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MITCH ABSHERE C A P TA I N F I N C O M PA N Y. C O M
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A L E X
D A N I E L D A N N Y
K N O S T
J O N E S F U L L E R
D I N O
A D R I A N
F O R D
A R C H B O L D
K A L A N I M A K U A M A T T
T H E
D A V I D R O T H M A N
A R C H B O L D
B A L A N C E
R V C A . C O M
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O P P O S I T E S
BLISSS_OCT11_KOF_JOHN.pdf
Download the new vans surf movie Get-N-Classic
vanssurf.com/getnclassic photo: Dane Reynolds Š2011, Vans Inc.
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vanssurf.com
Surf Sider style and comfort in a mid-top. Designed in colaboration with our riders, the Del Norte features canvas and leather uppers atop our super comfy Vanslite 速 footbed.
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COMUNE CLOTHING
DROP CITY ARTIST // BRYAN SCHNELLE
20 // 11
WWW. BRYAN S CH N E L L E . CO M
S O M E T H IN G B E T T E R CH A N GE
1300 FACTORY PLACE
DROP CITY ARTIST
FUNCTION // PURPOSE
BRYAN SCHNELLE
FUNCTION
Bryan Schnelle was born and raised in southern Cali-
Comune was formed from the idea that there will
fornia. His work is a reaction to and assessment of the
always be people out there who not only embrace the
values and ideals of the false world that capitalism and
rawness and imperfections of every day life but use it
consumer culture has created. Pulling directly from the
to creatively push the boundaries of what’s possible in
source, he appropriates imagery from gossip, fashion,
skateboarding, fashion, art, and music their own way,
pop culture, and current events magazines to “include
with complete disregard of the consequences.
LOS ANGELES
CA
90013
some element of reality”. By lifting the veil on what our society deems valuable and markets as important,
PURPOSE
he exposes the abysmal nothingness just beneath the surface. Bryan currently lives and works in Los Angeles.
Our goal is to provide clothing that reflects this lifestyle
He has exhibited both locally and nationwide.
of carefree idealism and to support the people that choose to live it.
WWW.THECOMUNE.COM
// INFO@THECOMUNE.COM
// THE-CHANGE.TUMBLR.COM
COPYRIGHT © 2012
steve forstner / gravisskateboarding.com
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steve steve’s video part coming out 11/01/11
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TOC RANDOMS // 30 TOM FRENCH // 38 ANDREW YOUNG // 40 YUVAL PUDIK // 42 KELLESIMONE WAITS // 44 CMO // 48 SUPER TASTE // 50 LOWERS PRO // 52 ALDRIN GARCIA // 58 THE ART OF LIU BOLIN // 66 BE COOL MAN // 72 FASHION // 78 CHRIS COULTER // 84 WOOD RACQUET CLASSIC // 90 VANS DQM GENERAL NYC // 92 SLOW RUN TO NO ONE // 94 RVCA NYC // 96 80’S NIGHT REUNION // 98 GIVIN PRESENTS ONE // 100 BARE WIRES // 102 CD REVIEWS // 104 GROMS // 108
Liu Bolin
2011
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WeActiv ist ELI REED SH OT BY P ETE TH OM P SON w w w.w e sc.co m
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www.ezekielusa.com www.easy-kill.tumblr.com
WEEKENDER STRETCH TWILL PANT THE PANT THAT IS MADE FOR RENEGADES RISE:10.5” / THIGH:24.5” / KNEE:16.25 / INSEAM:32.5” OPENING:14.5”
BL!sssM AG.COM
EDITOr-IN-CHI EF nick kalionzes nick@blisssmag.com
EDITOR joey marshall joey@blisssmag.com
CRE ATIVE DI RECTOR mark paul deren madsteez@madsteez.com
E DITOR AT LARGE liz rice mcCray liz@blisssmag.com
SKATE EDI TOR chris ortiz chris@blisssmag.com
SNOW EDITOR jon francis jon@blisssmag.com
MUSIC EDITOR max ritter max@blisssmag.com
ADV ERTI SING ads@blisssmag.com
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
CONTRIBUTORS 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 BL!SSS Magazine 413 31st Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 www.blisssmag.com 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.
OCTOBER 2011 Cover Artist: Liu Bolin
If your favorite shop isn’t receiving BL!SSS Magazine please contact info@blisssmag.com
nixonnow.com
DANN Y DON’T KN OW Danny Kass is an unbelievable talent in the world of snowboarding. When we think of an action sport professional like Danny, we think of an untouchable athlete that barely ever fumbles. Well, Nike has come out with a new commercial to show a few of Danny’s flaws in other areas of sport. In particular, Danny gives a go at football, baseball and hockey and the end result is pretty comical, especially with the Pat Bridges cameos. It’s a reminder to all of us regular people that while these guys are professional freaks in their own sports category, they’re not perfect and still human just like us. Check it out online or on select TV stations soon and props to Nike for making this hilarious little skit.
SURF PULP FICTION ART IS NOT A CRIME Los Angeles has long been known as the “mural capital of the world”. This all could be coming to an end soon though, as the city of Los Angeles is practically trying to ban public art indefinitely. This, in many people’s eyes, cannot and should not be allowed to happen. Well-known street artist, SABER, is doing his own part by taking his message to the skies. SABER has come up with some creative ways of protesting the cities codes, one being skywriting over city hall. There are ways that we can all put an end to the cities persecution of street art and one of those ways is by signing a petition online at http://www.change.org/petitions/end-mural-moratorium. Go online and sign this petition so that we can enjoy LA and the raw and diverse art environment it offers!
POLYESTER N YC Jack Coleman released his latest film, Polyester, this past month in the Big City. The film features Alex Knost and was shot almost entirely on 8mm film. Like everything Jack touches, this film puts the word ‘art’ in artsy. RVCA held an exclusive premiere at the Soho House in Manhattan to a packed house of the coolest trendsetters in America. All in attendance had a great time, and the verdict is that Jack and Alex make a great combo. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a copy we highly recommend it.
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We got a little visit this month from long time contributor and dear friend Greg Escalante. He was in the neighborhood visiting Craig Lockwood and the masterminds behind Hard-Boiled Surf Pulp Fiction – the only surf fiction magazine available. For those of you who don’t know, pulp magazines were the fiction zines of your father and/or grandfathers times. Offered in the original style pulp-format, Craig and his team have just released volume 1 issue 1 (available at exclusively at surfbooks.com), and it’s loaded with six action-packed adventures illustrated by Rick Rietveld. These surf pulps are sure to become a collectors item and are a great way to pass the time between swells, get yours while you can.
SKATE NI GH T FILM BATTLE The crew at Volcom is once again poised to premiere their annual skate night film battle video contest, where nine shops have been competing to see who has the best skate team. Taking place on October 7th at the Volcom Roadhouse Skatepark in Costa Mesa, each of the invited shops have already filmed, edited and uploaded their best skate team clips and the Volcom crew is now ready to release them to the world. The winning shop gets their commercial on FUEL TV, $1,000 cash and $1,000 worth of Stone-Age gear. Volcom has also deemed Oct. 7th as International Give Jeans a Chance Day, so you can bring a pair of old jeans to donate and not only will you be doing the world a favor by clothing the homeless, you’ll also be having a great time thanks to the free pizzas and PBR that Volcom is providing for the night. There’s plenty of free giveaways and it may be your only chance to get into the private Volcom skate facility, so don’t miss out. The Roadhouse is located at 1660 Placentia Ave in Costa Mesa. More info at volcom.com/filmbattles.
TEAM DEMO / AM SKATE CONTEST / TEAM SIGNING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 TH / COSTA MESA, CA / SOUTH COAST PLAZA (CORNER OF BEAR AND SUNFLOWER )
1 PM / REGISTRATION BEGINS 3 PM / AM SKATE CONTEST, $1000 PURSE AND NO ENTRY FEE! 4 PM / ELEMENT TEAM SKATE DEMO 5 PM / ELEMENT TEAM SIGNING - FIRST 5 IN LINE GET A FREE ELEMENT BOARD! 15% OFF REGULARLY PRICED ELEMENT PRODUCTS AT BEACHWORKS, DAY OF EVENT ONLY INFO: BEACHWORKS 714-754-0221 / ADDRESS: 3333 BRISTOL STREET, COSTA MESA, CA 92626 E L E M E N T S K AT E B O A R D S . C O M
THE JOHN JOHN KUBRIK John John Florence is synonymous with Pipeline and some of the most progressive surfing in today’s world. John John has all of the tools needed to rip anything from 2 feet to 40 feet. His new shade from Spy, the Kubrik, embodies all that is the lifestyle of a rock star surfer. John’s signature shade features a matte black frame, matte grey temples with gunmetal accents and bold black mirror lenses. The shade is a perfect compliment to John John’s laid-back, North Shore lifestyle and is versatile enough to look great on anyone whether hanging at the beach or making moves in the big metropolitan arenas. Find these shades at your local shops and see the world in the way that John John sees it.
LOVE REUSABLE BAGS Our buddy Stevie T, the love doctor, swung by the office showing off the latest project he’s taken on, Love Reusable Bags. They’ve officially waged war on the plastic bag epidemic that has infected America. Get with the program people, and do something responsible for this planet we live on before it’s too late. With over a handful of different totes, grocery bags, lunch sacks and beach coolers in several hip patterns, you can find something that appeals to just about everyone. Check em all out at lovereusablebags.com.
WAT ERPROO F IPADS For those of you with an iPad, we recommend you check out the newest waterproof case from +Simplism. This iPad protector features durable TPU materials, soft neoprene, two inner vinyl zippers and velcro designed to keep out water. Other details include a shoulder strap, two suction cup hooks, and a wire stand. Fall is here and winter is right around the corner, making this an opportune time to invest in a little protection from harsh conditions for your technological toys. We all know that things can get wet and wild at times and to ensure that you don’t destroy your valuable iPad, you should snag one of these cases today!
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BODY GLOVE WINS IMAGINARIUM Transworld Surf’s video contest by the name of Imaginarium just ended this past month. With a creative team lead by Mark Kawakami and heavy hitters like Greg Browning and Scott Smith, the Body Glove crew was a shoe-in from the get go. The real surprise was that the prize-winning idea came from a team rider! Cheyne Magnusson attended the first concept meeting complete with PowerPoint presentation and guided the whole group through his idea for “8-Bit” a look at surfing through the lens of Mario Brothers. There is no-way to describe how cool this short film is, you have to see it for yourself, log onto bodyglove.com and be amazed.
