced my approach to art making rooted in DIY ethics,” he says. “Take it anywhere, make it be anything one wants it to be, inspired by others, too.” Based in Victoria, Canada, the artist and illustrator creates brightly-colored and uplifting graphic work that has been commissioned by The New York Times, Patagonia, and the Cartoon Network. His work has been acquired by The Government of Canada and The City of Seattle, among other prominent collections.

Rich Jacobs is an artist and zine-maker based in California with a cult following. He cites “positive energy” as central to his practice and works in a range of mediums, from street art and graffiti, to pen and ink drawings, unique fonts, paintings, and murals. “Growing up a skateboarder changes the way you look at the world as a whole,” he explains. “I think mostly I think differently about flow, rhythm , music, sound and visuals. It is part of you for your whole life. Same with Art. They go together. It’s self expression. Looking at things deeper and more closely. Always being aware.”

Jack Graydon is a Portland-based artist and muralist whose work has graced the halfpipe bowl at the Vans US Open tournament. “I am constantly exploring and spot hunting for places to skate and paint,” he says. “They fill a similar space in my head and the journeys I make while skating influence my work.” Working primarily with spray paint to create his character-based compositions, the artist lists Mark Gonzales, Todd Francis, and Barry Mcgee as major artistic influences.

Rene Gagnon’s love of skating began as an affinity for BMX and graffiti. “In the very early 80’s most of us east coast kids were heavy into BMX racing and freestyle,” he explains. “Then in ’83 and ’84 we were exposed to graffiti art with the movies ‘Wild Style’ and ‘Beat Street’. Every kid that had a rebellious nature and also enjoyed creating art became a graffiti artist. At this exact moment in time another magical occurrence took place. We were exposed to the ‘Bones Brigade’ films. After that most of us ditched the BMX and got heavily into skateboarding. The skateboard became our sole mode of transportation for the long nights of marking our surroundings with our graffiti. So for me, graffiti and skateboarding are synonymous, and I continue to enjoy both activities to this day.” Rene’s work is best described as “post-graffiti urban expressionism” for his use of layered references ranging from drawings by Picasso to Hollywood celebrities and other pop culture motifs.

Similarly, Billy Kheel was also originally a BMX rider, but has since been introduced to skater culture by a surprising source — his daughter. His textile work featured in the exhibition is an homage to her and other female skaters. “I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts where freestyle BMX bikes were more popular than skateboarding,” he recalls. “It wasn’t until I got older and had a daughter who introduced me to female skateboarding pioneers Cindy Whitehead and Judi Oyama that I really began to appreciate the skill and diversity of skateboarding. I made these two mounted tapestries in honor of my daughter and these skateboarding legends.”

Billy describes his work as “soft sculptures.” In addition to customized clothing, he creates wall hangings, installations and portraits that he composes using felt and thread. By employing historical fabric techniques to both commemorate and critique sports and pop culture, his work explores the boundary between art and craft, as well as the impact of shifting gender roles in contemporary culture.

Ricky Watts and Ben Tour both found early inspiration in the deck art they observed at local skate shops. “Skateboarding was more a means of transportation growing up,” says Ricky. “I never mastered many tricks but it got me from point A to point B nicely and was a catalyst to early art-making adventures. Looking back, I think I skated mainly for the excuse to hang out at the local skate shop and geek out on all the board graphics hanging on the wall.” Today, Ricky is known for his abstract compositions that combine organic shapes and undulating, psychedelic patterns with cascading color gradients. He was a 2021 artist in residence at Google and his work has been commissioned by major automotive, fashion and tech brands.

Ben remembers his introduction to the sport similarly. “Before I attempted to ride a skateboard I painted on discarded boards I’d found,” he says. “I’ve always been inspired by skateboarding and the risks involved with learning and achieving. I’ve applied that into my life and art-making — the best breakthroughs with painting happen when taking chances and experimenting.”

As a tribute to the skating community and its lasting impact on visual culture, I Only Have To Land It Once celebrates youthful rebellion while acknowledging how this uniquely American pastime has contributed to contemporary art and society at large.

The artists featured come from different backgrounds and work in varying mediums, but they all share the courage instilled by skating and the DIY ethics of the skater community — to embrace individuality and creativity, to determine one’s own path in life, and to always get back on the board.

