OUTERWEAR FROM WATER
EVAN GEISELMAN/PHOTO MICKEY SMITH
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INTRODUCING THE PHANTOM PROTECT SLICKER: A JACKET FOR THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS. BORN FROM WATER. INSPIRED BY SEARCH AND RESCUE. INNOVATION FROM PHANTOM.
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S T E FA N J A N O S K I
design unlikely futures / analogclothing.com
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L O C A T I O N / M E X I C O
T H E
B A L A N C E
R V C A . C O M
O F
O P P O S I T E S
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welcome to the team check out kevin terpening’s intro video at gravisskateboarding.com 7/31/12 9:50 AM
Š2012 Oakley, Inc. | 800.320.9430 | Oakley.com
Art: Brian Detmer
WeA c t i v i s t D A NI J E L ‘J U G G A’ S TA NK OV I C SHOT AT GAMLA UGGLAN, STOCKHOLM B Y G IOVANNI R E DA
FO R M O R E O N TH IS S U P ER LATIV E S PA C E w es c . c om
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E LYON, NOLLIE KICKFLIP PHOTO: MIKENDO
FROM BRO TO PRO! CONGRATS DEREK!
W W W . E Z E K I E L U S A . C O M
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF nick kalionzes nick@blisssmag.com
EDITOR
joey marshall joey@blisssmag.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR mark paul deren : madsteez madsteez@madsteez.com
ASSISTAN T EDITOR spencer pirdy spencer@blisssmag.com
EDITOR AT L ARGE liz rice mcCray liz@blisssmag.com
SKATE EDITOR chris ortiz chris@blisssmag.com
SNOW EDITOR jon francis jon@blisssmag.com
MUSIC EDITOR max ritter max@blisssmag.com
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jason Kenworthy, Dominic Petruzzi, Daniel Russo, Toby Ogden, Tom Carey, Brian Beilmann, Jack Coleman, Andrew Mapstone, Adam Moran, Dave Nelson, Pat Eichstaedt, Julien Lecorps, Ryan Boyes, Zach Hooper, Tim Peare, Michael Lallande, Bob Plumb, Peter Morning
CON TRIB UTORS
Matt Patterson, Willie Marshall, Daniel Russo, Jason Arnold, Greg Escalante, Nathan Spoor, Tom Carey, Travis Millard, David Choe, Kai Garcia, Mickey Neilsen, Peter Townend, Hamilton Endo, Tawnya Schultz, Mike Murciano, Geoff Shively, Casey Holland, Steve Stratton, Robbie Sell, Andrew Miller, Pat Towersey, Raul Montoya, Ian Dodge, Spencer Pirdy, Richie Olivares, Eric Meyers BL!SSS Magazine 413 31st Street Newport Beach, CA 92663
SEPT 2012
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Disclaimer: Although all best efforts are made to avoid the same, we reserve the right to publish unintentional mistakes and/or factual errors which may occur on a monthly basis. No responsibility is assumed by the publishers for unsolicited materials/articles/letters/advertising and all submissions will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright and/or appropriate licensing purposes subject to Blisss’ right to edit and comment editorially. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine reflect the opinions of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Blisss Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising matter which may reflect negatively on the integrity of the magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form [print or electronic] without prior written consent from the publisher.
Artist: Brian Dettmer
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Danny Way
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ELECTRIC’S MAGS BY TROUBLE ANDREW Electric has introduced a new shade by the artist Trouble Andrew. Trouble Andrew is a musician like no other, and he conveys a style that is certainly one-of-a-kind just like the tunes he produces. His shade is called the MAGS and is named after his younger sister. This unisex shade looks good on everyone. Whether you’re walking the red carpet, skating through the city or cruising down the mountains these things are the all-purpose shade of choice for everyone’s needs. The MAGS come in a wide range of color ways that suit all styles, preferences and wants. Head over to your local shop and buy yourself a pair of the MAGS from Electric so that you’ll be prepared for whatever adventure comes your way.
BILLABONG TAHITI PRO
BURTON FUN Burton has filled their September calendar with a couple of all-time enjoyable events for everyone to take part in. The first event is the unveiling of Burton’s new film Thirteen that’s going down coincidentally on Thursday, September 13th at the iconic Lido Theatre. There will be rider signings starting at 7pm sharp and the movie shows at 8pm, so make sure to get there early to save a seat before the theatre gets sold out. Be prepared for plenty of good surprises and for your jaw to be dropped the whole time the movie plays. The next event is happening right up the road at Surfside Sports on 17th street on Saturday, September 15th at 2pm. This one is pretty much an invite for the whole family to stock up on the latest and greatest Burton gear all while playing games, winning tons of gift bags, prizes and most importantly entering to win a $500 Burton shopping spree. As if all of that isn’t enough already, plenty of Burton riders will be dropping in throughout the day to say hello and share in the fun. These are two epic backto-back events that you really won’t want to miss, so mark your calendars and we’ll see you there!
Mick Fanning is making a hard charge on the tour in 2012, to put things lightly. He’s been ultra focused all year, beating Slater in the final at Bells, and he has been charging like a madman in spots like Fiji during one of the biggest paddle days on record. Tahiti was no different, as Mick was taking advantage of his comfort in throating left barrels by dismantling opponents heat by heat. In the quarters he took down wildcard standout Ricardo Dos Santos in the dying seconds with a 10-point ride and seemed destined to reach the final. In an ending that made the Billabong Pro look like it was straight out of a Hollywood movie studio, Mick met up in the final with classmate, lifelong friend and close rival Joel Parkinson. Joel got up on Mick early on in the heat, but Mick showed resilience and stormed back by posting two excellent scores, one coming again in the final moments to win the event. His last-minute heroics proved to be the winning formula for the Billabong Pro Tahiti, and we can’t wait to see what the current #1 seed has in store for the remaining five events of the year. Congrats Mick!
MARITAL BLISSS
All of us at BL!SSS would like to send all our love and congratulations to Jason, a.k.a. Revok, and Carina Trimble, who this past weekend on the beach in Malibu exchanged marriage vows while friends and family sat on blankets and watched as the sun set behind them. We couldn’t be more excited for two of the coolest people joining together in marriage. Dinner, drinks and dancing at a beautiful Malibu home, lit by candles, followed. Dancing went into the wee hours of the night. We just wanted to give you a shout out and let you know we couldn’t be happier for the both of you. Love to J and Cina and puppy Bosley. 32
LRG LIFE CLORS The LRG crew is always coming up with fresh new collaborations for our enjoyment. This time they’ve brought to us Life Colors from legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. This is a sonic representation of unique thought that aims to change the status quo. It’s something that never goes out of style. Life Colors harnesses over 40 tracks that spans both the old and new – including tracks from the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Santigold, Slum Village, J Cole, the Pharcyde and many more. The iconic DJ serves as a willing tour guide to bridge the gap between a wide variety of walks of life and a colorful renaissance. Log onto L-R-G.com to download these amazing tracks by DJ Jazzy Jeff, and check what else is happening in the world of LRG.
BEACHWORKS PRESENTS:
KEEP DISCOVERING ELEMENT DAY AT SOUTH COAST PLAZA
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 TH, NOON–5PM (IN THE BRISTOL ST. PARKING LOT NEAR Z’TEJAS ENTRANCE)
SKATEBOARDING / MUSIC / ARTS & CRAFTS / TEAM SIGNING
TURN YOUR OLD BOARD INTO A NEW CRUISER: ALL DAY BRING YOUR OLD BOARD AND FOR THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE YOU CAN TURN YOUR DILAPIDATED DECK INTO A NEW CRUISER.
GAME OF S.K.A.T.E: 3PM ENTER A GAME OF S.K. A .T.E FOR YOUR CHANCE AT A SCHOLARSHIP TO ELEMENT YMCA CAMP, AND HEAPS OF OTHER PRIZES.
LIVE, INTERACTIVE ART WITH MIKE KERSHNAR: ALL DAY
ELEMENT TEAM AUTOGRAPH SIGNING: 5PM
MIKE KERSHNAR WILL BE MARLING LIVE AT THE EVENT, JOIN HIM TO COLLABORATE ON ARTWORK THAT WILL BE SHOWCASED AT BEACHWORKS FOLLOWING THE EVENT.
JOIN ELEMENT TEAM RIDERS N YJAH HUSTON, LEVI BROWN, CHAD TIM TIM, NICK GARCIA, JULIAN DAVIDSON AND RAY BARBEE FOR AN AUTOGRAPH SIGNING WITH FREE POSTERS AND GIVEAWAYS.
JAMMIN’ ON THE GUITAR WITH RAY BARBEE: ALL DAY LENGENDARY RAY BARBEE WILL BE ON HAND JAMMING AWAY THROUGH THE AFTERNOON, PICK UP A PROVIDED GUITAR, LEARN A THING OR TWO AND FILL THE AIRWAVES WITH SMOOTH TUNES AND POSITIVE VIBES.
RECYCLED BRACELET MAKING: ALL DAY USING THE SCRAPS FROM OUR CUTTING ROOM FLOOR, REPURPOSE THESE INTO A STYLISH ACCESSORY WITH THE ELEMENT EDEN ADVOCATE TEAM.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: BEACHWORKS SOUTH COAST PLAZA 714-754-0221 | 3333 BRISTOL STREET, COSTA MESA, CA 92626 20% OFF ALL ELEMENT CLOTHES (DAY OF EVENT ONLY )
ELEMENTBRAND.COM
BUCKETFEET ALMOND ON PCH Almond Fine Surfing Boards has moved homes just a few short miles away and now resides on PCH just a stone’s throw away from the bay in Newport Beach. The new shop, located on 2429 West Coast Hwy #101, is a perfect fit for the Almond brand. They’re thrilled to be next-door neighbors now with their long-time friends at Yokishop, and we’re sure there will be plenty of collaborations coming out of their newfound hub. Almond has spent the past 4 years refining their craft and building the Almond brand to what it is today. Now, with the great location and wealth of room they have available the sky is the limit. As of August 20th, they’re fully up-and-running and prepping for their September 15th Grand Opening Party. So, cruise by and check out the new store whenever you’re in the area and make sure to stop by for the Grand Opening on September 15th.
This past month we had the pleasure of meeting Aaron and Raaja, the founders of the brand Bucketfeet. Bucketfeet is a footwear brand that prides itself in giving artists a platform for expression by creating original shoes. With every purchase of a pair of Bucketfeet they give $1 back to the artist who designed the shoe and a percentage of the sales goes to supporting community groups. Basically, you are helping to spread art and create a lasting impact in the lives of artists and kids around the world. The particular shoes we received were from an artist by the name of Bruno Carneiro from Rio de Janeiro. The shoes are of the highest quality and comfort, and the unique designs have people turning their heads in amazement. We couldn’t be more pleased with our Bucketfeet, and we suggest you check them out yourselves. To get your own personal pair of Bucketfeet or to find out more about getting involved with Aaron and Raaja, visit bucketfeet.com.