TROY LEE DESIGNS IN LAGUNA The bros behind Troy Lee Designs have opened up a fresh new boutique shop in Laguna Beach. We missed the grand opening on September 1st but since then have swung by to check out the new digs. To be expected, Armando Maroon and his crew have the place looking sharp as nails with classic motorcycles and racing paraphernalia strung throughout the entire place. It’s a place to hang out and really identify with likeminded racing aficionados, and there’s a lot of history in the new location. The shop is located at 380 Glenneyre St. so next time your wandering the streets of downtown Laguna, stop in and check it out.
THE HALF RATS brixton.com
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RISK & RETNA VS. SANTA MONICA
SOUL PRO JECT Photo: Kohshin Finley
It seems that street art has once again come under scrutiny and this time it involves Risk and Retna and the city of Santa Monica. A local homeowner is being cited by the city for having a mural put up on the shell of his newly constructed home. Risk and Retna partnered up with the homeowner in creating the mural, reminding us all that we need to do our part in preventing the pollution of our oceans. Many of the residents are embracing the artwork that not only raises awareness but also drums up support for organizations like Heal the Bay and the Sea Shephard Conservation Society. On the other hand, we have the city of Santa Monica who is seeking to remove the art immediately due to “health and safety concerns.” Some are even saying the homeowner will be fined up to $5,000 a day. Well, all of us here at BL!SSS really don’t want to see that happen so send support there way and help reiterate what a great cause they’re fighting for!
Have you ever stepped off the plane in a place you’ve never been before, taken a deep breath, and felt like you were home? Sounds like you found a soul place, one of those magical spots on this earth that resonate deep inside and bring us back again and again. The Soul Project is all about soul places. Whether it’s Laguna Soul, Sun Valley Soul or Montauk Soul, the idea is the same – to identify with places that feel good to us. The Soul Project lets people proudly proclaim their soul place by wearing one of their unique apparel items featuring soul place graphics from local artists, and at the same time feel good knowing that $1 from every item sold goes to local kids and environmental charities based on sales volume in each market. They also want to help you find your own soul place, at soulproject.com you’re invited to answer the question “Where do you love?” Check out The Soul Project Quivers Lounge during Sacred Craft at the Del Mar Fairgrounds October 8-9, 2011.
STANDING SIDEWAYS
Burton just released their latest snow flick, Standing Sideways, just in time to amp you up for this upcoming 2011/12 snow-shredding season. Discretely packaged in a powder blue barf bag, Burton’s newest film will surely make you sick as snowboarding finest take to the sky. Featuring the likes of Terje Haakonsen, Nicolas Muller, Danny Davis, Zak Hale, Keegan Valaika, Mikkel Bang, Jeremy Jones, Mark Sollors… the list goes on and on. Put it this way, Burton made the film, it has all the heavies and will make you want to go out and shred your local mountain like you been lakelocked for the past four months, which you probably have. Well worth its weight in gold, we suggest you grab your copy today, lock yourself in your room and freak the fuck out.
NEFF WATCHES
FLOTOGR A PHY SHOW Our favorite Dutchman, Floris Gierman is having his first solo art/photo exhibition on October 14th at Golden State Goods on Main Street in Seal Beach. The show is called Something Went Terribly Wrong, but don’t let the title fool ya. If you are looking for a good time mid October and want to hang with good folks than this is the place to be. World famous DJ Wade will be there spinning records and keeping heart rates high, and all of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to fight hunger in Africa. With support from industry heavyweights like Volcom, Flip Skateboards and Vans, this is sure to be a shindig that you don’t want to miss out on. Check out flotography.com for more info, we’ll see ya there!
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In case you were unaware, Neff is now pumping out some slick new watches for you out in BL!SSSville. The headwear aficionados kindly sent us over one to test out. We received the “Daily” Neff Watch, which basically speaks for itself. The watch is exactly what you’re looking for as your day-today, go-to watch. It comes equipped with an analog display that makes it easy to check the time with nothing but a quick glance, and is durable with a super light feel and water resistant up to five atmospheres (whatever that means). To top it off, the thing is stylish as hell and is available in epic colors so we suggest you go out and snag yourself one ASAP.
SL AYING SLATER
This past month, the Quiksilver Pro New York surprised the world by pumping out some of the best waves we’ve ever seen in an East Coast surf contest. Kelly Slater was the event favorite, boosting what he called the best air of his life in his semifinal heat. Slater looked like he’d be taking the title, but then Owen Wright met up with him in the final. Owen, who had lost to Kelly the week before in their final at Teahupo’o, wasted no time by putting Kelly up against the ropes. Slater tried to bust out his usual last second heroics, but for once Kelly came up short and had to settle for second. This is the first time we’ve seen Kelly lose a final in quite some time. And he didn’t just lose by a little either; Owen’s heat score of a 17.90 smoked Slater’s total of 14.53. By no means is the bald man down and out, but we’re pretty stoked to see someone like Owen taking home the biggest payday of his life, a meager $300K.
SME NEWCOMER
Matto and our friends at SME are making some big moves lately, with daily updates on all the things we love in the surf, skate, snow and action sport world at SMELive.com. Most recently they’ve appointed Devon Jordan, a CSUF Marketing graduate with a deep background in social marketing to their growing team. In mid-September Devon posted a short interview on Nathan Fletcher’s Teahupo’o closeout that generated hundred of thousands of hits and went viral overnight. SMELive.com is turning out to be our favorite site to check every morning. We suggest you try it too.
FISHING WITH ETNIES
We got the invite this past month to jump on the Voyager out of San Diego for a day and a half of fishing with the Etnies crew and we couldn’t turn down the opportunity. On board the boat were usual Etnies fish slaying suspects: Don Brown, Ashton Maxfield, Aaron Vujicic and Carter Katz accompanied by pro snowboarder Joe Sexton and shop representatives from K5, Surfside, Identity, Blauers, Pride, United and Avalanche. The trip was an all-around kick-ass time consisting of catching fish, drinking beers and talking shit. This is the first trip we’d been on where a full keg of Primo was loaded on board before any rods hit the deck. We knew we were in for trouble when we awoke the next morning to a couple lone soldiers howling at the moon, still up from prior nights festivities. Needless to say, the job got done and captain Jodi and his crew put us on the fish and everyone went home smiling. Special thanks to charter master Carter Katz for putting this trip together and making it all happen, we’re looking forward to doing it again next year.
FLASH BOMB The boys and girls at Rip Curl have outdone themselves again and have released the must-have wetsuit for this winter season. We were lucky enough to get our hands on their new Flash Bomb 4/3 and give it the shakedown at the good ol’ BL!SSS testing facility. So what if the water is still above sixty degrees and the suns out, we still got this bad boy out in the lineup to make sure it lived up to all the hype – and you bet your ass it did. True to the Rip Curl tradition, this is one of the warmest suits we’ve ever got our hands on and the best part it is it dries in no time. A must-have for the traveling surfer or anyone who hates putting on a wet wetsuit every morning. Pick one up at your local shop and never be cold again.
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NIXON ADDS JOHN JOHN John John Florence has become one of the best and most exciting surfers on the planet. He’s blowing up in contests around the globe, having star performances in surf videos like Lost Atlas and all the while being a standout every session at his home break, Pipeline. He’s made another move in his big time career and now sits atop of the roster with the Nixon family. He now joins the likes of Bruce, Nathan, and Dusty Payne as well as many other household names that make up the Nixon family tree. It’s cool to see Nixon adding one more all star to their talent pool and we’ll be excited to see what they have in store for the future.
Born in 1982, Tom French grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England. Tom began his studies at the Newcastle School of Art and Design and went on to graduate from the Sheffield Institute of Art and Design, achieving a first class BA Honors in 2005. “Working mostly in charcoal and oil paint, occasionally utilizing other medium where relevant (inks, filter gels, spraypaint) I merge photorealism, abstraction and surrealism to produce predominantly figurative scenarios and illusions, focusing on the reflection of the conscious and subconscious mind. The work treads a fine line between the beautiful and the unsettling; combining technically tight and classically executed elements with carefree, loose and unfinished abstract forms. This fusion of technical rendering with lively abstraction visualizes human and emotional contrasts/conflicts and gives a sense of captured movement, a snapshot of fleeting moments, part of a larger story, suspended in time and space.” Tom French tells us a little about his Cowboy Balance series show above. “On an
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aesthetic level, the contrast in styles between the animal and rider exaggerates the power/control struggle that’s going on here, it emphasises the innocence, beauty and power of the animal, at the same time reflects the bold, brash and seemingly careless attitude of the rodeo rider. And as for the bull seeming ‘lifted’ off the ground, it has just been caught mid-buck, a tiny moment of calm, perfectly balanced, in the middle of the action, before they both drop back to the ground and continue the struggle. I guess I also wanted to put the focus on the animal rather than the rider as well, just to tip the balance a little. Of course, this series isn’t really about cowboys or bulls, it’s more a small observation on the fun us people find in trying to control and own things of natural power and beauty, the perils/dangers of doing so, the boisterous and clumsy attitude we take to it, and the thrill of the ride.” Tom French is currently working and living in Newcastle, he keeps an irregular sleep habit while working to build a body of work for his upcoming shows - to check out more of Tom French’s art please visit tomfrenchart.wordpress.com.
Interview: Liz Rice McCray
Andrew or is it Drew? Tell me a little about yourself, a little synopsis if you will? The choice is yours, but… if you find yourself meandering towards the third option, Andy... things could get black and blue. Joking, I sit in front of an easel all day, asides from myself there’s not a lot I could harm. Well, I just finished up the illustration and graphic design program at Capilano University in Vancouver and have spent my time since (post-student loans of course) cold-calling, scouring beneath couch cushions, building my network-type-a stuff and making pictures so I can keep myself afloat. Challenging stuff right out of the schoolyard gate, but extremely satisfying being able to paint for a living.
I’m an Andrew there. Up until recently I was pretty clueless with the twitter game. I still totally am and am also a little intimidated by the whole thing but I’m there. I try to put stuff up on my blog when I have stuff to show. I’m not overly motivated to post many miscellaneous/random stuffs. I’ll be the one to point out the connection between this and my twitter sufferage. I will DO you twitter, don’t worry pal.
