The Manifold Magazine by The Manifold Magazine

music.

fashion.

profiles.

manifold breaking tradition

art.

the

Breaking the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

tradition

letter from the editor The Manifold is defined as a whole composed of different elements, something we kept in mind while compiling a team of talent from across the world to produce our first issue. We are based out of Honolulu but we didn’t want to just tell stories out of the islands. We wanted stories from everywhere about the things that made us want to ‘get up and go’. So we reached out to our friends, international and across the US. We wanted to cover things that were timeless, people who matter, in a broad range of countries, and in the subjects we care about: Art, Music, Profiles, and Fashion with that sneaky skate/surf undertone that we grew up with. We hope to keep pushing the idea of “breaking traditions” in each issue of our magazines bringing you what we screen as the sh*t that should matter. Screw mainstream media that tells you to buy this, wear this, do this.... We want you to be inspired, feel encouraged, and break your own traditions because we know that every one of you are, in fact, a manifold! If you want to be a part of this publication, don’t be shy, send us an email, a story pitch, or simply an idea to THEMANIFOLDMAG@GMAIL.COM. We want the unheard of, the local and international, the underground, the philanthropic, the gnarly and brazen stories to share with the world. Create, submit, expose. --Napua Camarillo

photo: NC location: Punalu’u (Black Sands Beach), HI the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

masthead

creative director & editor: napua camarillo sales & marketing: jermaine fletcher logo designer: rooks royal copy editor: kristie kellerman Jennifer Cavagnol emily urbainiak contributing writers: cassie walker (aus) ehren bowling (thailand) travis hancock (hi) julia currier (hi) jermaine fletcher (ny) napua camarillo (hi) genese debeaux (hi)

contributing photographers: matthew rosamilia (aus) christopher â&#x20AC;&#x153;cmartâ&#x20AC;? martin (ny) contributing illustrators: hakan aslan (tur) Special Thanks: Nicole Jones, Nicole Franco, all those who contributed and supported us, and Digital Impressions

the

manifold magazine a whole composed of diverse elements

contents ART files A brief history of graffiti to accompany our art section that highlights two talented artists who dabble in the medium.

A little inspiration goes a long way as Jasper Wong leaves a neighborhood better than how he found it.

Music

Fashion David â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meggsâ&#x20AC;? Hooke, tells us how he started bombing walls with a spray can.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Break on Free with us as we explore two natural beauties: Nelly and Hawaii...

Get exotic with our gonzo writer, Paul Rossi as he spends the night with Gothic Tropic.

26 36

We are keeping Logic in our peripherals as he comes up in the Maryland music scene.

Skater Reid Taira flips the bird for us.

40 42

The Ripple Effect Sean Reilly, Natural Koncept skater tells us why his nickname is BedPan.

A Holland woman takes giving to the next level

Style

Profiles The family that plays together stays together.

We take a trip up the coast and are reminded of how beautiful Hawaii really is.

Skatistan is breaking traditions in one place that could really use it.

Walk around Venice with Cole, Mark, and Sierra.

54 56 60 68 74

Chuck Mitsui embraces island life.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

A HISTORY OF GRAFFITI 2004 1980 1968 Cornbread and Cool Earl start painting their tags in Philadelphia. 1971

Haring creates his signature images; the Radiant Baby and the Running Figure

Taki83 is featured in New York Times as the graffiti “craze” takes hold of the city.

1984 The popular film Beat Street is released

The first street are festival is held in Melbourne, Australia; it focuses on stenciled street art in particular.

1989 started The Clean Train Movement in New York Late 1980’s The first organized documentary hits the streets titled

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

2010 Exit through the Gift Shop: A Banksy Film premiers at Sundance Film Festival

1998

2008

Paris-based street artist “invader” begins affixing ceramic Space Invader tags to walls, bridges, monuments, and subways. He goes o to tag in thirty-five cities.

Street art adorns the façade of Tate Modern in London’s first exhibition of Urban art.

Today Graffiti battles, showcases and galleries are taking place all across the globe. It’s everywhere and it only seems to keep growing.

Stories from the Canvas

according to A History of Graffiti by Caleb Neelon text x Jermaine Fletcher

There’s not a lot that can be said today about graffiti that already hasn’t been said. The art form wasn’t always appreciated as a “true” art form and according to some, it still isn’t. As of today, it’s difficult to say precisely what is thought of about graffiti, however, one thing for certain is the global impact it has created for artist. It’s arguable that it’s the earliest form of modern urban art but what matters are the marks it has made on history by always being a timeless tradition-breaking outlet and a way to express the feelings of often unheard and unspoken communities. In the U.S, graffiti developed a very unique, raw, street and uncensored way of expression. For us at The Manifold, we felt it was important to simply highlight important aspects of this bold art (seen on the timeline). One lover and curator of the graffiti culture is artist and writer Caleb Neelon. He is the co-author of The History of American Graffiti and says he approached the creation of this book by “trying to make the book we wished we could find.” What’s unique about this published work is that, “ we felt we would have to interview about 500 people from the U.S and the world.” That at the time was “more than double” of what had been published prior. “We also had to source photographs from more than 200 photographers” Neelon says. Neelon explains that the photographs seen in the book hold quite a special moment in time. Because of what graffiti has been considered, many great canvases have been deleted and undocumented. Some of the best canvases ever completed exist only in the mind of those fortunate to remember the visuals before they were erased. Learning about the key players of artists in the world was easier to come by when discussing the mega cities like New York. Information there was much easier to come by. “What was harder were the places like Boston, Minneapolis or San Diego.” Neelon explains. Caleb emphasizes that unless you have traveled to certain places