SHAWN BARBER Last Gasp of San Francisco sent us a copy of their newly released Memoir: The Tattooed Portraits Series. This is a book not for the faint of heart. In fact, this book should be reserved for those who can appreciate the embodiment of contemporary tattoo culture and history. The Memoir follows Shawn Barber through his obsession and life-changing experience that turned into a six-year living journal seen through photos, essays and most importantly Shawn’s fine art paintings. The paintings range from traditional portraits to colorful abstractions that will leave you stuck to the pages until your eyes can take no more. The Tattooed Portraits Series includes paintings of tattoo artists and luminaries from all over the world. Basically, if you’re not obsessed/ inspired by the raw dark beauty and dedication that Memoir: The Tattooed Portraits Series represents then there is definitely something wrong with you. For more information on how to get yourself a copy of this amazing book, visit lastgasp.com and make sure to cherish this piece of underground gold.
FRED WATER MATIX LIVES After being purchased by Westlife Distribution in July and moving into a new office in LA, Matix Clothing is back at it with a vengeance, re-signing the following brand ambassadors such as skaters Daewon Song, Marc Johnson and Mike Anderson and professional surfers Turkey Stopnik and JJ Wessels. Daewon and MJ have been with Matix since the beginning, and it was only natural to continue on with the relationship. Mike Anderson plays a key role as well, as each of their signature collections and styles add a different flavor to each season. On the coastal side of things, Turkey and JJ are new to the program and will be holding it down in the water. Look for signature collections that include board shorts, shorts, tees, hoodies and accessories from these guys as well. All in all, look for big things to be coming from Matix now and down the road.
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Fred is our new best friend. In fact, we take him with us everywhere we go because he’s such a nurturing friend. Fred happens to be an Aquarius and is velvety smooth and exceptionally pure spring water that is spreading through North America like wildfire. The great thing about Fred water is that he’s made out of a recyclable package and he’s always down for chilling out. We were very excited to become friends with Fred, and we’ve even given him his own place to live here at the BL!SSS office. We see a bright future for Fred water and just hope that he’ll always be available for consumption, I mean, company. All kidding aside, we really are blown away by Fred water. Everything from the taste to the bottle design to their overall message is pretty spot-on, and we know Fred water will be around for the long haul. Look for Fred at your nearest store and find out about how you can befriend Fred by logging onto Fredspot.com.
brixton.com
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VANS: GET N’ CLASSIC VOL. 2 This October, Vans’ first-class surf team returns in Get-N Classic, Vol. 2, a chronicle of their travels as they’ve crossed the globe in search of prime surf and adventure over the last 12 months. You’ll be able to witness Joel Tudor, Nathan Fletcher, Dane Reynolds, Pat, Tanner and Dane Gudauskas, John, Ivan and Nathan Florence, Dylan Graves, Alex Knost, Andrew Doheny, Kalani Chapman, Jason “Ratboy”Collins and Leila Hurst making their mark as the most talented and interesting individuals in surfing and conquering the world’s most coveted surf spots. Sounds pretty enticing, huh? Get N’ Classic Vol. 2 is filmed and edited by lens wizards Graham Nash and Reagan Ritchie. You’ll be able to watch the whole team’s assault on perfect waves in places like South Africa, Bali, Indonesia, Hawaii and more. Get N’ Classic, Vol. 2 will premiere on the big screen at the conclusion of the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational in Biarritz, France on Saturday, September 29th and will stream in its entirety for FREE in early October at vanssurf.com/getnclassic. A free download of the movie will also be available. For more on the Vans team, check vanssurf.com or offthewall.tv.
CHROME LAP BAG Chrome is a quickly rising bag company that has caught our attention. These guys have taken bag crafting to a whole new level, and we were lucky enough to have a glance at one of their latest creations - the Mini Buran. This bag features an integrated padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15.4-inch laptop. The Mini Buran has plenty of storage space throughout the bag with nifty pockets and an overall stylish design that separates itself from the rest of the field. Rest assured that you won’t be scratching your head in disbelief because of a cheap bag that wears down easily. Chrome has a lifetime guarantee on all of their bags so you’ll never have to spend money on a bag again. Look for Chrome products to be popping up all over in the upcoming holiday seasons, and make sure to log onto chromeindustries.com and find the bag, shoes and or accessories you’ve always wanted.
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LORD WINDSOR Nowadays, with Starbucks ruling much of the modernized world as far as coffee goes, it’s always a breath of fresh air when we find someone who’s fighting back against mainstream monopolization. One coffee shop that is doing just that is Lord Windsor Roasters. Lord Windsor Roasters is a coffee roaster and shop located at 1101 E. 3rd St. in Long Beach, CA. The owners of this fine establishment, Mr. and Mrs. Wade Windsor, roast each coffee with a specific purpose in mind, and that purpose revolves around origin, altitude, and varietal. They pride themselves in sourcing only the highest quality specialty coffee, and they put forth great effort to ensure that the coffee comes from a sustainable source. In an effort to showcase the coffee itself, the Windsors try to keep things simple and practical, from the menu to the decor. In addition to a traditional assortment of espresso drinks, they also have individually prepared cups of coffee via their pour-over bar and teas. The Windsor’s goal is for people to come into the shop and feel at home, have a seat at the lovely wooden bar, and drink a thoughtfully prepared cup of coffee. It’s fast-paced out there, and sometimes it’s nice to slow things down a bit. This is definitely one perfect coffee shop for doing just that. So, make sure to check them out when you’re in the area.
CERA WIRELESS SPEAKER We’ve seen a lot of speakers come and go that are highly acclaimed, but they always have that little flaw in them that makes you wish for something else. Well, we just may have found the portable speaker of your dreams. The all-new Cera Wireless Portable Speaker from Tego Audio is a speaker in it’s own league. The Cera comes with Bluetooth technology that allows you to stream audio from your iPod, iPad, iPhone, MP3, Lap top, PC and many more Bluetooth compatible devices from up to 33 feet away. This means you won’t have to hassle with tangled cords or moving a large speaker if the party heads inside or out. The Cera comes with an illuminated touchcontrol panel, 360-degree illuminating sound chamber and a 5-7 hour battery life. All of this, along with the subtle and stylish design makes it a hit wherever you go. Basically, this device is light years ahead of the rest of the game and we suggest you look into getting one for yourself. Visit tegoaudio.com and enjoy the luxuries that smart techies have bestowed us with.
DIZM EYEWEAR
This past month we were lucky enough to enjoy the company of our friend Jonas Lee. Jonas is the founder of Dizm Eyewear and he brought us a few shades to check out for ourselves. We instantly became believers after covering our eyes with a few of the different models Dizm has to offer. In particular the Dempsey and the Johnny John’s in polarized were our absolute favorites with an ultra comfortable feel and enhanced polarized lenses. These shades are uniquely designed and have the most stylish frames one could find. The best part of Dizm is the fact that the company is environmentally conscious and is looking to produce eco-friendly products no matter what. Dizm Eyewear is where the perfect fusion of art and technology comes together, and we highly suggest you check them out by visiting dizmeyewear.com.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Burton burton.com
WESC wesc.com
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Gravis gravisfootwear.com
RVCA rvca.com
Hurley hurley.com
Volcom volcom.com
Neff neffheadwear.com
Quiksilver quiksilver.com
Electric electricvisual.com
Oakley oakley.com
Alpinestars alpinestars.com
Insight insight51.com
Nixon nixon.com
Vans vans.com
Troy Lee Designs troyleedesigns.com
Smith smithoptics.com
Interview: Torrey Cook Standing in a room of Michael Page paintings is an almost indescribable experience. Waves of color pulsating into and out of forms that jump off the canvas, encouraging the viewer to go deep into the recesses of their mind to question our very existence. An idea of our world broken down to energy, flowing in and out of the beauty and power of everyday - elephants trumpeting, a human face, a simple flower. Where do we come from? Where do we go? Justin Girala, founder of White Walls, 941 Geary and Shooting Gallery talked about Page’s work and its progression. “I’ve been working with Michael for two years,” he said. “He has been focusing on portraying different realms of existence, and with this subject has brought different colors and depth to his work. The quality of his work will continue to evolve and progress and will one day be in museums. He is a kind-hearted, hard-working brother of mine.” For those of us who haven’t heard of it, what is Elan Vital? What is DMT and The Spirit Molecule? And what is Pneuma? The basic understanding of Elan Vital is the evolution of organisms and the development of all life. Pneuma is the spirit or soul of all creatures and DMTDimethyltryptamine is a compound that naturally occurs in the tryptamine family. We produce DMT in our body throughout life, but there are two major instances that we release it: when we are born into this world and when we leave this world. The Spirit Molecule is a book by Dr. Rick Strassman where he hypothesizes that the DMT produced in the pineal gland is essentially our soul. In this book Dr. Strassman took test subjects, the first and only test of its kind, administered high doses
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of this drug and wrote about their experiences while they were on it. Most of the test subjects went to other places outside our realm of being and met “Alien” like figures, some say God. It was a mind-blowing book and I used it as a backdrop for my current show. Sometimes I see art as a gateway to creating community. Do you think some of these concepts that I just asked about bring people together, or is it more an individual spiritual awakening? They most definitely bring people together. It seems like it’s one’s own personal journey when you’re in the studio creating works of art, but after you’re done and it’s displayed, anyone can make it theirs. I generally believe that we are all in this together. When one finds a path or reason in this crazy place it ignites others to look upon and wonder. We are all connected in some form or another and these “sparks” cause chain reactions. I believe that we rely heavily on those before us, meaning without prior masters before our time, in whatever it may be, our concepts would fall flat. We look to the past to help create the present, so it’s never an individual but an accumulation of all to make it one spiritual awakening. You dropped out of school and never went back, but your painting is classical and technical. I guess the question is that without extensive formal training how do you get there? I generally paint what I am feeling in particular moments in time in my life. Sometimes the work comes out classical and other times it tends to be on the more cartoony side of things. That’s not to diminish the fact that I do love classical-style arts. From Rembrandt to Waterhouse, they are all brilliant masters and I find
myself from time to time wishing I could be on their level. Perhaps that’s where it comes from. Also, going to museums and being blown away by the classics along with painting with friends who are classically trained has helped I’m sure. I’ve been taking notes on how they approach their works and I slowly apply it to mine. My friends are really the best “teachers” an artist can have without officially going to school. Altogether everything that I am trying to create comes within my own spirit as I search for who I am as a person. At one time you had a day job to support your art habits, like many of us do, but now you create full time. Talk a little about how you got there. I moved to San Francisco nine years ago or so and lived out of a closet with my then girlfriend/now wife. It was difficult and I had absolutely no money, but my brother and friends made it bearable. I was never worried about making money but rather always trying to create art, and I just ended up making it happen full time. It’s still an ongoing beautiful battle with trying to be true to myself and having to make a green piece of paper to survive sometimes. I also would be nowhere without the love and support of my beautiful, amazing wife. With having all the time one can have to create, you really have boundless and endless possibilities. I have found that I need every creative moment possible now though. I’m not able to have long bouts of painting like I used to. I have switched up my working process to early mornings and late nights. For me, it’s a way different approach in having my mind away from my work for many hours throughout the day, as it was never like that before. I’m curious to see how everything will
evolve with long, extended breaks. I think every painter is their own master; that’s why they paint. They do not give in and slave to the outside, conscious world. Talk to me about painting with oil. Oil painting with its fluidity is genius. I thoroughly get lost in the art that I am creating when using this particular medium. I find that I love all types of paint though. I started painting with spray paint, acrylic, and watercolor, and from there I moved into oil. For me, the one main difference is that I cannot get the color variations with any other paint like I can with oils. The depth one can create with oil, there is nothing like it. I’m really exploring that more lately and the plan with oil, for me, is to create the most intense color schemes I can think of.