Could you tell us about some of your work, a little insight to your art? I’m very focused on two extremely alternate directions at the moment. The work illustrates moments we experience that we may not necessarily want to discuss often with others. Fucking, partying and becoming lost, happens. At the other end of the spectrum I love to celebrate moments maybe overseen and usually irreverent - silly happenings where we rediscover our pure childishness. I recently collapsed a blanket fort that stood over my bed. It was there for three weeks prior.
Describe the Canadian art scene; is it quite different than say working in New York? I’m not entirely sure where I even fit in the “Canadian Art” scene let alone be able to really describe it. My scene in the downtown eastside of Vancouver is very cool though. Never a dull scene here and the artists I’m around play a huge motivational role in my life. Lot’s of hole-in-the-wall pop-ups and junky open studios I’ve never seen before. That’s the shit I love. I’ve only done one show in NY and it was very intense but I can’t generalize with that and the small handful of shows I went to when I was there. But oh yeah, I was definitely impressed. I want a lot more of what’s there, that’s for sure.
You are a social networker; blogging, tweeting, Facebook, MySpace… do you partake in all of them? I do. I bombard my personal Facebook page with updates. Everyone who got sick of that has probably already un-friended me by now cause it’s been going on for a while.
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If you could design an album cover for any band whom would it be for? Die Antwoord. I’d have those guys over for a reference shoot for the cover... those would be some times.
Where can we check out more of your work? Dyoung.ca, hedrew.blogspot.com, twitter@adrewyoung, and my email is hey@dyoung.ca.
Interview: Betsy Osenbaugh You spent your youth in Israel but have spent many years living and working in Los Angeles. How has the transition influenced your work? In many respects the transition was more visible in my work up until a few years ago, but it makes a lot of sense to me, culturally and geographically, that I live in LA. For me, there is this horizontal line that stretches from Israel to Los Angeles via New York. I see it as a biographical line of westward movement. When I first came to LA, I was amazed by the local flora and it made quite an impact on my art. That was a fundamental period for me. After a few years I went back to Israel and realized that all the plants I was incorporating are indigenous to Israel. I also love thinking about how communities form, especially in a place like LA that is both a big, center-less metropolis and a collection of suburbs. It is really an interesting community in general, and a community for creative people. So much of what is traditionally seen as “LA Art” is about process and materiality. Do you think your work is part of this mode? I guess I am too involved with my own work to see it as part of something greater like “LA Art.” I feel like an outsider in a sense because I wasn’t formally educated in the US. My move from New York to Los Angeles impacted me as well. I feel like I am a product of LA, but still not the quintessential LA artist. The LA
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art community has shown great generosity to me, though. There is a strong presence of some LA artists in my work, though at times the connection feels mute or subtle. Is it fair to say that your work references many things, including art history, pop culture, and the natural sciences, but is less obviously related to your personal life? It really works on both levels. I draw images that create scenarios that simultaneously have some of myself in them and exclude me entirely. I don’t care to center myself in a drawn narrative, but I do understand how one can interpret a personality from all of the images. In this respect it is biographical. I guess it’s important to me to form a character or an environment that has both aspects. In the past, people have said that I use images to hide behind, but my place in the work is not what the work is about. It’s easy, though, to read the drawings that way since they have the nature of storytelling and collecting. Your current solo exhibition at Silverman Gallery in San Francisco has elements of your previous work, but is dramatically different in subject matter. Can you talk a bit about the motivation for the new pieces? The new work was conceived after a very clear decision to remove the layer-orientated work process, which adds more and more elements
and information to the drawings. The new work is more like undressing as opposed to adding layers of clothing. I wanted to work with elements from the natural world, but to tell a story that actually has almost nothing to do with nature, except maybe nature in the mythical sense. I had to focus on one image to create a clearer narrative. The titles of the drawings of shark teeth unexpectedly do have a hint of intimacy, although the pieces themselves could not seem more detached. How do you think the images relate to the titles given them, i.e. Athletic and Tattoos, which sound like traits one would list in a personals ad? The title of the show is Some of My Equals, which is an ironic comment about the need to belong, whether to a culture, religion or a stereotype even. The definition of the majority defines the minority. I am intrigued by the origins of myth. In the new body of work I deconstructed a shark jaw into many individual images. I think the solitude of each suggests intimacy, but there is a similarity among all of them, and repetition. Historically drawing has been overshadowed by painting and sculpture in the art world, but modern and contemporary art have led the way in changing this perception. This year alone Gagosian (Geneva) held a solo exhibition
of drawings by the sculptor Richard Serra in the spring, and this summer the group show entitled Works of Paper was at ACME (Los Angeles), in which you had several pieces. What do you think it is about the medium that is creating such enthusiasm? Until 10 years ago I was mostly into photography and painting, actually. When I used to paint, or even today when I look at paintings, it’s sort of a riddle to me. When I look at old watercolors and drawings I get a sense of clarity. I feel a kinship with, and an understanding of what makes the images appear on paper. That moment when the graphite becomes embedded into the paper is so basic and natural to me. It’s almost a physical thing. Paper holds time in such an incredible way – it tells the story of time like no other material does. I can say that in my experience I am drawn to the past more than to the present or the future, and I love old traditions of craftsmanship and sensibilities of European art making. I am interested in how generations form a long tradition of this, for example with papermaking, furniture, and even anatomical study. Drawing falls so elegantly into that traditional mode of thinking. What do you think is next for your work? A zebra wood dining table I am making as a wedding gift.
Interview: Liz Rice McCray
To have famous parents assumingly has its pluses and minuses, but people often overlook the negative aspects of growing up surrounded by fame. Although most look from afar with envy at those growing up in famous families, this privileged position is often one where famous offspring are haunted, questioning the people who surround them and their truths (which you have to do anyway without a famous bloodline). Then, when they finally achieve success they question it, is this due to my talent, or is it merely a result of my name? Personally, I’m a fan of Tom Waits, but not to the extent that I knew his daughter Kellesimone Waits is an artist. I’m unsure how I originally came across Kellesimone’s artwork, it was either my dear friend Marsea Goldberg of New Image Art, or Kellesimone’s explosive painting of Margaret Thatcher (the one with black tape
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across her nipples), or was it the shocking image of Condoleeza Rice in a bikini that caught my eye? Well, whatever it was, it wasn’t because of her parents, or her name, it was because of her striking artwork. At 26-years-old, Kellesimone has had more than ten shows. Her work is a testament to her curiosity and is constantly evolving. She describes her artwork, “I paint to communicate to others how I see – not what I see. The natural and persistent need to communicate, to relate, to understand and be understood by others is what draws me to paint the figure. My expressive figurations are the allegorical road map of my inner dialogue with real and invented subjects.” Make sure to check out more of Kellesimone Waits work at kellesimonewaits.com.
JARRITOS FLAVOR CITY 2011
ART/ ADVERTISING CONTEST WINNER
OSCAR MEZA
Age: 28 Hometown : S a n D i e g o Occupat i o n : S tu d e n t Website : w w w. o s c a r m e z a . w o r d p r ess.com “What inspired my piece started off as some sketches on a pad. Being that Jarritos was founded in Mexico, I wanted my illustration to reflect that authenticity. It almost felt obvious to incorporate a Luchador. I wasn’t sure who I was drawing at the time; but ironically, some of my friends said that the character kind of looked like me.” “Wining this competition has made my year. It is such an honor to have been chosen amongst the other great competitors. I feel very lucky and humble to have won. Winning the year supply of Jarritos has made my belly smile, and having my art published has fed my artistic ego. But to my surprise, the best part of winning thus far is making my friends and family proud!”
Jarritos Flavor City is an annual Art/Advertising Contest that looks for innovative and creative artists of all ages to develop eye-catching works of art in any medium to express the flavor and experience of Jarritos. Visit www.jarritosflavorcity.com for more information!
2ND RUNNERUP:
ZOFIA BOGUSZ
3RD RUNNERUP:
GERALDINE SAID
ch
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2.2.
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4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
5.
check me ou t
1.
Balaram Stack is a true New Yorker // Kyle squared, representing Maui well // Tim Burnham is the ultimate waterman // Dino loves his backgammon
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Vitor Belfort = BL!SSS security // Thos Carson fishmonger // Ratboy makes a rare appearance in Socal // PT finally won a contest!