DEREK KEENAN
Lake Arbor Locals (I)
Media: Old skateboards and mixed media
Each Unique
Size: 16 x 16 x 4.5 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $2,500
Availability: SOLD


Each AT-AT is made entirely from reclaimed skateboards. The diorama is a 1:24 scale model of my childhood stomping grounds – The Lake Arbor BMX Trails. I created it as an ode to my teenage years that were filled with skateboarding, riding bikes and watching Star Wars. – Derek

DEREK KEENAN
Lake Arbor Locals (II)
Media: Old skateboards and mixed media
Each Unique
Size: 16 x 16 x 4.5 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $2,500
Availability:
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DEREK KEENAN
Lake Arbor Locals (III)
Media: Old skateboards and mixed media
Each Unique
Size: 16 x 16 x 4.5 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $2,500
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SHEPARD FAIREY
Prevent Police Boredom...
Media: Screen print with hand stenciled background on paper - Deckled edges
Size: 18 x 24 Inches
Edition: Artist Proof
Year: 2018
Price: $1,500
Availability:
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Skateboarding and punk rock saved my life. Growing up in conservative Charleston, South Carolina in the 1980’s, attending a private prep school, I was miserable, mean, desperate, and about to blow. Then I discovered skateboarding and its partner in visceral rebellion punk rock. Contrary to the common belief that those cultures amplify angry feelings and lead to aggressive and anti-social behavior, they actually diffused those feelings in me or at least channeled them in more constructive ways. Skateboarding gave me a visceral physical outlet, but also liberated me mentally and helped me find my voice and confidence. I liked art as a kid, but until I got into skateboarding and punk, art was simply a tame and traditional technical exercise. Skateboarding and punk had a very democratic, unintimidating, visual language and opened my eyes to the Do-It-Yourself empowerment potential of art. – Shepard

SHEPARD FAIREY
Bad Reputation
Media: Screen print on aluminum panel
Size: 18 x 24 Inches
Edition: 2/3
Year: 2019
Price: $3,200
Availability: SOLD
SHEPARD FAIREY
Styles Change, Styles Endure (Rubylith)
Media: Hand cut rubylith over collaged paper
Unique
Size: Window: 13.75 x 20.75 Inches
Frame: 17.75 x 25.25 Inches
Year: 2020
Price: $6,000
Availability: SOLD
BIGFOOT
Untitled
Media: Acrylic on skateboard
Size: 10 x 32 Inches
Year: 2021
TES ONE
We Remember
Media: Acrylic on skateboard
Size: 8 x 30 Inches
Year: 2021


We remember the corner. The spot. The bench. The stairs. The drop in. The hook up. The shortcut. The gate code. The chase. The getaway. The friends. The enemies. The fallen. – Tes One

BAGHEAD
System Processing
Media: Acrylic, aerosol and mixed media on skateboard
Size: 8 x 30 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $1,300
Availability:
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RICKY WATTS
Old Board, New Tricks
Media: Aerosol paint on used skateboard
Size: 8 x 30 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $800
Availability: SOLD


Skateboarding was more a means of transportation growing up. I never mastered many tricks but it got me from point A to point B nicely and was a catalyst to early art-making adventures. Looking back, I think I skated mainly for the excuse to hang out at the local skate shop and geek out on all the board graphics hanging on the wall. – Ricky

MARTIN WHATSON
Window Washer
Unique
Media: Spray paint on skateboard
Size: 8 x 30 Inches
Year: 2021
Availability: SOLD
MARTIN WHATSON
The Tweet
Unique
Media: Spray paint on skateboard
Size: 8 x 30 Inches
Year: 2021
Availability: SOLD
BEN TOUR
Skull
Media: Ink and spray paint on skateboard
Size: 8 x 30 Inches
Year: 2021


Before I attempted to ride a ​skateboard I painted on discarded boards I’d found. I’ve always been inspired by ​skateboarding and the risks involved with learning and achieving. I’ve applied that into my life and ​art making​ -​ ​The best breakthroughs with painting happen when taking chances and experimenting. – Ben

HAMA WOODS
Running On Empty
Media: Spray paint on skateboard
Size: 8 x 30 Inches
Edition: 4
Year: 2021
Availability: SOLD
ANDREW POMMIER
Crewed Up (Diptych)
Media: Ink and graphite on paper
Size: 11 x 28 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $1,200
Availability:
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ALPHONZO RAWLS
Ali
Media: Thread and fabric
Size: 25.5 x 25.5 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $4,000
Availability: SOLD
ALPHONZO RAWLS
Tupac
Media: Thread and fabric
Size: 25.5 x 25.5 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $4,000
Availability:
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DAVE KINSEY
Hollow Heaven
Media: Production printed
Size: 8.25 x 32 Inches
Year: 2018
DAVE KINSEY
King of Kings
Media: Production printed
Size: 8.25 x 32 Inches
Year: 2018
JIM HOUSER
Hinterlands
Media: Acrylic on skateboard
I rode this board until it was worn out and then I sanded it down and made this painting out if it. - Jim
Size: 8.25 x 32 Inches
Year: 2020
JIM HOUSER
Kenny
Media: Acrylic and collage on skateboard
Size: 8.25 x 32 Inches
Year: 2020
EL PEZ
20 Years of Smiling With Friends - Skateboard Deck Set
Media: Production printed
Size: 8 x 32 Inches each
Signed
AR activated - Download the Pez AR app and this piece comes to life with a crazy animation!
Year: 2020
SERGIO GARCIA
OJ II
Media: Hybrid resin with automotive paint
Size: 14(W) x 9.5(D) Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $1,200
Availability: SOLD