What’s in the future? I never want my work to be stagnant; there is so much out there to learn and comprehend. It seems so boring to continually do the same thing over and over again. It’s frightening to think that the all-mighty dollar or gallerist would dictate or shape who I am as an artist. My work will forever change and evolve, just as I will. I want to continually have the freedom to create whatever organically is produced from my brain, to my hands, to the canvas. I always enjoyed someone like Picasso who created and changed everything. He was able to go into any direction he wanted and was never bogged down to one style or movement. That seems so free and what “artist” means to me. michaelpageart.com
Words: Teressa Foglia Nicole Hanriot carved her name as a swimwear designer. Now she’s getting serious with her own line, BeachRiot. Teressa Foglia spends time with the industry’s quiet talent. We met over desert facials at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs. It was the first time I heard “BeachRiot” and my mind was spinning. Nicole Hanriot, 27, is dainty and gleaming, shy and very hysterical. She displays an effortlessly chic style in her personal life as well as in her designs, influenced by the California beach babe spirit. At the time, she was prepping for her first show in July. Now it’s September, 7:00 o’clock on a beautifully warm late summer evening and Nicole greets me at the Beach Riot HQ in Costa Mesa, CA. She’s straight
Photos: Isaac Zoller & Joseph Tran
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off the plane from Texas where she celebrated a best friend’s wedding. Just prior to that she was in Vegas for Project, NYC for fabrics, press desk sides, meetings with Neiman Marcus amongst other accounts, and Miami for MBFWSwim 2013. Wearing Rag & Bone waxed skinny jeans and a grey tee, studded boots by Chloe, and a Stone Cold Fox shawl, Nicole describes her own swim line as bohemian meets surf. Her designs are unique. They are pieces you can wear from the beach out to your next destination, as it goes with BeachRiot: Riot on the Beach, Party on the streets. The suits are functional, easily worn with shorts to complete an outfit. “The 2013 collection is full of bold animal prints, color blocking, and ‘80s-influence prints,” Hanriot says.
Nicole designed the line with festivals in mind and works closely with Free People on exclusives. Catering to both the surf and boutique stores, everything retails for under $200 a set, with the option to mix and match the prints. What’s more impressive is BeachRiot is manufactured in Los Angeles like her neighbors, Stone Cold Fox. Hanriot met Dallas Wand and Cydney Morris, co-owners and creative minds behind SCF, about five years ago but it was only recently that the two decided to collaborate on a project that became the BR x SCF swim collection. “They went through my styles and we all sketched some designs out,” recalls Hanriot. “We used one of the prints from their line and mixed it in with their basic colors.” Comprised of a handful of mix-and-
match styles, BeachRiot updated their basic styles with Brazilian silhouettes that flatter and enhance the feminine figure. Watching her, I am vividly reminded of a chat we had over desert facials in which she was describing what she loves about designing: “I love creating collections that are innovative and exciting, that will color the beaches with life.” Nicole has an appreciation for honest and simple things. Going into the office, drinking her morning Diet Coke and reading over her favorite blogs is the most exciting part of her day. Others may argue it is designing and developing new prints; either way it all seems fun to me. Check out all the greatness at beachriot.com and thestonecoldfox.com.
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Words: Marieke Treilhard
Penelope Gottlieb’s practice is as compelling as her aesthetic is contentious and complex. The Californian artist’s subject matter is anything but easy, as she attempts to convey nature under threat and siege. Penelope Gottlieb’s work explores the themes of ecological crisis and botanical extinction through highly detailed, and densely rendered, paint- and inkbased works on canvas, panel, and paper. Gottlieb’s recent practice continues an ongoing project of re-imagining lost species. The artist re-envisions, and ultimately re-invents, lost botanical plant life based on historical descriptions and accounts. In the absence of existing
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visual references for these perished species, Gottlieb engages extinction in a literal way by summoning its subjects back to life through a series of imagined reconstructions. Gottlieb’s work, while charged with timely environmental anxieties and conversant with our shared dread of ecological peril, is powerfully seductive and visually alluring. Deceivingly decorative and lush upon first glance, the paintings’ aesthetic veneer is anything but superficial. Upon closer inspection, the work reveals an arresting network of imagery, complexity, and depth. Gottlieb’s aesthetic is informed by
her consummate draftsmanship and graphic sensibility. Her dense compositions, embellished with highly detailed additions of pen and ink, create the impression of visual abundance. As large format works, these acrylic and ink-based paintings are monumental and impressive – larger than life. They seem to defy the confines of their own image plane, and they reverberate as if untenably contained. They are poetic investigations of loss that suggest an overwhelmingly frenetic imperative to “live.” Through these works Gottlieb attempts to explore the dynamic shift in our relationship to the natural world. Her work resists the calm and disinterested
representation of nature we tend to associate with pastoral imagery, historical botanicals or still life, and instead activates it as a tumultuous and problematic subject under siege. Penelope Gottlieb will be exhibiting new pieces from her two major ongoing bodies of work: Invasive Species and Extinct Botanicals with Edward Cella Art + Architecture in Los Angeles. GONE, opening September 8th and on display until October 27, is the gallery’s first solo exhibition of the artist’s work. To see more of Gottlieb’s work, visit edwardcella.com and penelopegottlieb.com.
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/ JARED MELL wears CROSSTOWN
8/22/12 6:07 PM
Photography: Dominic Petruzzi :: dominicpetruzziphoto.com :: Model: Alexis
This scantily clad vixen is Alexis. Alexis’s wavy brown hair and short black dress had everyone here at BL!SSS headquarters howling with approval. She’s definitely one of the top Super Tastes we’ve seen, and what better way to part with summer than by staring into her alluring eyes. Alexis is a bittersweet reminder that while the dog days of summer are over, the subtle gifts of fall are just around the corner. So, enjoy luscious Alexis for now and don’t fret, because you’ll definitely be seeing this divine woman soon. Hair & Makeup: Lauren Breedon :: laurenbreedon.com :: Retouch: JasonSchorle.com
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Words: Kevin Voegtlin We came to the US Open with our hopes high. The last three years had spoiled us, with the southern hemisphere offering up solid swells just in time for the contest, turning Huntington Beach into a deceivingly world class beach break. Gone were the days of the Huntington Hop, of groveling two-foot mush, of pumping down the line in hopes of a reform closeout. No, guys were getting barreled, multiple moves were done, Jet Skis were used! On top of that, the rest of the Open, the bands, the skating, the whole production had been taken to a whole new level. It was a new breed of surf contest, a perfect combination of waves and crowds, bringing about the New York comp, the Ocean Beach Comp, the Australian Open. We had our cake, and for three years we were eating it too. It was pure gluttony. Then came this past July, a time most California surfers would like to forget. For weeks we were faced with the ominous “1-3 feet Poor to Fair conditions” forecast stretched onward as far as Surfline’s eye could see. Luckily, surfing has become just a fragment of what the US Open has grown into: a main event in theory, a mere sideshow for many. Just walking through the grounds brings the true essence of the Open to light. While the beach crowd slowly builds as the fog fades away, the interior is packed from the onslaught. A cacophony of half-naked teens – bodies covered more by scandalously painted-on words than by fabric – stumble, push, and flirt their way from booth to booth clambering for free schwag and phone numbers stenciled across stomachs. The “Dust Bowl” wasn’t just about the throng of human flesh though. Nike and Hurley had really stepped up the production value, putting up an inland-facing jumbotron to bring the action live to the masses, as well as two different brand experiences that really let the fans have a look at where the industry is heading. This year’s skate scene was stepped up as well with the Nike Damn Am being added to Converse’s Coastal Carnage. What the surf was lacking on the waterfront side of the bleachers the skating made up for in the dust. The Costal Carnage provided its yearly thrills and spills with their pool jam format, while the Damn Am brought the standard street comp setup along with some of the most technical skating from today’s up and comers.
Julian Wilson :: Photo: Lallande
Despite the interior action, when it is all said and done there are two things that come to mind with the Open: surfing and partying. When the waves are lacking the parties pick up the slack. Magazine launches, movie premieres, clothing drops, parties just to party, you name it and the Industry is throwing it during the Open.