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Joe Alani and Beandip throwing out mixed signals // Dooma is always making moves // Benji putting out the vibe // Jesse Merle-Jones psyched on his new Madsteez artwork
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Mikey is waiting for the ladies // Think you can out paddle Jack Shimko? We think not // Brett may be taller but Nick’s shaka has much better form // JoJo
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Mick Fanning likes to make weird faces // Tyler Tarlow and Julian Ness
Photo: Dominic Pe tr u zzi : dom in icpe tr u zziph oto. co m // Mode l: K r isti an n a
So what can be said about this month’s SUPER TASTE that hasn’t already been said in that dirty little mind of yours? Not much, except that this lady is definitely melting plenty of our hearts away to go along with that ice cream cone. One would think that with a body like that, you’d have to be on a strict health food diet? But, everyone has their own weaknesses, and a stifling hot October day can sometimes make you do bad things…
Hair & Makeup : B r i e L e a c h / / R e t ou c h : J a s on S c h or l e . c om
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Words: Spencer Pirdy :: Photos: Jason Kenworthy Lower Trestles is known for having some of the most rippable and consistent waves in southern California, from early springtime all the way into late fall. However, this year’s Hurley Pro didn’t have such a pretty outlook with little swell forecasted. On the first day of the waiting period the call was made to run round one. The surf was lackluster, especially compared to past years, but nevertheless some of the top surfers in the world went out there and put on a show in the waist high cobblestone point break. Highlights from the opening rounds included Aussies, Julian Wilson and Josh Kerr who both had scores in the excellent range. Their surfing allowed them to turn the weak dribbling rights and lefts into their own little skate park. For those of us watching, it was a reminder to why these guys are professional surfers. To excel in anything from 10 foot Teahupo’o to 4-foot Long Beach beachbreak and then glide across knee high lowers walls effortlessly takes a unique surfer. To the disgust of Bobby Martinez, the Hurley Pro marked the starting point for proven QS competitors like Miguel Pupo and Gabriel Medina of Brazil and John John Florence of Hawaii, who took Yadin Nichol’s spot after he broke his leg. While John John possesses polished skills in hollower and bigger waves, all three surfers are equally as exciting in buttery lined-up
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Lowers conditions. Even though little to no swell was forecast, the surf began to get better when round two resumed on Monday. For the most part, the usual favorites advanced with a few standout performances coming from John John who took out Alejo Muniz by linking maneuvers smoothly, and Gabriel who flared up against Travis Logie in the improving surf. The next day saw round three beginning under overcast skies with slightly bigger surf, in the 4-foot range. Taj, Parko and Kelly all advanced into round four commandingly. One of the best heats of the contest came this day, a heat that saw John John Florence taking on Owen Wright, who was fresh off of a win in New York the week prior. Kelly, having had the heat before, watched intently as Owen opened up with solid rides while John John struggled to get his footing and find the right waves early on. This would all change though as mid-heat, John-John found a solid righthander that allowed him a fins free crack off the top into a quick transition down the line where he launched a front side 360 and cleanly rode out of it. Judges scored him an 8.50. Two waves later Florence would up the ante with an 8.63 that had him taking the reigns of the heat. Owen was left needing a 9.06 in the dying minutes of their heat. Owen remained calm and with priority found himself one of the better-looking rights of the day. He started the wave by rocketing off the bottom and sending
Slater
Owen Wright
Parko
Julian Wilson
Owen his fins wafting out the back. Once he recovered he bottom turned again and went straight back up into a vertical foam climb, follow that up with a floater and two more snaps and you have yourself a 9.77. The judges awarded Wright’s progression through the wave and the world number two escaped to round four relatively unscathed. All the while Kelly watched on from the competitor’s area taking note like a gladiator awaiting his challenger. While competitive surfing does involve its fair share of hassling, round 4, with its 3-man heat format (known as a non-elimination round where the winner moves straight into the quarters and the losers move to round 5), was one to be remembered. In the first heat of round 4 there was a close battle between Taj Burrow and Adriano De Souza that lead to a bit of frustration from the Brazilian. De Souza felt that he had been unfairly pegged as the hassle guy of the tour. In particular, this dates back to this year’s event in Brazil where Adriano relentlessly sat on Slater to ensure victory in their heat. Although he won the round 4 heat and moved onto the quarters, De Souza was fuming with aggression, as he had felt hassled by Taj Burrow in the final minutes of their heat. When Kelly paddled by for his next heat De Souza hit him with a few sharp Portuguese phrases that were along the lines of, “See this shit is part of competition!” Slater immediately snapped back with a few words of his own and a slap of water in De Souza’s direction. With little else being done, it was refreshing to see some fire and a little smack talking in the professional surfing arena a la Bobby in New York. The day would end with Parko, Kelly, Adriano and Owen all going straight to the quarters with round 5 heats waiting to decide their adversaries. On the final day of the Hurley Pro, the stage was set for a show down of epic proportions. Somewhere along the way, Bob Hurley had to have struck a deal with Mother Nature because someway, somehow the final day was blessed with perfect head high walls and glassy conditions from start to finish. Early on, the quarters were ready to play out with a Brazilian battle royale between Adriano and Heitor Alves, a repeat from New Yorks quarters with Slater and Josh Kerr, a fight of the fittest with Owen and Mick, and finally a heat between veteran Joel Parkinson and superstar
Julian Wilson. Kerr wasn’t able to muster up enough magic to de-thrown Slater, Owen defeated Mick convincingly, Heitor upset Adriano and Julian beat Parko, his longtime hero. The semifinals were looking interesting and it was hard to ignore the lingering possibility of a third Kelly/Owen final in a row. The Kelly vs. Heitor heat saw Kelly running on cruise control. A few lofty 747 airs over sections followed by turns connecting all the way through left Heitor happy with an equal third result. In the second semi we saw another anticlimactic heat with an interference being called on Julian on the first wave of the heat. From there it was all over for Mr. Wilson, one who many thought was the in form surfer of the whole event. The finals saw for the third time in a row, world number two Owen Wright going up against the 10-time champ and world number one, Mr. Kelly Slater. In Tahiti, Kelly had come out on top, but in New York Owen had commandingly taken down Slater. It was anyone’s game and as the clouds lifted and the sun poked through, excitement filled the air in anticipation of a legendary final. The beach was at maximum capacity as the two surfers took to the water, and the heat everyone was about to witness was the stuff contest directors dream of. Both Kelly and Owen opened up with mid range scores and Owen took an early lead. It wasn’t until the second half of the heat that things would get interesting. With about 10 minutes remaining Kelly whipped around and took off on a right that allowed him to open up and rip the wave from start to finish, even sprinkling in a little reverse in there for variety. His turns were rail to rail and showed patented Slater commitment. His score was an 8.50. Right behind him on the next wave was Owen. Owen’s backhand attack on this lowers right was beyond vertical and precise. He finished the wave off with a reverse of his own, landing it right over Slater’s head, and earned a 7.87. The two would sit out the back until the final minute of the heat. Kelly had priority and Owen needed an 8.31 as a set came marching through the Lowers line up. Kelly had an option of taking the first one, but new it was a two wave set and let Owen go on the first wave. This was exactly what Owen needed in the dying minute. He pumped down the line and launched a backside air, then powerfully jammed up into the lip and drifted his fins out the back. He finished with two strong foam
Parko
Mick Fanning
Taj Burrow
Josh Kerr
Damien Hobgood
Slater
John John Florence climbs and it seemed like he had gotten the score he was looking for. Meanwhile, out the back Kelly was on the next wave. Not knowing if Owen had gotten the score needed, Kelly went to town. He lit the wave up from start to finish right in front of Owen. Owen tried to paddle back out to answer but he was too late. The horn sounded and the heat was over. In the end, Owen got the score he needed but Kelly had bettered his heat total by netting a 9.00 on the last wave of the heat. Kelly had won his fifth Hurley Pro title and cashed in on the $105,000 check Hurley offered. The rivalry is now 2-1 in favor of Slater, but Owen is not waving the white flag by any means. In the post heat interviews Owen and Kelly were questioned together and talked in friendly dialogue. Kelly was gracious and Owen admitted that Kelly brings out the best in him. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching other guys surf against Slater, it’s that you have to beat him without question. If there’s even a slight opening for Kelly to pull off one of his last second heroics, then consider it done. Sure, a lot of people argue with the judge’s scores and feel that Slater gets over scored, but it’d be hard to say that Kelly doesn’t deserve every score he gets. He thrives on these moments like a basketball player hitting a shot in the dying seconds, and more times than not he rises to the occasion and makes the impossible. That being said, we’ve got a great new rivalry on our hands in the surf world and the tour is as exciting as it’s ever been. Great job to the Hurley boys, you nailed it and we’ll see you next year!
Intro: Jordan Hoffart :: Photos: Deville
It would be crazy to know that you could literally do something better (or in Aldrin’s case higher) than anyone one else in the world. Just think of it, Aldrin Garcia can ollie higher than every skateboarder that has ever lived. That’s fucking mental! The rad thing about Aldrin is that he would never think of it this way. He humbly took the trophy and the Guiness plaque and still regards himself as just another skateboarder in the suburbs of San Diego. The best trait about Aldrin is that he is so much more than a big ollie. Take his come-out part in Powell Skateboards FUN! for example, it’s amazing and yet he didn’t have to reinforce his ollie capability one bit. People thought his part was incredible and still had no idea he could ollie that high until the ollie challenge. He’s got it all. And with a personality/demeanor like his, he deserves it all. Like the biblical quote states, “Humble yourself and you will be exalted.” I truly hope this rings true for Aldrin in times to come.
Interview: Alex Heskett How old are you and where are you from? I’m 20 years old and I’m from San Diego, California. Who do you usually go skate with? My brother Glenn, all the Paradise Hills park rats, you, and I don’t know, just a lot of San Diego heads man. Oh, and Jared Lucas, he lives down here in San Diego too, he’s the Bones team manager. You had a lot going on in 2010, Adio took a shit, you had the worst slam of the year, and you broke the world record for highest ollie. Were you pissed that Adio went under right before they were going to turn you am? Hell ya, but it’s ok, they had to take care of theirs somehow and they took out the whole team and didn’t end up working things out in the end so it’s cool, what can you do. I heard you have been going up to L.A. to shoot with Acosta lately, are you working on anything with Vans? Oh… no, not really. I’ve been shooting with him a lot because he is a Skateboard Magazine photographer. That would be nice to get on Vans though. Were you scared of hitting spots after you got smoked at Crossroads? Um, not really. It felt weird though, going back to Blackbox again. Yeah, I was a little sketched out to skate around, so I ended up not skating the contest.
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360 Flip
B.S Flip
F.S Flip
I would be over that shit too. I’m probably just being a big vagina right now, but I’ll probably come back and skate it next year. Is it true that Jamie came to visit in the hospital you after the slam? Yeah it was so rad, it was like um… it was like he made my wildest dreams come true (laughs). Who taught you how to ollie? My brothers Glen and Chris, I think
they’re the ones that taught me. You have another brother named Chris? Yeah, he is unheard of because he stopped skating, but he is like the middle child, and everyone thinks he is older because he is buffer than Glenn, but in reality Glenn is older. So you are the youngest? Yeah, I am the youngest.
Do your parent skateboarding? My parents?
support
Yeah. Nah, not really, when I come out in a magazines and stuff, and when I make money they will support it (laughs). Did you graduate high school? I missed out on a lot of skate trips, but yeah I finished high school.
Do you parents want you to go to college? Yeah, they keep nagging me about it, it’s kind of annoying but I know they just want what’s best for me because they don’t think I have the body to keep skateboarding, but I think I can if I maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s not really helping out if I drink beers all the time. How did you get hooked up with Powell? Actually, my homie Edwin. He
Gap Out B.S Smith
B.Slide
B.S Flip
“I’M
PROBABLY JUST BEING A BIG VAGINA RIGHT NOW, BUT I’LL PROBABLY COME BACK AND SKATE IT NEXT YEAR.”
F.S Board
Ollie
Tuck Knee
told me they were interested in sponsoring me at this contest in 2007, Spring Break Yo’Self, so I gave Deville a call and he took me on an Arizona trip the next week. How do you feel about Powell Peralta’s newest rider Kilian Martin? How do I feel? Yes. That guy is a freak (laughs), his mind is just somewhere else I don’t know but it’s pretty sick, he’s on a different level. Have you ever had the pleasure of kicking it with Mike V? I’ve skated with him a couple times and like we would talk about bullshit and he would tell me about his career and stuff, he was pretty funny, he was like really confident (laughs). But yeah, he is a sick dude, I’m glad he is back on Powell Peralta. And we don’t have to worry about skating in bad neighborhoods anymore because we got Mike V. with us (laughs).