Skateboarding influenced not just my art but my life. From friends, music to fashion – you name it they’ve all been lifelong relationships. I found out about a lot of music through Thrasher magazine and new skate videos. I remember picking out my first pro skateboard – A G&S Neil Blender coffee break. From Pink rails to neon green wheels, trucks, grip tape, color, etc. – In the grand scheme of things my board was the first thing I ever fully curated. – Sergio

SERGIO GARCIA
All Hail Cardiel
Media: Hybrid resin with automotive paint
Size: 14(W) x 9.5(D) Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $950
Availability: SOLD
MIKE GRAVES
Tony Hawk
Media: Acrylic and wood on wood
Size: 17 x 17 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $400
Availability:
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BILLY KHEEL
Cindy Whitehead
Media: Felt, fabric and mixed media
Size: 36 x 24 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $1,000
Availability:
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I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts where freestyle BMX bikes were more popular than skateboarding. It was not until I got older and had a daughter who introduced me to female skateboarding pioneers Cindy Whitehead and Judi Oyama that I really began to appreciate the skill and diversity of skateboarding. I made these two mounted tapestries in honor of my daughter and these skateboarding legends – Billy

BILLY KHEEL
Judi Oyama
Media: Felt, fabric and mixed media
Size: 36 x 24 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $1,000
Availability:
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MARK FOSTER
Into The Pipe...Water!...Washed Away
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: 8.5 x 11, 9 x 12, 11 x 14 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $625
Availability:
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The title of the show really made me think of my friend Ryan’s experience which I recently illustrated for a Thrasher online article – He was in a pipe filming and a flash flood hit and washed them and all their equipment away! – Mark

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

FERRIS PLOCK
Cat Farts
Media: Four color screen print on paper
Size: 18 x 24 Inches
Editions:White Paper: 75 / Color Paper 5 each
Signed & Numbered
Year: 2021
Price: White Paper: $50 / Color Paper: $60
Availability:
Available to purchase Thursday, December 9th at Noon Pacific / 3pm Eastern / 1pm Mountain
Purchase
FERRIS PLOCK
Cat Farts #1
Media: Pen on paper
Size: 9 x 12 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $300
Availability: SOLD
FERRIS PLOCK
Cat Farts #2
Media: Pen on paper
Size: 9 x 12 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $300
Availability: SOLD

FERRIS PLOCK
Yokai Skate
Media: Acrylic and gold leaf on wood panel
Size: 30 x 40 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $7,000
Availability: Inquire

EMEK
Dia De Los Muertonaughts
Media: Metal and mixed media
Size: Board 9 x 32 Inches
Edition: No more than 10
Year: 2021
Price: $3,500
Availability:
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SWEET TOOF
Blunt
Media: Acrylic and spray paint with glow in the dark teeth on canvas
Size: 25.5 x 21 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $2,000
Availability:
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POROUS WALKER
Skate & Destroy Your Ego
Media: Shroom and mixed media
Size: Apx, 5 x 5 Inches
Year: 2021
Availability: SOLD
RENE GAGNON
Bones Brigade (Featuring Tony Hawk)
Jagged Tears Series
Media: Mixed media on canvas
Size: 30 x 40 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $2,000
Availability:
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In the very early 80’s most of us east coast kids were heavy into BMX racing and freestyle. Then in ’83 and ’84 we were exposed to graffiti art with the movies ‘Wild Style’ and ‘Beat Street’. Every kid that had a rebellious nature and also enjoyed creating art became a graffiti artist. At this exact moment in time another magical occurrence took place. We were exposed to the ‘Bones Brigade’ films. After that most of us ditched the BMX and got heavily into skateboarding. The skateboard became our sole mode of transportation for the long nights of marking our surroundings with our graffiti. So for me, graffiti and skateboarding are synonymous, and I continue to enjoy both activities to this day. – Rene