Miguel Pupo Photo: Bahn
The combination of stokedout fans, industry types, and pro surfers serves up the perfect chance to have a few drinks, loosen up, and get everyone stoked. With the Shorebreak Hotel and its Zimzala bar as ground zero, and the flat forecast as the perfect excuse, the industry let loose upon Huntington Beach and its surrounding towns. Kai Nevel dropped his third, and arguably best, film to a packed street of groms and pros, Nike and Levi’s debuted their collab in an LA party that brought out the riot squad, and Costa Mesa’s Club Ten provided night after night of DJ Photo: Bahn
spinning, beat thumping, and weirdness for those making the trek. But then it happened – on the final weekend of the contest, and with the madness in full swing, the first signs of a south swell made its way through bleary eyes onto the HB shore. Once again, the surfing would steal the show at the US Open. With a fun-sized south swell working through, the display of surfing that went down in the final rounds of this contest was mindblowing, and it was a true testament to what today’s pros are capable of at any
Dane Reynolds :: Photo: Bahn
Photo: Lallande
Felipe Toledo :: Photo: Lallande
Photo: Bahn
Gabriel Medina :: Photo: Bahn
Kelly Slater :: Photo: Bahn
Conner Coffin :: Photo: Bahn
John Florence :: Photo: Lallande
Jesse Mendes :: Photo: Bahn
Brett Simpson :: Photo: Bahn
time. The Brazilian contingency went mad, throwing every variation of air reverse imaginable, and prompting a common murmur on the beach that we would see the first Brazilian US Open Champ. Felipe Toledo, Gabriel Medina and Miguel Pupo led the charge with Adriano continuing to swath a path for his younger countrymen. Amongst the Brazilian dominance, however, there were a handful of other
surfers looking to make their mark on the comp. Dane Reynolds put in an uncharacteristically good contest performance, surfing both smart and full out, unfortunately losing to Slater in a wave-starved quarterfinal. Slater, however, would fall next after an on-fire Miguel Pupo left the old guy searching for a nine-point ride early on in the heat. With Pupo spinning and grabbing his
Julian Wilson Photo: Lallande
Miguel Pupo & Bob Hurley Photo: Bahn
way into the final it seemed as though the high-flying Brazilian act was a sure winner; that is, until he came to meet Julian Wilson. Wilson, one of the top air guys himself, had scratched his way through heats, pulling out big moves in the dying seconds to save himself time and time again. With the final looking to be a throwback to the ‘90s air-shows, Wilson blew away expectations with a variety of backside hacks and power
surfing that made the week’s worth of finners and airs look like child’s play. The US Open is what it is: it’s the parties, it’s the dust bowl of human congestion, it’s the skating, the giveaways, the madness, and once again this year, it’s the surfing stealing the show. In the end, it was also refreshing, as Julian Wilson stood atop the podium $100,000 richer for his technical surfing.
Photos: Cameron Strand
Intro: Mike Hiskey Infectious, contagious, transmissible… sounds sketchy right? Catches quickly, spreads like wildfire, unavoidable once you come in contact… any better? If you’ve never met Justin Cefai, you might think I was talking about the flu or herpes, but I’m talking about something you actually want to catch… his infectious smile. Some people wait for something to be happy about but others find things to be happy about. These are the kind of people you want to surround yourself with, a subtle, but infinitely important difference. There is always something to be thankful for, and this guy seems to have us all constantly beat to the punch. That puts a smile on my face. Did I mention he fights crime too? Interview: “Mikendo” Mike Stanfield Hey Justin, just gonna get right into this interview, let’s dispense with the formalities. Let’s answer the question that everyone wants to know, how was it to have a good friend of yours have sex with someone while you’re having sex with her too? Hahaha, naw, just kidding… Let’s start off with how you got to damn California? From where did you move here, when did you move here and why the hell did you move here? And where do you live now? I moved to California from the beautiful state of Michigan about eight years ago to ride a skateboard every day. I now live just outside downtown LA in Mid-City. What’s it like living there in a one bedroom with three people? And then having girls come over... Have you ever seen them peeking and watching you bone? Have you ever peeked on them? Peeked? No - much worse than that. Actually, everybody is pretty good about giving each other privacy when it’s needed. Plus, our roommate Jon could sleep through the apocalypse. What do you miss most about Michigan? Everything, I love it there. Family, old friends, scenery, indoor wood parks, the Midwest has it all… Good people. So Graham is in your band… What’s the name of your band? Who’s in your band? Graham Harrington actually started the band with Jon Aschalew, but Jon is killing it at life making music for popular films now. The band is called Rainbow Blanket, and it consists of myself, Graham, Kyle Carie on drums, and Derek Heydle playing bass. We’re waiting on our key player, Kip Carie, to come out here and tie it all together.
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Wallie Back Tail
Front Crook
What’s your band working on now, other than rainbowblanket.com? We’re super busy. We’ve got a handful of shows lined up for the next few months, a couple songs for this Cliche Cali edit. We’re working on our first full-length album, an interview for Havoc TV, and our first music video premiere, also on Havoc. Then rehearsing in between skating and all that. There’s never enough time, but it’s working out. What are you working on currently as a skateboarder? Right now just trying to skate as much as possible and enjoy it. There’s a school right down the street from my place with good flat ground and red curbs that we session heavily. As far as Hype goes, we’re filming for the first video, which is scheduled to be out by holiday. I’m also filming for Chiipss first shop video that my friend Pat Miller is putting together. You’re riding for Hype and Ezekiel, any other sponsors? What’s new with Hype? Yep, Hype Skateboards, Ezekiel, Autobahn wheels, and Chiipss Skateshop in Michigan. Oh, I can’t forget about Filmbot Grip. Hype’s going good. They have this flow contest where we pick the best video every month, then the winning one gets Back 180 Switch Crook
B.S 180 N-Grind, Fakie 5-0 Half Cab
to be down with Hype. That’s pretty cool to see videos from people you’ve never heard of; most of them are really good. And Ezekiel? You’re kinda new to the brand, are they doing big things? Of course, they’ve always got something going on. It’s rad to be a part of that. Since I’ve been around, we’ve gone on a few trips, put together some amazing tour videos and catalogs, and my liver is still in the process of becoming accustomed to their open-bar parties. The San Francisco trip was super fun, not to mention New York was great too. I had never been there before, and basically we skated the whole city, shot a bunch of photos and captured some sweet moves on film as well. That’s the Ezekiel NY round 2 video. I got a little tipsy and focused the shirt Randy was wearing one night, but he was a good sport about it. Thanks to Danny and all of the Ezekiel guys for hooking that one up. Whoa, that’s amazing… Sounds rad. Second to last question, who do you wanna thank for your amazingly shitty, poor, but incredibly fun and overly exciting life? I’ll just go ahead and thank everybody I know. Ok, last, last question... Why do you look like Stewie Griffin? Fuck off.
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Interview: Brian Holcombe Brian Dettmer explores the physical history of information. As technology evolves, how we package, share and preserve information shifts. Dettmer’s medium is the artifact left behind. Since 2003, Dettmer has worked primarily with books – forming, shaping and cutting. He repurposes the book’s information to create a visual snapshot of its history. I recently spoke with Dettmer in his Atlanta studio, surrounded by works in progress for his upcoming solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. You make sculptures by altering books. Writers have referred to you as the “book surgeon.” Is that title an accurate description to your process? I think the term “book surgeon” is metaphorically limited but it’s also just inaccurate to describe my process and the shift an actual book goes through in my work. I am investigating, critiquing and literally dissecting or excavating the book as I carve through; but the idea of surgery, the idea that I am making a calculated incision to fix a specific interior problem, isn’t an accurate analogy for what is happening. What are the factors behind the selection of books you work with? The first thing I look at is the overall feeling of the book, its specific history and the evidence of its previous life. I make sure the images, structure of the book and even the paper type will work for my process. More importantly, I want to use material that was vital and relevant in its time but is no longer as functional in our current ecosystem of information. Most of the books I use are non-fiction. They are the first to go since information needs to be constantly updated and the structure of the internet is more apt to go directly to an idea and make multiple connections from there. I also want the content of the book, or the form it takes, to become a metaphor for its current position in our culture and for my process of intervention.
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Do you consider the element of chance in discovering your source material? Chance plays a large role in my work. I seal the edges of the book and don’t plan before I begin to carve so it becomes an honest collaboration between me and the existing material. The finished work is a document of the discovery rather than a contrived composition. I carve into the surface and remove one layer at a time and I don’t move or add anything to the existing work. I can’t control what will emerge on the next layer, only the way I react to it so there is a high level of chance in the results. This makes it exciting for me while I work; it’s like reading, but I think it also brings the content back to a truer, more experiential form. We experience random images or chance events in our lives every day. The plot, or narrative, is a construct we apply after the fact in order to understand or explain a series of events. I believe in cause and effect, but the level of chance in our lives is understated by our desire to tell stories. Does the structure of written language influence your work? Yes, in many ways. The form of the book and its sequential pages are the perfect form for a long, linear narrative. It is a literary structure built for a steady duration; space and time are parallel. When we need to organize a series of connecting ideas, a list of unique definitions, or an evolving cloud of concepts, linear narratives become restraining and the form of the book begins to fall apart. I try to address this in my work. I’m also interested in the fluidity of language; the way an isolated word or idea can function like an image and the way language in a specific genre, say medicine or mechanics, can take on new meaning when it’s exposed in a new context. In what ways does the content of the book determine the aesthetic of the finished work? Since the imagery in my work is directly from the actual book there is a direct connection between the content of the book and the aesthetic of the finished piece. Form and content are far removed between a book and its meaning, but by having the book’s content direct the interior form my work takes I like to think that my work brings from and content back together. A geometry book, with structural forms and organized lines of equations, will become a very structured and graphic piece; whereas a book on natural history, filled with softer colors and natural forms, will evolve into a work with more fluidity and organic clusters. Do you think of your sculptures as narrative? There is a narrative: the story I am telling right now, the presumed activity behind the creation of the work, and the story of the book’s history and its role in our current information ecosystem. In this sense, any art can be considered narrative. The content in my work has been broken from the narrative so it now floats and fluctuates between narration and a more tactile or visual experience of textures and ideas. It could be considered postnarrative (literally) or pre-narrative since we all have the tendency to make connections and construct meaning from a series or cluster of chance events or images.