Have you been working on any video parts? Um, it’s kind of in the works. I’m working on a possible Bones video part, but I don’t know if I’m going to have enough clips to have one yet and uh, I’m working on a Powell Peralta part. When are those supposed to drop? I think they’re both going to drop like mid 2012 probably. Who are your top five Filipino skaters? Willy Santos, Pat Chanita, um my brother, I don’t know any other Filipino skaters dude (laughs). Asian John is pretty sick, and uh Gilley, Brian Gilley Any shout outs? I’d like to give a shout out to all of my sponsors and everybody at the Paradise Hills Skate Park and all the O-side homies and my girlfriend and the Chargers. I think that’s it… oh yeah, all my friends and my fans if there are any.
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Interview: Liz Rice McCray From the start of time, animals and people have used devices to camouflage into their surrounding environment in order to avoid danger or predators. Liu Bolin has perfected the ability to imitate and disappear into settings by matching the colors, lighting, textures, and his alignments to fit perfectly within an atmosphere. Bolin’s art encourages people to take a better look at their relationship with the “environment” and the surroundings that are lived and interacted in. In today’s world an individual can easily be influenced or controlled by their environment; the effects can be small or big, sometimes the changes are never noticed until under a microscope. Liu Bolin is an anomaly and a mystery; his work is a true testament to his artistry. After some searching (actually, a bunch of searching) we were pleased to be able to track down Liu and ask him a couple questions… Thank you so much to Eli Klein Fin Art for making this interview possible, for the images and translations. Thank you Liu Bolin for taking the time to give us a little insight to you and your work – I found you to be a complete inspiration.
To start will you please introduce yourself to our readers? Hi everyone, I’m Liu Bolin. I was born in 1973 in Binzhou in Shandong Province, China – the city is the last pit stop before the Yellow River drains into the sea. From a young age I was subject to a rigorous and traditional Chinese education. Having loved art since I was little, I started studying it in 1985 and graduated from Shandong University of Arts in 1995. In 2001, I graduated with my MFA in sculpture from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. I quit my teaching job in 2005 in order to focus on my own creative art practice. You are originally from China – is that where you are currently living? Are you married? Currently, I’m very happily living with my wife and working at Beijing 798 Art District. What do your parents think about your art? Are they supportive? If so have they always been supportive? Initially, my parents didn’t want me to study art because it was not a widely accepted career tract according to traditional Chinese sensibilities. It was fine as a hobby, but not practical as a career, nor was it regarded as a reliable way to build and feed a family. However, I was resolute about continuing on this path. At first, my parents were absolutely against the idea of me studying art. I remember distinctly when they threw my color palette on the floor with such force that the paint splashed all over the ceiling, creating beautiful bursts of color. Despite my parents’ resistance, I persevered in following my own dream and pursuing my studies without knowing the outcome of where it was all going to take me. All this because I truly love art. What were you doing before “Hiding in the City”? I studied sculpture all throughout college and graduate school, so my works prior to “Hiding in the City” were predominantly sculptures, interspersed with some oil paintings. From 1994 to 1999, before going to the Central Academy of Fine Arts, I filled up 44 books with sketches and artistic notes. Although these were by no means artistic masterpieces, they did imbibe me with a deep reverence for the modernism movement. In 1998, I started creating pieces showcasing distorted human figures that broke away from the educational curriculum. At this point, my thinking process moved away from the mimicry of art that was created in the past to considerations about materials and Chinese symbolism. In 1999, during the time when I was studying sculpture in the Central Academy of Fine Arts, I gained exposure to metal welding and the art of creating something out of raw materials. However, at this point, my works were still amateur and imitative. In 2001, the experience of leaving school and stepping into the ranks of the working society finally allowed me to invest my vision into the social strata. At this time, my knowledge and understanding about society slowly transitioned into my own creative methodology.
Am I correct to say that you started these pieces as a political statement to the Chinese government? Will you elaborate and give us some background to the political commentary? First, I have to make an explanation about the strong political elements. I should say: because the environment where I live is filled with political elements, it makes the work very political. Because I live in a place like this, I want to use it and show it in my work. I agree with those who say art can make a positive effect on the development of society, because art in this modern life means that through all the meditations and doubts of the work, to remain clear about the situation we live in. I also want to use my works to remind people to take attention about what kind of environment they live in. When I began work on “Hiding in the City”, the artists’ studio was forcibly demolished. This made my works filled with elements of doubt about society, and fighting with fate, and it made my
works have a kind of temperament of insurgency. Later, you will find there are some slogans in my works, such as One Family, Demolition, Red Flag… also from the environment I began creating my works in. If you had to put into words - how would you explain your art? I’m trying to deliver a message about the relationship of human beings to their environment. “Environment” here can mean social, cultural, ecological, and so on. An individual today is more likely to be controlled by or even merged into their environment. Of course, a lot of people and the media speak about my work from a political perspective, which is one aspect of my message for sure. But I also want to emphasize and to draw people’s attention to the relationship between the grand scale of cultural development and the role of a single individual. In the Chinese society’s communistic dream, there must be majuscules (capital letters/big words) to tell and to clean the public’s brain, creating the
kind of people we need. For example: some uniform thoughts and promotion of the educational ideas were written as slogans on the wall, which were written in majuscules. This is a way to fool the public, and the people who gained a lot were the people who created those slogans. My body chose to be covered or disappeared, that’s not the relationship between me and the wall, but the relationship between me as an “individual” and those slogans which are used to fool the public. In China, we get used to those slogans, we never feel surprised when we see some slogans, so I want to use my works to remind people they have to think more about the environment where we live. How long does it take to do one photo? What is your start to finish process in making each photo complete? You have assistants that paint you? How do they know where to paint? Do you speak with your assistants while they paint on you or are you quiet? To finish one work, it will take 3-4 hours. First, I choose the location and site of my work and the position of camera. The painting work and photography are finished by my assistants. Some people would ask, “You are not the one who does the painting or shoot the work so how can it be your work?” But the conception and message is my own. During the shot, my job is to stand still there. Before we start work, I take a photo of me standing in front
of the site. I put my portrait on every background digitally before real production starts, in order to show my assistant the ideas and tell them how to proceed. We pay attention to every single detail, every line and color. My assistant and I communicate throughout the process, in order to get the best image we can. I then analyze which part is the most important part, which has to be finished first, and also I need to guide them to make the color choices so it is the same as the background. Then we start to paint. I have to be painted as the same color as the background, and more importantly I have to make the lines connect with those of the background. What was your most time consuming photo? “Hiding in the City” No.1 was my most time consuming work. I stood for an entire day. I was lacking in experience back then. I didn’t know the first thing about selecting the right angle, background, and lighting. Although this piece has never been on public display, it has made the most impression on me and I consider it to be my most meaningful work. Do you have a favorite environment that you have painted yourself into? The power of the background acts as the language for my artwork itself, so picking the right background is of the utmost importance. Supermarket is my favorite out of all my works. Spotting my body in this piece is the most difficult; at the same time, the colors are very beautiful.
Tell us about your current show “The Invisible Man,” at Eli Klein Fine Art Gallery. I want to say thanks to Eli, because he is helping me to show my work at EKFA again, so I have this chance to get in touch with Americans. I am so happy to have more Americans see my work. I will work harder to create better work to thank the people who have paid so much attention so far. How did you get involved with the Eli Klein Fine Art gallery? It has been more than three years since I first came in contact with Eli Klein Fine Art. A friend introduced me to Eli Klein, and I had a solo show at his gallery in April, 2008, and this was the first time my work has been shown in New York City. Eli is a really good friend. I appreciate his capabilities, and I am also thankful for his continued support for my creative projects as well as his help for marketing my work. What is your average Monday look like? Monday is the beginning of my workweek. I plan all the work that needs to be completed over the course of the next seven days. What has been your biggest struggle as an artist? In China, if you choose to be an artist, you have chosen paints and loneliness. As an artist, there is no position for you, and you have to face one day you will have nothing. In China, if you want to do performance art, there is no other choice. You have nothing beside your own body. Your body is the last card in your hands. So I have to have a strong mind to work as I do. What has been your biggest accomplishment as an artist? As an artist, the ideal situation would be to produce artwork as I envisioned it to be according to my own specifications, and then
being able to exhibit these works in a solo show in the finest museums. The works can then gain recognition and acceptance from a large body of people, and simultaneously pass on insight to future generations. When it is all said and done how would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered for my works from “Hiding in the City.” I recorded all the shortcomings and imbalances I felt were evident in the development of human civilization. However, my works merely recorded, they did not create. I hope to create artwork that will affect future generations. I hope that after the unveiling of my new work, people will forget about my “Hiding in the City” series as the new work will definitely surpass my current work. Will you tell us something about yourself that not many people would know? I have a lovely family. My loved ones play a critical role in my career development. I want to utter a public proclamation: I love my wife. I hope to use my hard work to provide her with happiness. What projects do you have coming up? Next year is the Year of the Dragon and straight away I will carry out my plan. I want to complete work and ideas which I had started ten years ago but was unable to finish. Now I feel I am a little better, and because the idea is inspired by the traditional Chinese dragon, it will be appropriate to start next year. I will wait until I have completed my first test of this work before I reveal to everyone the concrete details of the piece Where can people check out your work? People can find my work on Eli’s website, ekfineart. com and liubolinart.com - my personal website that showcases all my work. I would like to thank all my supporters and just say that I won’t let you down. I will continue to create even better work in return for your support.