SKEWVILLE
Chaise
Media: Skateboard parts and mixed media
Size: 12.5 x 19.5 Inches
Price: $650
Availability:
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SKEWVILLE
Blaize
Media: Skateboard parts and mixed media
Size: 12.5 x 19.5 Inches
Price: $650
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SAM FLORES
Dia y Noche
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 11 x 14 Inches
Price: $2,200
Availability:
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SAM FLORES
Cactus Crusader
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 10 x 12 Inches
Price: $1,250
Availability:
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SAM FLORES
Noche y Dia
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 12 x 16 Inches
Price: $2,200
Availability: SOLD
HILLARY LAUER
Video Days
Media: Mixed media on canvas
Size: 24 x 24 Inches
Price: $820
Availability:
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HILLARY LAUER
Down River Kid
Media: Mixed media on canvas
Size: 24 x 30 Inches
Price: $1,050
Availability:
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For me, making art is a state of flow where time and space are obsolete and I am fully present and expressive. For this series, I chose to paint Mark Gonzales and the late Dylan Rieder because I am inspired by their radiant energy and ability to change the way I viewed skateboarding. In both skateboarding and art, style, technique and personal taste combine- creating a visual and energetic symbol of who we are. In my art, messy lines and unlikely color combinations express my acceptance and acknowledgement of imperfection just as Dylan Rieders fearless stair climbs in leather dance shoes communicated that his love of fashion and skateboarding did not have to be mutually exclusive. Mark Gonzalez perfectly depicts the dynamic of self expression and resistance in skateboarding, explaining that, “Skateboarders are envied by people because they just glide so free. Any time something moves like water, they’ll make a dam. Every time something moves in nature, they want to stop it” and the same can be said for artists. Icons like Gonzales and Rieder saw the beauty in pushing away from the norm, which reframed how I viewed skateboarding and inspired me to let go of expectations in my own art.

Their confidence, individuality and fearless dedication are so influential because despite harsh criticism, these two continued to use their quirks as advantages rather than setbacks. As an artist, I strive to make art that speaks to others in a way that no one else has and to generate work that communicates my most authentic and genuine self. These portraits are a tribute to those who not only embrace their differences but inspire others to do the same. – Hillary

LINDSEY KUHN
Life
Media: Mixed media on wood
Size: 11 x 14 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $200
Availability:
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LINDSEY KUHN
3 Boards
Media: Mixed media on wood
Size: 18 x 18 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $350
Availability:
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LINDSEY KUHN
S-Chaos
Media: Mixed media on wood
Size: 18 x 18 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $350
Availability:
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LINDSEY KUHN
Skate City
Media: Mixed media on canvas
Size: 32 x 22 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $500
Availability:
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MIKE GIANT
Chanel Decks
Media: Sharpie and pencil on paper
Size: 18 x 24 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $2,000
Availability: SOLD
JACK GRAYDON
Frank And The Horse
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 24 x 18 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $800
Availability:
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I am constantly exploring and spot hunting for places to skate and paint. They fill a similar space in my head and the journeys I make while skating influence my work.

KAI & SUNNY
Fields of Madness
Media: Ballpoint pen on paper
Size: 46.5 x 46.5 Inches
Year: 2020
Price: $6,250
Availability:
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #1
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 9 x 12 Inches
Price: $400
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #2
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 9 x 12 Inches
Price: $400
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #3
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 9 x 12 Inches
Price: $400
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #4
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 9 x 12 Inches
Price: $400
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #5
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 9 x 12 Inches
Price: $400
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #6
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 9 x 12 Inches
Price: $400
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #7
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 11 x 14 Inches
Price: $400
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FUNERAL FRENCH
Drawing #8
Media: Mixed media on paper
Size: Apx. 16 x 20 Inches
Price: $400
Availability:
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HEGE SKUNDBERG
Z-Bones
Media: Acrylic, spray paint and enamel
Size: 25.5 x 32 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $1,200
Availability:
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As a teenager my first job was at the local skateshop. This was where I first saw Dogtown & Z-boys – the movie that this painting is based on. Skateboarding has influenced me on so many levels all throughout my life. From fashion to what I watch on TV. I loved all the different graphics on the boards and t-shirts plus the fact that you were allowed to be different and still fit in. – Hege

MAX KAUFFMAN
Sometimes At Night I Can Still Fly
Media: Mixed media on wood panel
Size: 8 x 10 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $500
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Skateboarding was a portal for me. A way to the rest of the world, to culture beyond the small town in Indiana I grew up in. Skate culture (via 411vm) gave me glorious music I’d never hear in South Bend – Souls of Mischief, Jurassic Five, fucking KOOL KEITH. It introduced me to artists, to fellow misfits, community and most of all it gave me eyes to look for the disused, the forgotten, the subtle. The magic of repetition. I owe my craft and approach to skateboarding. – Max