Did you always work with books? I have been working with books since about 2001. Before I began to work with books I was working on a series of paintings involving codes and language so my work has always involved ideas of text, connections and disconnections between art and communication. Who influenced your work to consider found objects as sculptural material? Ever since Duchamp, I think the idea of a found object as a sculptural material has been a given. Rauschenberg was also a big influence on the way I view art making. When I began to work with books I was familiar with the work of Buzz Spector and Melissa Jay-Craig, both are artists from Chicago that work with the book in different ways. So, I was familiar with the book as something that could be approached as an art material and subject. I also love the early work of Tom Friedman. Seeing his work really illustrated how an object’s existing function or history can take on new meaning though a simple alteration or intervention. New viewers of your sculptures have often assumed the pieces are constructed collages, and they are surprised to discover your process is reductive. Is creating this surprise a conscious element in the work? I’m not as concerned with the element of surprise as I am with the metaphors
my process creates surrounding reading, learning and memory. Because of this, I am very open about my process and I want the viewer to understand how the piece was developed to a degree. The work takes on more meaning when a viewer understands how it came about. I do want the work to work on many levels and I want to draw a viewer in because they don’t understand and want to learn more. Do you have anything against collage? I don’t. I think collage is the most relevant art process of our time. Most art is derived from a collection of previous work, either literally or conceptually, and now that cutting and pasting are a given in the digital realm it seems to be the primary means of production for a lot of interesting work happening today. My work could be called Décollage. This is a term that has been credited to Mimmo Rotella, an Italian artist known for his ripped, layered posters in the 1950s. Instead of being built up of existing images, it is created by cutting or tearing away. The result of décollage is really collage the way anti-art is really art. Is your creativity limited by working under the constraints of using only the material of the book? I don’t think so. A lot of people assume it would be limited and ask me what is next, but I think there are an infinite number of ways the book can be
approached and explored. I have been working on a large print that is about language and the content is from a book, but it isn’t made of the physical material of a book. I think the material and its subject are unlimited and very relevant given the recent shifts in the way we receive information. After visiting your studio, I realized that the larger sculptures involve a considerable amount of engineering to assemble before you make your first cut. Is there a limit to the scale of the sculpture? How does architecture play into the work? Every time I think of a new form I want a set or series of books to take I have a new set of physical restraints and structural issues I need to resolve in order to make the piece work. Since I am doing something that has never been done before, there is no model to follow. I am constantly experimenting and inventing ways for the work to physically work. It can be exciting and frustrating. I want to push the form as far as possible while still keeping the material identifiable as a book. It is important for scale, but also for the ability to push the metaphors within the forms the books take. There is a lot of architecture that goes into the formation of my work but also within any book itself, the structural design, graphic design and the way the information is organized within a book. These all become the architecture I try to expose from within. What is the significance of the totem structure? I have recently been working on a series of tall, totemic structures. I want the books to take on a form that suggests a cultural tower, an icon or tribute. I also like the idea that the books are being presented like an artifact in a natural history museum; as something that had a function in a different culture or period in time but is now revered or appreciated for its history, the story behind it and its rich textures, aesthetic properties and cultural significance. What are you working on now? Right now I’m working on a series of small alterations (you could even call them collages) from book pages of U.S. state flags. I like the idea of doing the minimum intervention to get the maximum message. Each page will be cut and folded to become something new. There will be visible clues and ties to the original print. They will be small prototypes for sculptures that would be illegal if I did them with real flags. It’s about the freedom of speech issues that come from dissent and the odd idiosyncrasies that come from state laws and local cultures. To see more of Brian Dettmer, go to briandettmer. com. Brian Holcombe is the Founder and Director of SALTWORKS, a contemporary art gallery specializing in content-driven work from emerging to mid-career interdisciplinary artists that is located in Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit www.saltworksgallery.com
What’s hot in surfing changes almost daily. Airs, grabs, variations, hair flips, you name it and somebody is doing it. And if you’re the guy that’s doing it right and have all the right people looking up to you, then you’ll find yourself amidst pages and pages of today’s surf magazines all over the world. I see it happen time and time again. It’s great, there’s continuously a new crop of youngsters on the rise showing us old timers what is the new cool. Otis Carey, a colorful character from Down Under, had caught our attention nearly a year ago and we’ve seen him blossom into a fine specimen of what’s hot is surfing right now. His fluid surfing and unique lines
captured our attention from day one, and with the support of sponsors his face has been popping up in pages across the globe. Never too late to pull the trigger, we caught up with Otis for a few minutes to see what he’s been up to and where he’s going. His career is in its elementary stages, so expect to see heaps more from Sir Otis in the near future. First off, let us congratulate you on your recent marriage to your American wifey Renee Parkhurst-Carey. How’s married life been treating you thus far? What are the major differences? Oh thanks! Being married is amazing. I
don’t think married life is any different. It doesn’t change the way things work or anything like that. Marrying Renee has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Let’s get the typical interview bullshit out of the way: how old are you, who are your current sponsors and where do you call home? I’m 23 years young. My current sponsors are Insight Clothing, Gravis Shoes, Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski, M/SF/T Surfboards, FCS, Gorilla Grip, Arnette Eyewear and Matuse Wetsuits. I live in Australia in a little beach suburb called Narrabeen on the northern
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Photo: Ian Bird
beaches of Sydney. It’s such a rad spot to live. There’s so many surf spots close by and there’s a bunch of amazing people that are always hanging out, so there’s always good waves and good company close by. For those out there who don’t know, why don’t you give a little background info on your heritage and what it means to you. I’m actually part aboriginal. The name of the tribe my family are from are called Gumbaynggirr. It’s quiet a large tribe mainly situated along the mid north coast of NSW. Being aboriginal means everything to me; it’s a very spiritual descendance that I’ll always have and be able to share with other people. You’ve been over here in America for
a few weeks now. What have been the highlights of this trip? It’s my second time back in America. I was here about five months ago. It’s awesome, I like it here. Everything is outrageously huge! The cars are bigger, the food is double the portion – it’s rad! I’d say the highlights of the trip where ducking down to Mexico for a little trip, the waves pumped and the beer was cheap. But it’s always good to hang out with the in-laws while I’m back here! One can’t help to notice the similarities between you and Ozzie Wright. How has he impacted and influenced your life as a surfer? It’s funny you ask, people have been saying that Ozzie and I have a lot of similarities in surfing. I’ve always admired
the way Oz surfs. He’s a good friend of mine so we’re always surfing together and hanging out and I guess it shows in the way I surf. My whole outlook on the way I surf on a wave is pretty much from watching Oz surf over the years. I personally think he’s one of the most exciting surfers on this earth. You’re getting pretty well known back home in Australia but I’d say you’re a relatively fresh face across the pond here in America. How long do you think it’ll be before everyone knows your name in the lineups? And is that something you want? Haha, I dunno, I’m just doing what makes me happy and if it makes my profile bigger as a surfer than I’m grateful either way.
Photo: Ian Bird
Photo: Ian Bird
Tell us a little bit about home life. Walk us through the perfect day in your world? I usually wake up pretty early, sometime between 5 and 6.30 a.m. Then I potter around the house for a little bit, eat some breaky with the Mrs. Ozzie’s backyard looks out over Bungan Beach, so I usually call him in the mornings for the surf check. Then I’ll go for a surf for a few hours then head home and maybe draw for a little bit or read a little. I spend a lot of time at one of my best friend’s surf shop called The Sugarmill Surf Emporium, so I usually always end up hanging there for a few hours of every day. I’ll either then go for another surf around 1 or 2 then spend the afternoon being lazy with my wife. I have a 2-year-old son named Beige, so when I’m home and I’ve got loads of free time I often head up the coast to spend some time with him and catch up with the family. A man of may talents, you’ve spent quite a bit
of time behind the brush. Do you have future plans to show off your artwork to the world? Yeah, I like to draw and paint a lot. Wherever I go I have a sketchbook, a drawing pad or Posca Pens with me. I’d like to show off my art sometime in the near future. Maybe when I’m not so busy with surfing commitments I can focus on putting more energy into doing loads more art to show and do more with it. That’d be rad. I know you’ve teamed up with some highstatus super-filmer and are currently in the process of making your very first surf flick, Killing The Matador. Where did the name of this movie come from and when can expect to see the final edit? I’m so stoked I’m fortunate enough to be working on my own feature film. I can’t remember the name of the band but they had a song called “Matador” and I thought it’d be rad if we called the name of the film “Killing The Matador.” So I put it on the table and everyone who’s involved liked the name, so we all agreed that that’s what the name of the film will be.
Photo: Ian Bird
Where have you traveled to for the flick, and who else is gonna be in it? We’ve spent a lot of time filming back in Australia. We’ve done a trip to south Sumatra. We did a big road trip from San Clemente up to Santa Cruz, which was amazing! We just spent two weeks in Mexico, and our next trips are to Chile, France and Spain. I’ve got a bunch of close friends taking part in the film, which has been really fun hanging and surfing with them: Chippa Wilson, Benny Godwin, Luke Stedman, Thom Pringle, just to name a few. Tell us a little bit about fatherhood
and how it has changed your perspective on life? Being a father has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Finding out I was going to be a dad was such a mixed emotion at the time, as my son wasn’t planned. Being 21 and finding out you’re going to be a dad was a pretty big thing to grasp, but after a few days I realized I wasn’t going to miss out on the things that made me happy as a person. It’s opened my mind in a very mature and much more understanding way. I wouldn’t be who I am today if Beige never made it into this world two years ago. I’m very grateful to be a father!
Photo: Rene Parkhurst
Photo: Joe Foster
What’s on your bucket list? Hmmm, I’m not sure! I’d love to have a little baby girl with my wife Renee. I dunno, for me that’s kind of a hard question. I just want to be healthy and happy and live a long, familyfilled life. You’ve got yourself quite a bit of ink on your skin. How many of those are selfinflicted and what draws you to getting tattooed? Arrrrrgh! I’m a sucker for tattoos. I got my first tattoo when I was 16. I’ll have half my body done by the end of this year. I’ve always found it a very interesting thing to have a piece of art on your body. I find it to be a very therapeutic thing at times. Its also very fulfilling feeling going through a lot of pain to have something that means something to you on your body. Who do you look up to outside of surfing? From where do you draw inspiration? I find a lot of my inspiration from my family, my nationality, my son, my wife, the ocean, the earth, the dreams I have, animals, anything that makes me who I am today is an inspiration.
Photo: Rene Parkhurst
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Words: CR Stecyk III :: Photos: Ortiz
One million individuals attended the US Open of SurďŹ ng in Huntington Beach, California, which was sponsored by Hurley, Converse and Nike. The multitudes swarmed over a nine-day period, and Mr. Stephen Luther was large and in charge of the Coastal Carnage Speer Co. purpose-built bowl complex on the sand, which had a super ďŹ ne clamshell and auxiliary under-10 kiddie bowl. Luther was also impresario of the thoroughly professional Carnage skate competitive event, which featured newly expanded triple-capacity seating thoughtfully provided free to all comers. But on any given night, Luxe Luther was in
Ben Raybourn
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actuality situated up on top of the Shorebreak Hotel where he was inculcating a peculiar rhythm into his compañeros in a mayhem-oriented traditionalist Mariachi Band. Don Esteban dreams of drifting south of the sonic border.
limited-edition posters secured inside a multiple-locked, oceangoing cargo container deep in the intricate maze of tunnels below the grandstands. So it goes for Luther.
Jan and Dean, the sixties teenage recording artists, used to write songs Being the major domo of a rarefied about H.B. ala “I’ll be shooting the atmosphere such as the Coastal curl and checking out the parties Carnage-bowled ramplex is a for a surfer girl… I’m going to Surf complicated affair. Keeping the City, going to have some fun, going peace, doing the sessions right and to Surf City where it’s two to one, holding off the mongrel hordes is an two girls for every boy…” These arduous endeavor. And then there plaintive love tunes seemed like is the task of guarding the cache exaggerated propaganda pieces of Coastal Carnage SK8 decks and for the hormonally unbalanced,
Lance Mountain
Greyson Fletcher
Ben Raemers
Aaron Jaws Homoki
Ronnie Sandoval
Kevin Kowalski
Charlie Blair
Tom Remalard
David Loy
ridiculous fantasies from a dead-luck, proto-hippie youth culture of yore. So how about a progressive femme fatale who apparently snuck her way into a closed practice session with four friends and allegedly disrobed temporarily, disrupting the proceedings. Her blatant offerings left little to the imagination, but amongst the riders there were no takers. After all, skate business is our
only business. Luther, in the end, instructed security to let her walk away, as in she’s exonerated of all charges as she has no clue, no hope, no proven crime and therefore no problem. Present around the session in question were such talents as Omar Hassan, John-Paul Olson, Susan Melanie Berry, Punker Pat Towersey, David Loy, Filmo Dave, Curren Caples, Ryan Reyes and Greyson Fletcher.