Words: Patrick Towersey Mitch and Madison’s films are a fine blend of surfing, lifestyle, humor and complete randomness. Real surf flicks done on a DIY peanut butter budget. Their latest film, “Be Cool Man,” was filmed during July and August 2011 in California and Europe where you’ll find a hardcore pool skate session, vintage motorcycle racing, a one minute Scotty Stopnik monolog, 50’s public service announcement and so much more. Unique unto any other surf flick, is the integration of SoCal beach lifestyle. There is a section with Meatball and Scotty Stopnik racing vintage Triumph motorcycles around a dirt track. Racing vintage bikes is a challenge, and incredibly cool to watch. Also, a section with Greyson and Christian Fletcher skateboarding a backyard pool, making it look easy. Greyson, Christian’s son, has been making a name for himself amongst the core skate
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community and is further proof that the Fletcher DNA equals talent. (Did anyone see Nathan’s wave from Chopes?) A big portion comes from the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational in Spain. The lifestyle gives insight into the great comradery amongst the log world’s elite. During the down time, the crew enjoys rain surfing then a nice indoor slick track where the relation between fancy footwork and hand/eye coordination prove to have no correlation. After a number of crashes, the scene ends and opens with the continuation of the event. Those who didn’t suffer whip lash faired much better in the later rounds. Jarred Mell proved that Blackies Surf Club keeps their swords sharp, edging out the other competitors to make the final. There is a brief appearance by an inflatable whale, then back to Alex Knost, Tyler Warren, Jarred Mell and Justin Quintel, shar-
Mitch
Turkey
Andrew
Mitch
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ing waves and shred banging. Tyler Warren’s smooth as silk cross step to 10 piggies, Alex’s rapid footwork is second to none as he quickly pounces from back to front to back while Justin Quintel makes use of the lefts and rights by riding both direction. In the end Tyler Warren takes gold, but none of the competitors seem to mind either way and they start celebrating the El Dia De los Logos. The climax of the feature is innovative short board surfing performed by Dane Reynolds and Andrew Doheny. It’s cool how seamless Dane and Andrew fit into the film, because the dudes are cool and they shred. Both Dane and Andrew are members of Mitch’s fin company, Captain Fin, which has a lot of influential and talented people – most of which are in this film. Mitch’s goal for the film was just to capture all the guys hangin’ out and havin’ fun. He hopes the film comes across as funny and not too serious because surfing should be fun! We’re all pretty sure that his mission was accomplished. Be Cool Man equals totally cool man. Preformers: Scotty Stopnik, Turkey, JJ, Al Knost, Kassia Meador, Tyler Warren, Meatball, Dane Reynolds, Andrew Doheny, Jake Rueter, Greyson Fletcher, Jared Mell, Joel Tudor & more. Proud Sponsors : Hurley, Captain Fin and Vans.
Scotty Kassia Dane
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Bustier – Insight insight51.com Pants – O’Neill oneill.com
Jacket – WESC wesc.com Body Suit – Pull-In pull-in.com
Jacket – Hurley hurley.com Bikini – Pull-In pull-in.com Sunglasses – Electric electricvisual.com
Shirt – Insight insight51.com Bra – Pull-In pull-in.com Denim – Volcom volcom.com Sunglasses – Filtrate filtrateeyewear.com
Top – Quiksilver quiksilver.com Shorts – Quiksilver quiksilver.com Bra – Pull-In pull-in.com Sunglasses – Electric electricvisual.com
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Words: Nico Nolan It takes more than just a few words to describe Coulter, but one thing is for certain; he is well on his way to etching his name in snowboarding history as one of the foundation bricks that holds the core together. This Storm Trooper is down for life! In his early years, after moving out to Utah from New Mexico, Coulter was known for being a jib/rail kid and began to lock down video parts season after season. Ultimately, he found his home as a backcountry killer. After multiple hammer segments, starting from Kingpin Productions to Absinthe Films, Chris was at the top of his game with sponsors supporting his every necessity, and an agent to boot. This allowed him to chase snow all over the globe, gone were the days of rail-zones with imported snow and onto some of the largest mountains in the world. Annihilating huge backcountry kickers and gaps, to crushing lines in AK, Coulter emerged as one of snowboarding’s blood-thirsty assassins, killing everything in his path. He paid his bills by charging down mountains… Coulter was a legit pro snowboarder.
Like everyone who seasonally puts in hundreds of days on the snow, injuries are an all too common struggle. Chris had a few unfortunate seasons with some injuries and a few sponsorship changes and before he knew it, somehow Chris went from having it all to having nothing. These represent the moments that separate the real riders from the little bitches who run to the flatlands looking for security in a job and end up leaving the snowboard world altogether, and Coulter is no little bitch! Taking zero time to cry about his situation he rebounded and funneled all of his energy into snowboarding. Finding a new home in the backcountry, a home that doesn’t care about anything unless you are there to respect the mountains. This is all he knows. Instead of pointless agents and ignorant team managers calling the shots, it was now all about passion and respect and taking riding back into his hands. Those are two things that Coulter’s is filled with: passion and respect. On his own terms and his own time, Chris started paying his dues in the mountains spanning from Utah to Alaska. He began working more and more towards being a guide
Photo: Andrew Miller
Photo: Andrew Miller
Photo: Will Wissman
and focused on honing his avalanche and backcountry skills, making sure that with every season that passes, he tightens the screws to his career even tighter. Typically, when riders leave the limelight to pursue the “soul surfer” side of riding, they leave the fearless, risk-taking aspect of their youth behind. Such is not the case with Coulter. Every season since his involuntary exit from the paycheck-world of snowboarding, his riding has only improved. He has now spent winters exploring new zones in the San Juan Mountains with his riding partner Skylar Holgate. Chris has tagged some of the gnarliest lines in the Wasatch and has put in the past two heli-seasons in Alaska, training with some of the best guides in the world through Seaba Heli in Haines. He still continues to send it over massive backcountry kickers, like The Rocker Gap in Utah, that he Cab 9’d this past spring. Then, once the season is over for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Coulter always does everything he can to save his money to get to South America to coach and guide with the SASS camp in
Photo: Will Wissman
Argentina. From custom building splitboards for Wasatch locals, to working on snowmobiles for cash, you can start to see the trend in his occupational choices. While most are still sleeping in bed (or still out from the night before), Chris has been up for hours either hiking, splitting or climbing his way to another peak. Coulter is a riding machine that will shred everything in his path and overcome every obstacle to get there. From taking down beastly lines that could easily end your life in Alaska, to nailing backcountry kickers that would transform most pros into a tampon lookalike, not only does Coulter still have it‌ he’s progressing! After multiple seasons with little support and just doing it his way, he has reemerged for the 2011/12 season with a crop of new sponsors that see the value in his riding and appreciate his years of commitment to this lifestyle. With companies like Yes Snowboards, Smith Optics, Seaba Heli and The Levitation Project backing Chris, Photo: Andrew Miller
Photo: Michael Azevedo
Photo: Andrew Miller
the future is once again bright for this homie. Starting off this season with a segment in the new Yes movie, it looks like he’s just getting warmed up. That’s the difference with Coulter’s style of riding; it’s in his blood and will be there until the day he dies. People retire from sports, not lifestyles. Chris is far too modest and humble about his riding so trying to get an interview out of him is not the easiest task. In just keeping it simple and right to the point I only asked him one question that he could be truthful about: What do the mountains mean to you? The mountains are everything to me. They are a place for me to calm my mind and clear the outside thoughts that keep me from being in the moment. They are a place for me and my bros to push each other to better ourselves. The mountains are an amazing arena for playing with gravity. My whole life the mountains have been drawing me in… they make me feel alive!
Photo: Andrew Miller
N LY
699 N O W
O
$
ANYTIME
S E AS O N PAS S AUG. 26TH – OCT. 31ST or until sold out!
SALE
Adult anytime season pass good any day or night during the ‘11/’12 season. Regularly $699. Pays for itself in just 5 visits. Children’s passes available as well. No restrictions.
mthigh.com / 888-754-7878 2011/2012 50ft Air Bag / Zaugg Pipe Cutter / New Bison X Park Cat / State-OfThe-Art Rental System / Increased snowmaking / FREE App for iPhone and Android / Track days ridden, runs per day, vertical feet, and more.
$349 for the first 5,000 sold. $399 for the second 5,000 sold.
BE N E F I TS I N C LU DE
10% Off non-sale retail items. $10 Off Adult ski and snowboard lessons. Valid at the North Pole Tubing Park. Guaranteed admittance during a sell out. $20 Off weekday NAVITAT Zip Line Tours. Through November 30th, 2011, and then again after April 1, 2012.
Order online at mthigh.com (credit card required)
or call the resort directly at (888) 754-7878.
*$10 processing fee applied to ALL new passes. Existing pass holders: Save the $10 when you reactivate your current Season Pass.
Words: Molly McCray :: Photos: Judith (JJ) Anderson & Adeeb Howrani // Team Commonwealth & Posse - A Wood Racquet Tradition // Pat Parnell // Ethan Wayne, Clay Peterson, Morgan Stone, Shane Baum & Johnny McCray // Matthew Fletcher with some massive topspin // Mitch Bechard, Alexis Hamilton, Anthony Gomez, Carey Pollacchi, Bud Mastropaolo & Nicholas Pollacchi // Scott Hine & Adrian Hex // Jennifer Rabbit & Nadia Vaughan, ladies champions // Molly McCray & Mindy Whelan, runner-up // Eriks Krumins, Johnny McCray, & Mark McGrath // Keevin Meehan, light on his feet // Team Rolls Royce with friends - Alex Robinson, Carla Boubes, Eve Fletcher, Mindy Miller, Roger Fletcher, John Robinson, Scott Reeder, Matthew Fletcher, Karen Stretch & Frank Blackmon Vintage tennis attire was all the rage at the 13th Annual Costa Mesa Wood Racquet Classic, held over a celebratory Labor Day Weekend. Nearly 1,000 guests, consisting of spectators, celebs, and wood racquet enthusiasts, were in attendance at the annual event, a fundraiser benefitting The John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Founded in 1999 by high school friends Clay Peterson and Johnny McCray, the Wood Racquet Classic began as a low-key gathering of old pals with a knack for dressing vintage and enjoying good times, held in the co-founders’ neighboring backyards in Costa Mesa. The tournament soon became a “must attend” event in the community, and in 2005, when Peterson’s mother, Sally Peterson, and long-time McCray family friend and former Wood Racquet referee, L. Grant Baldwin, both lost their long battles with cancer, Peterson and McCray decided to create the Wood Racquet Foundation to raise funds and awareness for this disease.