LUKE RAMSEY
Skorca
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 16 x 20 Inches
Year: 2021


Skateboarding influenced my approach to art making, initially rooted in DIY ethics and punk culture. Skating to me is like art- take it anywhere, make it be anything one wants it to be, and connect to others with it. – Luke

JEREMY FISH
Head Hog
MediH: Acrylic on cut out skateboard
Size: 8 x 32 Inches
Year: 2015
Price: $1800
Availability: Inquire or Purchase

BIGFOOT
Screaming Hand
Media: Acrylic on wood panel
Size: 10 x 30 Inches
Year: 2015
BUD SNOW
Come As you Are
Media: Spray paint, acrylic, sparkles, resin on canvas
Size: 16 x 20 Inches
Price: $1,450
Availability:
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BUD SNOW
Splash Your Heart
Media: Acrylic, sparkles and resin on wood
Size: 8 x 32 Inches
Price: $850
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BUD SNOW
Rich Ride
Media: Spray paint, acrylic, sparkles, resin on canvas
Size: 16 x 20 Inches
Price: $1,450
Availability:
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Skateboarding has influenced my art and creativity by showing me JOY, entrepreneurship, and limitless ways to creatively see and interact with the world. From a young age I’ve been creating skateboard brands, making skateboard art, teaching skateboard programming, and helping politically to get skateparks built. I’ve made zines, photographed my friends, and shown my art work. My interest in skateboarding ultimately led to a full creative life. To mention only one aspect would be to negate a lifelong, defining love affair with skateboarding. A few moments, faces, and influences that shaped my developing creative mind are: My dad for buying me my first board when I was 10 and for taking me to Slam City Jam in the late 90s / early 2000’s. The Vancouver Skateboard Coalition, Skull Skates, PD’s Hot Shop, Skateboard Village (pre-Facebook!) Slap Magazine, Color Mag, Ed Templeton, Toy Machine, Alien Workshop, 411 video magazine, Renee Renee, The Bowl Series, Several Broken Arms, Thrasher Magazine, The Dot Gallery SF, Fecal Face, Skate Like A Girl, The Cract Pipe, Leeside, Antisocial Skateboard Shop, Michele Pezel, The Artist Network Program, Krooked, Mark Gonzalez, Elissa Steamer, Vanessa Torres, Amy Caron, bombing hills, The Growlery, The Westbeach Ramp, The Sloth Skateboard Company, China Creek, The Plaza, Bonsor, The RDS Indoor, The Skate Witches, Elraya Whyte, Kristen Ebeling, Shari White, Jeff Cole, SBC, too many amazing friends to count, and my new joint skateboard project, Tomorrow. – Bud

DARIN BALABAN
Tech Ledge Trick
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 20 x 16 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $1,050
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DARIN BALABAN
Home Court Advantage
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 16 x 20 Inches
Year: 2021
Price: $875
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I grew up in Santa Monica, CA where I started skateboarding at the age of nine and haven’t stopped since (minus a few major injuries). Skateboarding has played an integral part in shaping who I am in totality as a human being. Skating has taught me to be persistent, self-confident and dedicated. All of the aforementioned traits have translated into my art practice. All of my pieces are influenced by my love of skateboarding, my background in graffiti, and love of visual art.

“home court advantage” is an homage to a place that holds a special place in my heart, the “Santa Monica courthouse,” (though it’s technically in west la). The courthouse is where I spent the majority of my formative years learning ledge tricks, dodging cops, forming friendships and rubbing shoulders with pros. The chocolate board is a nod to Chris Roberts who, now infamously, did a plethora of sick tricks on the stage. Roberts was also ever present at the courthouse and was kind enough to always boost me up when trying a trick. Thanks again for teaching me to switch front nose slides crob!

“tech ledge trick” harkens back to the late 90s and early 00s which are, arguably, the golden years of technical street skateboarding. The D3 and vx1000 are iconic accessories to that era, especially in Southern California. I never owned a pair of D3s but chris dobstaff kickflip back blunted a hefty handrail in them so they can’t be as terrible as they look. – Darin

RICH JACOBS
We Are Not Alone
Media: Mixed media on board
Size: 30 x 48 Inches
Price: $2,500
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WK INTERACT
The Life
Media: Mixed media on wood panel
Size: 36 x 48 Inches
Price: $8,500
Availability:
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