The heroic achievement of the competitive proceedings was Kalani David’s surfing in the Open, and then arriving still wet to enter into the skate fray. In the end, Ben Raybourn won it all and was $20,000 richer for the experience. Following him were Ben Hatchell and Curren Caples in second and third, respectively.
Jaws Homoki took Best Trick with a kickflip melon grab to tail on the shark. In a final act of mastery, Luxe Luther oversaw the judicious piece-by-piece moving of the skate concourse. The key elements were loaded onto semi trucks and hauled to a clandestine unknown location, and the Converse plot thickens and quickens.
Words, Photos & Art: MADSTEEZ I just spent the last 18 days (14 of them warranted) in China, which is still ruled by the iron fist. I can safely say it was a successful voyage because I made it back on American soil and I still have both of my hands. My trip was sponsored by the Chinese-based company MINDstyle where I was brought out to paint several murals and take part in the POP LIFE art exhibition in Beijing.
being removed from the bag. However, the main attraction actually is a “karaoke bar” dubbed as KTV. On the contrary to 9 holes on the links, just an elevator ride away and your deepest darkest fantasy awaits. Since I was a guest, I was invited to one of these such places and I accepted purely as a reconnaissance mission. Similar to top-shelf liquor, the higher the floor the more premium the liquor. We went straight to the top and it was there that I saw goats, chickens, horses and pretty much every type of farm animal ever pro-created. After spending several hours or days hypothesizing Darwin’s evolution theory, I also somehow painted a mural of Chinese super-hero Bruce Lee with the help of my assistant WEENzee.
My journey first started in the city of Guangdong, which is China’s equivalent to Las Vegas only a million times more perverted. Apparently, scores of Chinese businessmen take weekend “golf” trips here. It was rather amazing because literally, hundreds upon hundreds of golf bags line the lobby without one club ever
Like being stuck in Vegas for more than one night, I was happier than shit to get the hell out of Guangdong which I formally renamed Doon Goon. Next on my itinerary was a flight to Beijing for the POP LIFE exhibition, which is basically on the other side of China. Beijing is home to an area called 798, which is one of the greatest and biggest artists
Mao : MADSEEZ
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communes on the planet. 798 is a city within a city made up old military-industrial factories converted into art galleries, lofts, boutiques and cafes. I had never seen so much self-expression and creativity harnessed in such a single massive area. The streets are littered with sculptures and public art for everyone engage and interact with. 798 was also where the POP LIFE exhibition was to be held as well as where I was scheduled to live paint a mural. I had no idea what I was going to paint and was told it might be a good idea to localize with something everyone in China would know. I immediately knew I had to do a portrait of chairman Mao, since to me he is the first image that pops into my head when I think of China. But with Mao comes great controversy. And if you wrongly fuck with Mao then you have to answer to the iron fist. My people had some higher ups in the government on tap and prefaced to them to see if I could get the green light, but instead I kind of got a green light that just turned yellow. But fuckit.com, the show must go on and I spent the next two days banging out Mao without a hitch and everyone seemed to love it.
Opera
Walk like a WEENzee
Forbidden City
MTV Asia
WEEN!MALS
Hong Kong
Forbidden City
WEENshark
Finding paint is no easy task
Bruce Lee WEEN
Freight Train
Cool Rain x GFX 20ft Kobe
Stood on 12 stacked bricks for this dood
WEENshroom
WEENblock
WEENwhale
I had the next few days off and dik’d around doing tourist stuff like climbing The Great Wall of China and checking out the Forbidden City, which was the home of emperors from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. And then something I never expected, I find out my friend who lives in Beijing is Ai Weiwei’s personal graphic designer and I was invited to meet him at his studio. For those who don’t know, Weiwei is a world-renowned artist that is one of China’s most controversial. He somewhat recently “disappeared” for a few months as a result of the Chinese Government where they cracked his skull, and he was only released due to the political support from countries from around the world. When walking up to Weiwei’s studio my friend warned me and hoped I didn’t mind being under surveillance. Outlining the streets of his studio are giant beehive surveillance cameras capable of zooming in on the serial number of a dollar bill and roughly 10-15 undercover police cars which patrol 24 hours a day. Immediately outside his studio is a sign that reads 258 Fake and in the Chinese language “Fake” is similarly pronounced as “Fuck.” Once you enter through Weiwei’s acrylic blue doors, there are giant letters that spell out F U C K. In the middle is a very lush and green courtyard dashed with massive potted plants. On the left is a grey brick building covered in overgrown ivy, and in the inside are two humble computer setups with grey lockers
The Great Wall of WEEN
258 FUCK
Weiwei stencil filled with Weiwei’s paper works. It’s in there that I meet Weiwei and he shows me some sample stencils for a stencil book project that he’s currently working on. I get a tour of rest of his studio, which is made up of several separate modest buildings. In the back of his studio is where he freely houses most of his staff, which I thought was very interesting. Weiwei is obsessed with cats and everywhere you looked there were numerous cats lurking and even a dozen or so boxes filled with freshly born kitties. My time with Weiwei was short but he was oddly equally as eager to meet me, and there’s a chance we may be working together in the near future.
Work in progress bike sculpture : $3.5million US
Weiwei’s fractured skull
My trip was coming to a close and I was ready to come home. But China had other plans for me. When going through customs to leave Beijing airport I thought it was kind of strange that my customs officer stood up and yelled across to the officer in the next booth over. My officer then proceeded to talk into his walkie-talkie and before I knew it, 10 or so airport officials surrounded me. I couldn’t fuckin’ believe it. All I could think about was that show Locked Up Abroad. Then I got taken to a skoaty little room with a single metal stool and no air conditioning and was then interrogated for at least two hours. I was envisioning getting my head bashed on the concrete floor but all they did was keep asking me why was I there, over and over again. The language barrier is rough as piss and luckily I was able to get one of my people back there quickly and translate for me. I don’t know if it was because of the Mao painting or meeting with Weiwei but I was never exactly told why but my visa was revoked, which technically meant I was unable to leave China. Thankfully, I was eventually allowed to leave the airport, and then the next stop was the US Embassy. After a day of diking around with them, I was issued a temporary visa and they suggested for me to fly domestic through China and then cross the border through Hong Kong and leave to the US from there. After a day of travel I was almost home free. I must admit, there were several times I almost shit my dik during the shuttle ride to the Hong Kong boarder because the driver kept pulling off the road and driving to these random station houses where he’d just get out and do god knows what. After two aborted takeoffs and 15 plane hours later, Holly Fukin’ Lou Ya I was back in the USA!!!!
Words: Antonio Villaraigosa In the summer of 2011, Mountain High set out on a mission to make a connection between the resort and its biggest market, Los Angeles. Newly hired marketing consultant Brad Farmer wanted to give people in the greater Los Angeles area a reminder that Mountain High is in their backyard. “When I came over to Mountain High I knew the location, just how easy it is to get there and how fun it is to ride there had to be the focus of our messages,” Farmer says. So he dreamt up a plan in which they would go to the city and pick out four iconic features to replicate or conceptually recreate, and then place them in the terrain park at the resort for shredders to ride. First, they picked out the Concert Hall Handrail, which is a replica of an aggressive down-flat-down handrail at the Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA. Next they picked a more conceptual feature which is a massive wallride bearing an artist rendering of the famous Hollywood sign. The third feature is a replication of a handrail and concrete ledge that is a part of the main front stair set at the LA Convention Center. With the resort’s purchase of a new Zaugg transition cutter the final feature became possible, which is a conceptual recreation of the infamous
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Wedge surf break in the form of a massive quarterpipe. “The idea was that we would connect customers with these iconic features from the city at the resort, reinforcing the connection between Mountain High and urban elements in the city,” Farmer says. “More than anything we just wanted some really fun and photogenic features for our riders. It was a pretty massive undertaking that could not have happened without the full support of key Mountain High players such as general manager Karl Kapuscinski, marketing director John McColly, and terrain park manager and Justin Montoya.” Los Angeles The Movie - Intro And so the idea for Los Angeles the movie was born. Farmer brought on Matt Devino to direct the film, while he took on the producer role himself. The plan was to connect each team rider with a different iconic location in the greater LA area thus circling completely around from the construction of the iconic features.