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This year’s tournament included a full weekend of events, which kicked off with Friday evening’s Champion’s Dinner at the Boathouse Collective in Costa Mesa. Tennis players, benefactors, and special guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and imbibed in various refreshments, courtesy of Glenfiddich, Pride Mountain Vineyards, and VEEV. The Palisades Tennis Club in Newport Beach was the venue for Saturday’s preliminary matches, which lead into the official tournament day on Sunday, September 4, held in its 13th year at the adjacent backyard estates of the Petersons and the McCray’s. The festive day consisted of competitive tennis action, vintage styles ranging from Fred Perry and Bjorn Borg to John McEnroe and Chrissie Evert, fun in the sun for VIP attendees, surf industry hipsters, and grandfathers and grandchildren alike. It was also a time of remembering those individuals and families whose lives have been affected by this disease.
Competition this year was fierce as long-time tournament participants and newcomers (including Matthew Fletcher & John Rinek, tournament co-host Shane Baum & Anna Bek, Eriks Krumins & Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath, Chris Brigandi & Robert Van’t Hof, Team Commonwealth’s Adrian Hex & Scott Hine (and posse), brothers Stever and Eddie Rapp, and Sam Lovell & David Pina) sweat it out in hopes of victory and the coveted WRC Champions’ trophy – an engraved Coleman cooler. The gripping Doubles Division Wood Racquet Champion final was won by Martin Zaccardo and Mark Hansen, who triumphed over Film director and CDM native McG Nichol and his doubles partner Kevin Forbes, breaking their 2-year winning streak. The Women’s Division was won with a wallop by Jennifer Rabbitt and Nadia Vaughan, who beat out Runners-Up Mindy Whelan and Molly McCray. The competitive ladies bracket included actress Bridget Moynihan & Bridget Van’t Hof, Christy Brigandi & Phyliss Newsom, and Alex Robinson & Haley Horton. Generous Wood Racquet Classic sponsors this year and past include Leisure Society, Rolls-Royce/ Newport European Motorcars, SME Live, Palisades Tennis Club, A Restaurant & Market, C4 Waterman, Epicuren, The Ramos House Café, Eye Society, Volcom, and the Boathouse Collective. A Restaurant & Market catered the tournament’s lively VIP section and kept tennis participants lubricated between matches. Event catering sponsor Rasta Taco provided delicious Mexican fare and the day’s libations were generously provided by beer sponsor Pabst Blue Ribbon. The event raised thousands of dollars this year for The John Wayne Cancer Foundation and was a successful day of fundraising, vintage tennis, and good times. A special thank you goes the Peterson and McCray families, Shane Baum & family, Leisure Society, Team Duke and the Wayne family, and all involved in organizing the annual event. For more information on next year’s event or to donate to the cause, please visit woodracquetclassic.com. For more information on The John Wayne Cancer Foundation, please visit teamduke.org.
PHOTO: DRAGONETTE
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ACTIVE TEAM RIDER: TERRELL ROBINSON BS KICKFLIP
9/15/11 2:07 PM
Photos: Ryan Muir & Bryan Derballa // Vans new partner store in NYC, the Vans DQM General, is located in a historic building at 93 Grand St. in SOHO // DQM owner Chris Keeffe and lead designer Tashi Stricker cut the Vans/DQM themed cake at the opening party // The Vans DQM General is one of a select few boutiques in the United States that carry the exclusive Vault by Vans line // Mike Muir invited the moshers to join Suicidal on stage as they closed out the set at the Vans DQM General opening party at the House of Vans in Brooklyn // Mike Muir and Suicidal Tendencies played for nearly 90 minutes celebrating the Vans DQM General opening at the House of Vans // Nearly a thousand friends and family turned out to see Suicidal Tendencies at the House of Vans in the Greenpoint area of Brooklyn // The crowd surfing started quickly after Suicidal Tendencies took to the stage // Skaters took to the concrete bowl at the House of Vans during the Vans DQM General opening party on September 16th // Skate legend Ray Barbee took to his guitar along with the twins, collectively known as Ray Barbee and the Mattson 2
For years, you’d walk through Manhattan and see all the big boys with their brand showcases in key neighborhoods throughout the city. Sure, you could buy Vans in a ton of places, but where was that one store that shows all the Vans lines in all their glory? That place now exists in the Vans DQM General, which opened its doors in mid-September with an exclusive SOHO address at 93 Grand Street in New York City.
to find the newest cut and sew and accessories from DQM, the latest from Vans across several lines including our Classics, California, Surf, OTW, Skate and Vault collections and a nice selection of boards, wheels and trucks - all in a setting that beautifully nods to SOHO’s unique heritage and personality. Vans and DQM capped off the first day of business on September 15th with a party for several hundred friends and family that included a live set by jazz trio Ray Barbee and the Mattson 2. They followed The 2,600-square foot, two story General brings together two of the that up the next night with a larger party for the community at the House most prolific names in contemporary streetwear - one rooted in Southern of Vans in Brooklyn featuring Suicidal Tendencies. Check out more and California surf and skate, the other in New York skate and street. Expect vansdgm.com.
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Words: Milk :: Photos: Le Panda // Dylan, Rhea, Dustin & Jesse Faen // Hot Girl Crew // Rhea, Dustin, Bryan Ellis & their friends // Adam & Amanda // Grady Archbold & Warren Smith // TRMS // Thom & Mike Pringle // Vanessa & Tracy // Hotties of the night // Larry & Maxime // Madison and super beardo
Squealing like a pig on coke, I made it through another workweek in this shithole called Downtown LA. I’m not a part of the rat race... I am the rat race. Fast run to everyone, with a razorblade in my hand… I mean Slow Run To No One. Insight presents, Slow Run To No One, by Welcome Rivers (I have no clue what the fuck this is, they just asked me to write that). Long story short, East Coast fun-boys Warren Smith and Grady Archbold put together a bunch of “photographs and things.” When those two say “things” that means silly photos of their buddies anus’s and let me tell you, I can’t get enough of that kinda thing, they even tossed in a few random dodes (grandpa?). Tidbits from these twos exotic travels hung from the walls... but didn’t hang as low as grandpas nuts did in the free zine they put together for the event. Tunes from TRMRS had me pogo dancing with cute Asian girls as I slugged countless drinks healthily provided by PBR and Prometheus Springs Spiced Elixirs. I think the
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girls were plenty fucked up because they didn’t even flinch at the amount of chest hair and sweat I was rubbing on their faces. At the height of my heat-on the Insight crew started tossing out Four Lokos. I thought, “Oh shit, my Saturday is ruined” and let me tell you it was... and Sunday. Just then we all got a special appearance from Tomorrows Tulips. Damn I love Al Knost, honestly, that segment on VBS a few years ago was classic. So the more I guzzled the more I wished I was Al, I guess that another story. Call me Al, let’s hang out. I’m not sure how much of the party I was conscious for but I woke up with a signed copy of Surfer Magazine from Warren Smith. Shit! He made the cover of Surfer Mag, pretty cool stuff – goes to show that everyone has got a shot. Slow Run To No One runs until October 4th at the Insight store in Venice. They have a handful of Insight Garage Artist tees done up by Warren and Grady and they are guaranteed to get you boned. Seriously... And seriously, I want to gaze in Al’s eyes.
Words: Brian Garofalow :: Photos: Keegan Gibbs & Logan Dulien // Andy Valmorbida guided tour of Central Park // Montauk (blind girl surf club) // Fuller watch out for that tree // Knost doing a Tulips solo // Julian Schnabel, Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson hanging with the crew // Julian Schanbel // PM Tenore, Herbie Fletcher & Danny Fuller // Alex Olson & Danny Fuller at Richard Hambleton Show // PM Tenore & Todd Selby at Richard Hambleton Show // Keegan Gibbs, Germiah, PM Tenore, Ford Archbold, Alex Knost, Jack Coleman & Tanner Prairie // Alex & Christina // Alex Olson, Blair Marlin & PM Tenore
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The RVCA Surf team recently headed out to New York on a mission to shoot photos for an upcoming campaign. With a packed schedule of events and activities planned, a mix of surf and ANP events unfolded that turned out to be an incredible first-time NYC experience for surf TM, Logan Dulien. It was straight off the plane to the SOHO House for a RVCA party and premiere of Polyester, Jack Coleman’s new film starring Al Knost. The SOHO House just so happens to be a members-only space that opened their doors to RVCA and 200 of our closest friends thanks to our good friend Jam-O.
on the peninsula, the next day we’re eating pizza in Julian’s kitchen with Lou Reed. Such a trip.
Getting off to a late start the next day, it was over to Central Park for some team pics shot by RVCA Advocate, Keegan Gibbs. The crew was rolling deep with Knost, Danny Fuller, Ford Archbold, PM Tenore, Tanner Prairie, Jack Coleman, and Andy Valmorbida. After that it was out to Montauk for another Polyester premiere and Tomorrow’s Tulips performance at Buenos Dias Surf Garage. Julian Schnabel took us in for a stay at his house – one day we’re home
We had to get a trip to Time’s Square, and that place is just nuts – so many different cultures just packed into one spot going a million miles an hour. Then it was one last show before we hit the road that was just amazing – a oneday pop-up show of Richard Hambleton’s most influential work, presented by Vladimir Roestin-Roitfeld and Andy Valmorbida. According to Logan, “My first trip to New York is one I’ll never forget.”
Back in Manhattan, Mickey Avedon took the crew on a tour of his Grandfather, Richard Avedon’s legendary body of work at the MOCA building. Next up was a shot out to Rockaway for a team signing at Rockaway Surf Shop. I never thought I’d see a line that big to get autographs from the RVCA surf team in New York City.
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Words: MC Hammer // Brandy Faber, Madonna & Mike Carter // Frogger & Jon Rose // Occy // Brad Gerr & Mike Parsons // DJ Albert of LRG // Laguna boys like to party // Over the hill B-Day boy & Kelly Carter // FUEL’s Pat Parnell & Tomlin in 80’s reporting mode // Frogger, Chucky, Hans, Boothy & MC // Faber-tooth tiger // Lindsey, Hurst, Jdog & Kip Arnette // Bumper, Joel Olnek, Jye & Don Dyer
If you’re reading this, chances are you attended at least a handful of 80’s Nights at Ocean Avenue Brewery when Laguna raged every Tuesday night. Well, it’s been a few years since the original 80’s Night was a weekly tradition and cause for habitually late and caffeine fueled employees every Wednesday industry wide. So just like a high school reunion (but a lot more fun), 80’s Night came back to Laguna for one night only in honor of Mr. Mike Carter’s 40th birthday celebration. The bar was packed with day-glow and hair sprayed friends dancing to beats by the original 80’s night DJ’s Chris Carter, Albert Rosario and Eddie Lee and sipping on “Sporty 40 Margi’s” powered by Peligroso Tequila. Needless to say, a fun night was had by all. Above is a pictorial of the night and some oldies as a tribute to one of the longest running parties in the OC. Long live 80’s Night!
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Words: Jon Francis :: Photos: Mike Yoshida & Delone Isaac // Scotty Wittlake in front of the theatre // Keegan Valaika // Dylan Fait // Aaron Hooper // Ryan “Huggy” Hughes, Caked Dave & Forest Bailey // Bryn Valaika, Billy Anderson, Ryan & Bonnie Boyes // Elliot Levitt & Mason Aguirre // Evan Rossell & Chris Bradshaw // Gabby Maiden // Fletcher & crew // Barry Bailey & Bonnie
September is a busy month for snowboard movie premieres in Southern California, and this night was no exception. On September 16th, GIVIN presented the world premiere of “One” in Laguna Beach to an over flowed house. The crowd gathered out front and the smell of clean ocean air from across the street was quickly over taken by the smell of booze and pot while product was tossed from the second story balcony as the doors opened and the seats were over taken. The theater was instantly packed with people sitting along the rows and a large crowd standing in the back to see the likes of Keegan Valaika, Forest Bailey, Wyatt Stasinos, Jonas Michilot, Jake Koia, Robbie Walker, Shayne Pospisil, Brendan Keenan,
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Nick Russell, Benny Urban, Timmy Ronan, D-Tale, Cody Rosental, Mason Aguirre, and Alex Stathis. Forest Bailey opened up the movie with creative snowboarding in the streets, while Wyatt Stasinos landed the 2-song ender with perfect style in the powder. The middle was mixed with half naked snowboarding by Jonas, lots of backcountry, a friend’s street section to Easy-E, and a standout part by Keegan Valaika. After the movie was over, the crowd moved to a bar known as the “Dirty Bird” for the after party where many a snowboarder, fan, friend, parent, industry mogul, and so on showed up to party with the GIVIN crew and celebrate GIVIN’s first release of “One.”
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Interview: Max Ritter :: Photo: Erin Maiden
Not many bands floating around the country these days embody a true picturesque rock n’ roll trio as hardened as Oakland’s Bare Wires. Matt Melton is the definition of DIY: constantly making music, touring in a van, and so homeless he can’t even call Oakland his home anymore. Respect DAT! His band Bare Wires have a new record out called Cheap Perfume and it’s a keeper. Read up below on the conversation we had with Matt about all things Bare Wires and his good time tunes that they call “Smooth Punk.” You guys have a brand new record out this month, pretty exciting stuff, I am a fan. Seems like it has been a long time coming. I imagine you’ve been putting this thing together for quite awhile now? Yes, I worked on Cheap Perfume for a while and I had everything recorded on a simple ¼” eight track tape machine. I tried various things. I dumped it down to 1” and messed around with it. But I ended up just mixing it down straight off the machine so it is actually only seven tracks. It’s a pretty lo-fi recording. That is kind of your typical thing right? I thought you do all the recordings in your house? Yea kind of… Well, I actually don’t have a house. All three members of our group are literally homeless and unemployed. We just kind of go around to different places and record, it’s been a real trip. D-E-D-I-Cation. This isn’t the bands first record but it feels sort of like a debut to me? Well. We are excited to have it out. Now I feel like I finally got a good lineup of members in the band that are really cool and down to tour. We are finally going to Europe for the first time. So it’s kind of like things are just sort of getting moving. We went through some lineup changes and we went around and played some shows. I feel like now I got the lineup that is going to be. I am almost hesitant to say that going into print (laughs). You guys call your tunes “Smooth Punk,” explain that… I’ve always sort of gravitated towards punk music and rock n’ roll - whether it’s power pop, glam, or whatever you want to call it. We are trying to do a punk sound but with a smooth beat. With that said, what are some of the bands you’ve been influenced by? I’ve always been a fan of The Stooges. Suzi Quatro. A lot of glam stuff. I really like the band Hello and there is a band called Kenny that is really awesome. Milk and Cookies. The Quick. Milk and Cookies definitely has a smooth punk kind of vibe to it. Since you’ve sorted rooted yourself in SF/Oakland music scene over the years you’ve had your hands in a lot of different projects besides your own bands. You produce and record other bands and you’ve taken some cool album cover photos. Any updates on any of that ‘side stuff’ going on lately? Absolutely. I grew up in Memphis, TN and I went to school there for photography. So I have a background in photography. I have always sort of been looking at the world figuring out how to make things look. Then I got into recording bands with a simple lofi tape machine and that sort of led me to where I am at now. So I decided to actually start a record label myself. Since I can take the pictures and I can record the music I
figured I might as well just put it out. It’s called Fuzz City Records. And we just had the first release come out by an all girl garage band in Oakland called The Dirty Cupcakes. It’s pretty cool. It’s really fun and they are really sweet girls. They wanted a record out and they deserved it. I’ve seen them play shows in the bay area for years. So I was like, “Ya know… I’m putting out their record.” So I recorded the band and took the picture and put it out. It’s out! (Laughs) Right now we are on tour and I’ve got my actual recording setup in the van that we are touring in. We just played the other night at Burger Records in Fullerton, CA and I was like, “What the hell.” I brought the machine in and recorded the bands sets for that night and it is actually going to be released as a tape through Burger Records. So it’s pretty cool that we have the actual recording setup with us so we can pull it out and make magic happen wherever we go. Is it digital or tape? It’s fully analog. It’s a big chunky brown machine called the Tascam 388 from the late 70’s. It takes ¼” reel-to-reel tape. Right, that is the one all the SF Bay bands are using, right? Pretty much the standard for recording analog right now? Yep everyone has got one of these machines. They are getting harder and harder to find though. I have been using one for years. I really like it a lot. It is simple, relatively easy to use, and has a definite sound. That is interesting. I am sure you are one of the influencers of that entire scene that is now using that machine. It’s a cool machine man. I have gone through more than one of them. The first one I got I recorded for like three years on it before I just squeezed every drop of life out of it. You guys live in Oakland. It’s kind of sketchy living in Oakland is it not? We have been in the bay a lot recently because it is pretty easy to exist there. We have been on tour now non-stop for quite some time. It’s almost to the point where we say we are from Oakland, CA but it’s almost not even true because we are really not there that much. But Oakland is pretty rough. There are some rough spots but it’s not as bad as everybody thinks. I feel like a lot of people are scared to go in certain spots in Oakland but as long as you are street smart and have some sense about you then you’ll be fine. The new video for “Don’t Ever Change” feels like your watching Grease. The song reminds me of the David Lee Roth’s Beach Boys cover of “California Girls,” same chord progression or something. I think that’s why I like it so much. Do you get that vibe? Yeah. The idea for the song is about high school. I never really fit in high school or had that great of experience in high school. So I thought it was kind of a cool idea. It’s definitely a fun song. There are some special guest cameos, are there not? That is true. Some bay area friends, Brontez from Gravy Train and The Younger Lovers. John Dwyer from Thee Oh Sees, amongst others. Yep! Thanks for chatting Matt. Pick up Bare Wires, Cheap Perfume people, it won’t disappoint!
The Echo, Los Angeles 9/11
Following some solid sets by FIDLAR and Cheap Time, the Davila 666 bros sonically annihilated an early Sunday evening gig here at the Echo, in support of their latest effort Tan Bajo. The crowd let loose when mid set they broke into a cover of The Nerves, “Hanging On The Telephone.” You can imagine a band with a designated tambo player and six vocalist singing punk tunes in Spanish bring some awesome sweaty energy.
Photo & Review: Max Ritter
Reviews: Max Ritter
Lil B Black Flame Free Mix Tape
Diahrrea Planet Loose Jewels Infinity Cat Recordings
This is the latest free mix tape available for download on the interweb via prodigy rapper Lil B, aka the Based God. There is beauty here in the cheesy beats and sloppy rapping. Lil B feels like the bay area’s version of Juvenile when he was in Hot Boys in the late 90’s. Ironically, there is a shout out track to Cash Money. Just waiting for him to drop the next “Back That Azz Up.” By the time this mag goes to print he will probably have dropped six more mix tapes. BLEEDAT
Debut LP from Nashville homies of JEFF The Brotherhood. They join the roster of awesome bands being ushered up by JEFF and their label Infinity Cat. The music is a butt explodingly good time. Kidding! Four of six members reportedly work at a joint called Pizza Castle but this may be their ticket out. Lookout, DP will soon be coming to a “basement, warehouse, frat bar, or dorm room” near you.
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Thee Cormans Halloween Album With Sound Effects In The Red In The Red records have teamed up with our favorite instrumental weirdo band to put out some spooky surf trash tunes for your Halloween pleasure. The first 200 copies come on limited edition glow in the dark vinyl. Also available via In The Red is a new limited edition two track 7” entitled, “Down Mitt Der Fuzz.” Get in the spirit with your fix of The Ventures gone mad.
Purling Hiss Lounge Lizards EP Mexican Summer Shredder alert. No amount of intentionally shackled production can hide how ripping this band is and they are at their finest here on their latest EP out on Mexican Summer. Philly native and mastermind behind the band, Mike Polizze, has been doing his four track thing for years and also plays in a rocking band called Birds of Maya. This is one of his best yet.
S M O Y: R B G D E T S BL!SS PRESEN
AGE: 15 HOMETOWN: NAPILI, HI SPONSORS: RVCA, DAKINE, W INDMILLS SURFBOARDS FAVORITE SURFER: DANNY FU LLER Photo: Tom Carey
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STUART GIBSON
AGE: 15 HOMETOWN: SAO PAULO, BRAZ IL SPONSORS: INDY, BONES, OAKL EY, DROP DEAD, ON FAVORITE SKATERS: PEDRO BA RROS, BUCKY LASEK, BOB BURNQUIST, CHET CHILD RESS, CHRIS COLE Photo: Ortiz
Rider: Tom Rezvan Photo: Sebastian Imizcoz
Banzai Bowls Laguna Beach
1100 S Coast Hwy Suite 106, Laguna Beach, Ca 92651 | PH: (949) 715-8989
Banzai Bowls Costa Mesa
488 E 17th St A107, Costa Mesa, Ca 92627 | PH: (949) 722-8329
P H OT O : M U R R AY
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JULIAN WILSON