Spencer Link
Ryan Paul
“We decided to rent a ‘Mountain High Blue’ Cadillac and have MFM drive through the city and pick up each of his teammates, in their specific location, en route to the mountain and film the whole trip,” says Farmer. How do you get a director, producer, photographer, filming assistant, production assistant and eight professional snowboards through the heavy traffic of Los Angeles from Manhattan Beach to Mountain High by way of Venice, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Downtown through nine location shoots and capture all the video and photos you need in just two days? “Hell if I know, but we did it,” Farmer says. “I spent a big portion of the two days just trying to keep track of everyone and make sure no one disappeared at action time. Ha! That was a challenge. Throw in the fact that all of our director’s camera equipment was stolen from our hotel on the morning of the second day and I honestly don’t know how we pulled it off.” Scene one was set up at a house in Manhattan Beach where MFM started his day with a cup of coffee before hopping in the Cadillac to start his trip to the mountain. “The idea was that MFM woke up at his El Porto beach home and saw the surf was flat so he decided to head up to Mountain High to shred,” Farmer explains. First stop for MFM along the way was to pick up Ryan Paul on the corner of Pacific and Venice Boulevard under the famous Venice sign. “RP is an amazing rider to work with when
he’s not wandering off looking for Vegan food,” Farmer says. “He is such an amazing rider and animated and zany guy that he makes it easy to get really good lifestyle and action shots.” MFM pulled over, RP jumped in and they headed to Malibu for the next scene. “We picked the Malibu Pier for an iconic SoCal lifeguard scene with Spencer Link,” says Farmer. “He is such a funny kid and such a good sport that he made our vision of a Baywatch-style skit come to life. Don’t miss Spencerwatch!” After some time in the sun, sand and sea, it was time for the next scene with Harrison Gordon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. “Harry is definitely the opposite of a rich kid from Beverly Hills, so we felt it was a perfect mix-match for his character,” says Farmer. With Gordon in the Caddy and more high fives slapped, it was time to head to Hollywood to pick up Nick Visconti. “Visconti is a natural actor. Watching him interact with the Hollywood scene and the stars was a perfect fit.” Once Visconti was picked up from Hollywood Boulevard, it was time for a drive across the 3rd Street Bridge to pull Kyle Lopiccolo from his skateboard session. “Lopiccolo is a mischievous shredder who always looks like he’s up to no good, and yet he was probably the easiest rider to deal with on the shoot as long as we had a cold beer for him,” says Farmer. Once Lopiccolo was packed in, the crew headed to Downtown Los Angeles to roll up on Cory Cronk and Trever Haas. “Cronk and Haas’ image made them the perfect combination for the downtown ‘Thug Life.’ They embody that urban style
and fit right into the Los Angeles scene,” says Farmer. With the Cadillac now literally stacked with riders, someone had to go to make room for the duo. “One little problem we had was that the Caddy couldn’t fit all the riders at the same time,” says Matt Devino. “We had one too many people on the team. On the fly, I came up with the idea of having Cory Cronk and Trever Haas toss Spencer Link in the
trunk, which is probably my favorite part of the intro. It’s funny how solving a problem can actually make a film better.” “Matt Devino did an amazing job directing the movie,” Farmer says. “While I came up with the original idea, it was Devino who made it come to life through the eye of the camera. He directed the RED Epic shoot and managed all
Trever Haas
Ryan Paul
Kyle Lopiccalo
Harrison Gordon
the second angles himself.” “I wanted to raise the production value of the movie intro, this is LA after all,” says Devino. “So, we shot on the RED Epic, which helped give us the cinematic look we were looking for.” This was an outlaw shoot with no permits or permission of any kind. They successfully avoided police and every other type of official who could have spoiled the shoot. “We didn’t exactly have a big Hollywood budget, so everything was shot guerrilla style,” says Devino. “We just rolled to each location with our little caravan following the Caddy. We’d jump out of the production vehicles, set the cameras up, and get the car and each rider in place, shoot as fast as we could and then be on our way again. It was like making a getaway from each location.” With all riders present and accounted for, it was time to finish the trip to Mountain High and go snowboarding. Los Angeles The Movie - Action The intro, while very intense work, was just a small portion of filming an entire resort snowboard movie. “Farmer and I started talking about filming a movie for Mountain High over a year ago,” says Devino. “We decided the project needed to be focused around the new team Farmer had put together, rather than of just a mishmash of every rider that came through and filmed at Mountain High over the course of the season.”
Spencer Link
Which isn’t to say that no one else appears in the movie. There’s a long list of solid guest riders in addition to the team, including Trevor
Jacob, Scott Blum, Jussi Oksanen, Ian Thorley, Mitch Richmond, Ian Sams, Jager Bailey and Yale Cousino, just to name a few. It wasn’t the best snow year in So Cal, which created challenges for the project. “We were concerned about a potential weak snow year so we started filming immediately. There was no waiting until spring to shoot a movie. The team was there, they brought friends and thus we always had plenty of solid riders to film. We all had a lot of fun with it. There was no pressure, just good times riding and filming and trying to show what Mountain High is all about,” says Devino. On the heels of the two-day movie intro shoot, they held a two-day on-mountain action shoot. “While the intro shoot was intense and difficult, the action shoot was just plain fun,” says Farmer. “The team came out firing so we were able to get a ton of A shots for the movie and all the photos we needed. The complete fourday shoot was the most difficult and yet most rewarding and successful shoot I’ve ever been a part of.” Now the team, production crew and staff at Mountain High are in the final phase of the project, release dates and premiers. “We’ve been looking forward to this time for over a year. We’ll enjoy it and then start planning the next project,” says Farmer. Check out the list of premieres and the movie release plan, and don’t miss the movie Los Angeles from Mountain High. For the full story and online release schedule and premier schedule head on over to blisssmag.com or mthigh.com.
Words: Ashton Maxfield :: Photos: Ryan Zimmerman and Sean Cronan // Manny champion Joey Brezinski // The podium: Sewa Kroetkov, Joey Brezinski & Brandon Biebel // Joao Pedro Dantas // Sewa Kroetkov // Zered Bassett // Ron Deily // Eli Reed // Brandon Biebel // Ryan Gallant On August 18th and 19th, the global skateboarding community gathered under the Manhattan Bridge for a contest that pro skateboarders look forward to and am skateboarders dream of winning – Red Bull Manny Mania. Until 2012, nobody had ever won Red Bull Manny Mania two years in a row, and Joey Brezinski’s back-toback win was his fourth victory in the last six years. The reigning Manny Champion entered a final stacked with talent that included former Red Bull Manny Mania Winner Ronnie Creager, Brandon Biebel, and 2011’s Red Bull Manny Mania World Amateur Champion Sewa Kroetkov from the Netherlands. Each year the Red Bull Manny Mania World Amateur Champion gets to skate in the Pro Contest, and if they place in the top three in the pro event like Sewa did in 2011 they are invited back. “Everyone in the semis was skating so good at first I wasn’t sure I would make the cut,” Brezinski said. “It feels great that everything came together and I won.” Once again, the amateur Red Bull Manny Mania World Champion advanced through the early rounds of the Pro contest to the semifinals. Joao Pedro “JP” Dantas, 2012 Manny Mania World Champion, was hyped at the opportunity and said, “I’m so glad 98
I could skate here in the semifinals. I was in the top five, I am so happy about that. It was so amazing! I grew up watching these guys [Brandon Biebel and Torey Pudwill]. They are so sick.” For the past five years, the custom-built course was reserved exclusively for the skaters in the Red Bull Manny Mania World Final and Pro contests, but this year’s Golden Wheel session marked the first time the course was ever opened up. Following the awards ceremony on Saturday, the Red Bull Manny Mania course welcomed more than 100 lucky New York skateboarders that received a pair of the Red Bull x 5boro x Andale Golden Wheel Invitations – a physical pair of wheels that they had to have set up on their decks in order to enter. If you were one of the thousand skateboarders, media or fans in attendance you know the level of progression made this year’s Manny Mania one for the history books. Results 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Joey Brezinski Sewa Kroetkov Brandon Biebel Ronnie Creager Joao Pedro “JP” Dantas
6. Torey Pudwill 7. Eli Reed 8. Marty Murawski 9. Walker Ryan 10. Danny Falla
ANTHONY PSHEBELSKI
FRONTSIDE NOSEBLUNT
ACTIVERIDESHOP.COM
PHOTO: DRAGONETTE
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Words: Josh Grelock :: Photos: Derek Bahn // Dalek’s art // Dalek, Charlie Denson, Roger Wyatt, Bob Hurley & Jason Maloney // Evan Geiselman, Conner Coffin, Dalek, Ryan Hurley, Ace Buchan& Yadin Nichol // Mitch Abshire, Craig Stecyk & Dalek // Davey Havok & Rosie // Rob Machado, Robby Adams & Joel Centio // Cooper Chapman, Mitch Crews & Pete Devries// Mitchell Ross & Rabbit
It was a smoke-filled evening at Hurley’s H Space Gallery in Costa Mesa on July 31. James “Dalek” Marshall was having his opening reception for his newest art installation STABILIMENTUM, which was inspired by the innovation and design of Phantom Fuse. The gallery walls were painted from floor to ceiling with the Fuse geo design that wrapped around the entire room. In the center of the gallery stood a giant monolith. Each side of the monolith had a sliver of light that, when mixed with the smoke machine, gave an illuminating and magical feel to the entire gallery. The lobby was decked out in many Fuse-inspired products. This included a super cool LDG fixed-gear bike, Dalek’s own Nike shoe and a row of skate decks with the
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STABILIMENTUM artwork on the bottom. There was also an animation of the art across three flat-screen TVs that gave life to the geo designs in a very psychedelic way. Keeping the party atmosphere going was DJ Rod on the 1s and 2s. Mix in some ice cold Pacificos and you got yourself a good time! STABILIMENTUM will be up and open to the public for the remainder of the year. Come check it out Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hurley’s H Space Gallery is located at 1945 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa.
Natalie Goutier, Ian Walsh, Damien & Charlotte Hobgood, Keanu Asing, Bede & Tarryn Durbidge & Chase Benter // Chris Cote & Ian Walsh // Rainos Hayes, Keanu Asing, Chris Drummy & Tommy Asing // Fans & Fox Girls // Christian Paul Meadows & Amanda Champagne // Crowd Shot // Rudy Palmboom & Friends // Bede Durbidge, Chris Drummy & Damien Hobgood
Fox Head Inc. took to the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach to premiere their latest surf film #NOFILTER The Movie, celebrating with some of the world’s most talented Fox Head pro surfers and stars of the film Ian Walsh, Damien Hobgood and Bede Durbidge. The packed G’s Boathouse welcomed industry and celebs in attendance, including The Hunger Games’ Leven Rambin and 90210’s Trevor Donovan. Prior to
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the premiere of #NOFILTER The Movie, the surf pros signed posters for fans and were great sports in some water balloon shenanigans alongside Transworld Surf’s Chris Cote. Following the West Coast launch at the Open, the #NOFILTER The Movie tour will travel to hit the heaviest surf-influenced spots on both coasts. To check out the film in its entirety, click on over to foxhead.com/nofilterthemovie.
Words & Photos: Spencer Pirdy // Aaron & Laura Levant // EWOK // Ryan Hakman & Moskova babes // Vanessa Chiu, CJ Kanuha, Nelson Oduber Jr & Jason Shibata // REYES // Joe Freitag, Robbie Sell & Brent Bearden // Nick Meistrell & Chad La Bass // Charlie Bessey & Cavin Nicholson // Eric Ruhle & Tracy Anderson // Brooke McGregor, Willie Marshall & Jon Lyles
While the sandstorm of the US Open was being produced in Huntington Beach there was another gathering simultaneously going on with the fashion and action sports industries’ finest, just a quick drive north of HB. The Agenda Tradeshow made its second appearance at the Long Beach Convention Center and it did not disappoint. Throngs of retail buyers, industry celebs, press and of course many elite brands showcasing their lines packed the convention center from dawn ‘til dusk. The show had everything to keep your senses occupied. There were beautiful models to take a gander at, ultra-smooth beats had the show flowing with ease, and worldclass food trucks were on hand to keep everyone fueled and energized.
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By the end of both days, the serious faces had worn off and the business acts faded away as drinks flowed and laughter filled the air. Plenty of great events were available each night, but even with all of the exciting parties to attend, you were just as likely to have as great of a time on the showroom floor throwing a few back and chatting with some friends at the booth of your choosing. It was a fun-filled two days that saw host Aaron Levant pulling off the seemingly impossible task of outdoing himself once again. A great time was had by all and we can’t wait for the next show … hope to see you all there again.
Words: Robin Fleming // Revok’s art // Revok & Saber // Saber’s art // Revok & Saber Collab piece // Revok’s Art // Saber in his studioi // Revok’s art // Risk, Revok & Seen // Known Gallery // Live & Direct
July 28th, art collectors, graffiti heads, and local luminaries flooded the doors at Known Gallery in Los Angeles for the opening of a landmark show featuring two important voices of LA street art, REVOK and SABER. Having built their names, styles and legacies on the walls, rooftops and train yards of Los Angeles, these two painting partners are breaking into the art world. Painting together since 1997, the history of REVOK and SABER is as rich and colorful as their work, and the show at Known is the culmination of more than 20 years of getting up. Using the gallery’s “Project Room” as a chronological backdrop to frame their new works, photos of hundreds of pieces lined the walls devastating spectators with the depth, reach, and voracity of their work. The history shown no longer exists, but by presenting it, the artist’s pay homage to their inception and graffiti’s common threat, demise by destruction – death by buffing. For REVOK, a recent transplant to Detroit, his work has become a living archive of
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a time and place. Sifting through the abandoned homes, businesses and churches in Detroit for fragments of walls, signs and other typical elements of day to-day life, REVOK has built a new language within the context of disrepair. By using that which has been disregarded he’s given it a second chance, a new life, and hope. In SABER’s work themes of identity, immortality, and impermanence are explored in photo realistic detail. His reverence for risk takers, artists and writers, and the power of the written word are clearly defined in the pieces, alongside SABER’s disdain for The City Council’s graffiti removal campaign and Mural Moratorium. A visual outcry, SABER’s work speaks with the same passion and candor as the artist himself. Both collections, REVOK’s “Gilgamesh” and SABER’s “Beautification,” deal with the same issues and speak to the same struggles but in vastly different means. Their show at Known Gallery was not only a reunion, but also a convergence of their paths as artists and their ideals as they progress and move forward.
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8/27/12 3:40 PM
Words: Bill Byrne :: Photos: Tom Carey // Cash’d Out // Crowd at the new Arnette HQ // Chippa & Maddison // Maddison and Beandip // Surfboard wall décor: Nate Fletcher, Freddy P & Josh Kerr // The new mini ramp getting some use // The new retail space, opening soon // Crowd shot // Geoff Moysa // Chippa Wilson // Evening crowd
On August 16, Arnette held an invite-only housewarming party to welcome friends, locals and the industry to their new So Cal headquarters. Located right in the heart of Encinitas, the new Arnette office is in the old Coast Tire building just across from the historic La Paloma theatre. The giant garage doors are in place, but the entire building has had a makeover to give it the Arnette vibe. The spot features a small retail shop, a showroom (complete with mini-ramp) and the workspace Arnette’s sales and marketing guys will be working from. The party kicked off around 5 p.m. when Cash’d Out - the only Johnny Cash tribute band endorsed by JohnnyCash.com – took the stage in Arnette’s parking lot. Bubba’s Asian BBQ was on hand with free grub for all while Kru, Sam Houston and Ballast Point kept the libations flowing for those over 21.
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Arnette’s team riders were on hand hanging with the crowd, including Chippa Wilson, Pat Duffy, Willy Santos and Robbie Maddison. Around 8 p.m., those that could still stand meandered over to the La Paloma theatre for a screening of “Let’s Surf Seriously,” which features both Chippa and another Arnette surfer Mason Ho. When the film let out, the after-party went down at D Street Bar & Grill, just down the block from the theater. Everyone seemed pretty pumped about the event. Good times were had, friends reconnected, and Mason and Chippa’s parts in “Let’s Surf Seriously” were definitely standouts. The new office is located at 444 S. Coast Highway 101. The retail space isn’t open yet, but stay plugged into their Facebook page and website, arnette.com, for info on when it does and future events. This year marks Arnette’s 20th anniversary on the scene, and we’re pumped to see more good things from them in the future.
Interview: Max Ritter :: Photo: Jake Clifford
Cosmonauts: blowing out tubes and making “north county” not suck since like three years ago! How was Austin Psych Fest? That seems like it would be a great show? Alexander Ahmadi (AA): It was a great show, Austin crowds always rule. We’ve spent a lot of time on the road with punk and garage bands, so playing to a psych crowd was great. We also got to see some of our favorite bands, like Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Telescopes. Derek Cowart (DC): It was pretty wild playing with so many bands that are really important to us. The fest organizers also have a label, appropriately titled, “The Reverberation Appreciation Society” which is maybe the best psych label name ever, agreed? DC: It’s a name that definitely let us know that they’re like-minded people. AA: Yeah totally, it’s real exciting to be on a label that has a real youth-culture following. That aspect of playing music has always been important to me. You got a new LP out via Burger Records and you also just released a new 7” EP via The Reverberation Appreciation Society. Working hard or hardly working? AA: We recorded both of those with our friend Adam Ashe who was living at Thee Men’s Warehouse in Anaheim, CA, at the time. He did it all for free, and that really helped motivate us to be productive. We’ve also got a couple more upcoming releases, such as a 7” single with Volar Records (San Diego), and a split 12” with Tomorrow’s Tulips. They’re
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definitely one of our favorite Orange County bands. DC: We always end up keeping pretty busy. I think we get too bored not to. You guys and Burger, the cassette kings, started around the same time in the same ‘hood. Was it a special thing to have them put out your second full LP? DC: The second LP was definitely special, but they actually put out our first record on cassette. That was before it ever made it to vinyl. Their drive and support has always been important to us. They’re gonna take over the world, you know. AA: Yeah those guys have been pushing us the whole time we’ve existed, and honestly they’re the ONLY reason why being a band in Northern Orange County doesn’t suck. Talk a little about your approach to guitar tones. One of the things everybody loves about you guys is you don’t use a lot of pedals and you’re notorious for turning your amps up crazy loud. AA: My tone owes a lot to my ‘72 4X10 Music Man amp. It was actually the first thing Derek and I purchased as a band. And I’m not opposed to the idea of pedals. I just don’t think the world needs anymore delay pedals right now. DC: It seems like a lot of guitar players use 10 pedals that affect the tone so slightly that only they can hear the difference. I never saw the point in that, especially because all that gear is so expensive. Maybe the real reason we don’t use pedals is because we can’t afford them yet. Do you guys wear earplugs? Not wearing
earplugs and turning your amps up to ten is pretty punk, I think. How is your hearing? AA: I should use earplugs but I just can’t. And as far as my hearing goes I’d say “worse.” DC: Huh?
how many people compared us to the Beach Boys when we played Austin Psych Fest this past April. James Sanderson (JS): One critic went as far as calling us “Beach Boys on downers.” Another called us “Surf kids with no future.”
What’s the worst run-in you’ve had with a sound guy trying to cramp your style? DC: At SXSW 2011 we played a show that ended with our amps screaming and I had used the microphone to get some weird feedback sounds. That sound guy lost it and jumped on the stage shouting, “Get away from that fucking mic.” We’ve had quite a few unpleasant experiences with sound guys turning off mics on us and refusing to drown the vocals with echo. AA: I really wish we had our own sound guy.
What’s pretty funny is you’ve ironically been embraced by the surf scene. I think a lot of surfers wish they were shredding like you. I know we were stoked to get a couple songs from you guys in the new Analog surf film CHROMATIC, which will be out this month. Riley (filmmaker) is a big fan. Were you guys excited to be a part of that or do you guys hate surfing? DC: I’m stoked to be included in the Analog film. I used to always watch Bruce Brown’s movies as a kid and loved the cool songs in them. But to be honest, I don’t think any of us can really surf.
“California Dreamin” is one of my favorites off the new LP. I interpreted that as like a “fuck you” to the stereotypical Orange County snob. “I’d kill my mama just to shred like them” is such a good line among many others. Talk about how hating the OC and some of its downsides in a way has influenced your music and starting band. AA: Well I dunno I’d say I hate Orange County, but it’s definitely got some stigmas I could live without. That song is about the people who live the stereotypical type of lifestyle. It’s about simultaneously resenting and being a part of it. A lot of my friends might fit that archetype as well, and that’s definitely influenced anything I create. It’s funny though because when I’m at home in OC I don’t feel like a very beachy person. But on the road it’s another story. I can’t tell you
Where can we catch you guys and what’s in store for the rest of the year? DC: We’re going on tour up the West Coast in September with the Growlers, and I think we’re touring Europe in February. Also got those new releases coming up and even more after that. Cosmonauts will be pissing off a sound tech guy near you real soon; don’t miss out! Also catch a couple of their new tunes in Riley Blakeway’s new surf film CHROMATIC presented by Analog out this month. Thanks to Jake Clifford for the photo – his stuff is amazing. Check him out at j-clifford.com.
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Tennis August 13th, 2012 Constellation Room Said college sweethearts marry, cash in their life savings for a boat and embark on a sevenmonth East Coast sailing sabbatical (with no sailing experience) where they become creatively inspired by a Shirelles song playing in a dive bar only to return home to start a band poking fun at snobby rich people who play Tennis. True story. They are good-looking humans who make good-sounding music, and they will probably soon make good-looking babies and more music for other people to make babies to. Wifey is blessed with the voice of an angel. Young and Old: “Origins” on repeat.
Photo & Review: Max Ritter
Reviews: Max Ritter
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Gap Dream S/T Burger
Rayon Beach This Looks Serious Hozac
Joey Bada$$ 1999 Free Mixtape
Denney and The Jets Denney and The Jets EP Limited Fanfare
Gap Dream is a masterpiece of hazed-out slow jams recorded in the bedroom of the Cleveland, Ohio, native Gabe Fulvimar. (Yoda Voice) Hmmm, quite the sleeper songsmith he is. To ingest the goods, visit the label making north county not suck.
Rayon Beach = River Jetties. Dead possums float the waters, staff infections lurk around every corner, and rabid dogs run the shores. That is their synthesizer preset.
2 Chains, A$AP, and Rick Ross are racking up the rap game covers while the suave young Joey Bada$$ from NY stealths the radar. Mang is hustling lyricism well beyond his years all the while doing some classic instrumentals real justice. “The haters too jelly, but fuck it though, it’s the jam.”
Nashville dude Chris Denney has been YEE HAW-in’ about loose ladies and hard times over some Chuck Berry-influenced slide and twang. They’ll be Boogie-in’ America’s dive bar circuit down on tour now and for-ev-va.
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Rider: Tom Rezvan Photo: wadiadventure.ae
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