in the U.S., there was very little documentation to know about the graffiti scene throughout numerous states across the continent. If it wasn’t for such a devoted community of independent story tellers and photographers, the book probably would have been that much harder to complete. “The one aspect that cannot be denied about graffiti is the connection it has to culture, geography and history.” One artist from Hawaii by the name of Angry Woebots a.k.a Aaron Martin claims that every region’s style is closely connected to its roots. Aaron describes that cartoons influenced him and a number of other artist in the U.S. and by watching them viewers could see the similarities reflected in their art. When discussing styles world wide, Aarons says, “In Europe, they grew up with Michelangelo, Picasso and all these Renaissance painters. That was their background and you can see it.” What’s tradition breaking about graffiti is how modern artist didn’t simply mimic or copy what they saw. What’s groundbreaking is how they put their own style and flavor into the mix. “It’s amazing to me to see graffiti that’s popping up in Iran and to see things popping up in the Arab spring” Caleb exclaims. What fascinates Neelon even more is to imagine and begin seeing the areas of the world that have not produced or expressed themselves as of yet through graffiti. When they do, he believes that, “a huge talent pool will open up,” Stories from the canvas may continue for years and years to come. If books get burned and people lose record and memory of many events, art in a public eye may always find bold methods of getting exposed. In the U.S. and across the globe we live in a society full of merchandise. It is legal to advertise products, promote what they do and how much they cost All of these efforts are made to influence people to take some kind of action. Is that a fair statement? If so, what would happen if every ad could be replaced with a work of art that told a story? Until that day comes, we just have our creative imaginations. We’ll see what the future holds for the courageous. Jermaine Fletcher’s background comes from a family of musicians and artists which continues to shape his interests. After studying Broadcast Journalism, Jermaine began filming and editing for various companies across the country. He is currently working for a company in New York City after spending the last 3 years in Honolulu. Jermaine continues to curate music, art, and worthy profiles for this publication in which he co-founded. You can see more of his work at CuratorsOfHipHop.com

Jasper Wong

interview x Napua Camarillo & Jermaine Fletcher photos x Took

The right kind of Wong The simple act of painting walls opens up a whole community to the idea of graffiti. Jasper Wong is the power house behind Pow Wow an annual event that brings international artists to a grungy neighborhood to transform plain walls to spray painted collaborations. With a bunch of big ideas, a humble presence, and the will to put Honolulu on the map for art, Wong is all kinds of right!

small idea can manifest, or so I’m learning as I’m talking to Jasper Wong. He is the man behind an event that’s quite literally turned into a movement. Pow Wow, is an event that brings worthy and talented artists (40+) from all over the world to transform an otherwise overlooked industrial neighborhood into a platform for art, conversation, and inspiration. Jasper Wong, 28 is big. By this

I mean to track his record over the past 5 years he’s as Ron Burgundy would say --kind of a big deal. Wong has worked for everyone from small time companies to big time clients like Nike. Jasper Wong has become the ultimate artist--a paid one! From owning a gallery in Southeast Asia to his art show at this years SXSW, Wong is still humble and grounded. He has taken a small idea-- opening up the process of art to the public-and made it into a recognized event that is making

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

international headlines. After going to school in the artsy city of San Fransisco (California Center for Art), he spent a few mile marking years in China, where he created a gallery called Above Second. When he became frustrated with the politics of art in the fast paced Hong Kong he says, “I had a choice, complain about it, which I did, or do something about it.”

an energy that became the fuel that has powered the two Pow Wows to follow. “At first I thought about bringing Pow Wow to Berlin or Singapore, but then I thought why not bring it to my home town of Honolulu.” Unsure of how the public would take his small idea of art for the masses, and graffiti art no less, he took a chance, paired up with someone who believed in his vision (Tiffany Tanaka owner of Fresh Cafe, Pow Wow was born in Hong where the second and third Kong. The first year consisted events were held), and flew out of five artist, live music, and a bakers dozen of his friends

that spanned a spectrum of different art mediums, gave them the tools, the wall, and let them spew out their style onto one wall in the industrial area of Honolulu known as Kaka’ako. February 2011 marked the second year of this event, and with a good response from the public, the governor, and the next generation, Pow Wow, was highly celebrated this year with over 40 artists, 10 walls, and over 2,000 cans of spray paint. The actual event ended the three day stint of public art into a live art process witnessed by art enthusiasts and the random public alike.

“I wanted to show people that Hawaii is more than just hula girls and Waikiki.” We have amazing talent that comes out of here.” And he’s right. Hawaii is more than the hometown of our current president, the birthplace of surfing, and the super popular Hawaii 5-O, it’s ripe with talent, from tv stars, singers, and skaters, it’s full of artists! Every year Pow Wow grows. Last year’s event was more intimate, and this year, the walls were spread out, and it involved more than just art and artist, but the public, and bringing art lovers out of the woodwork. “People weren’t hanging out here, now they are, they’re walking around, they’re taking pictures, trying to find the walls, and it’s growing into a public piece that inspires the viewer to take graffiti

seriously. It doesn’t have to be an act of vandalism, it can be a career.”

Wong is not stopping there. He has partnered rather serendipitously with Kamehameha Schools (a powerful entity in the neighborhood) to transform that same industrial area with artists lofts and a skate park that is more installation and art active than your average skate park. After seeing Pow Wow first hand, it’s hard to imagine any negative feedback, but Wong assures me it wasn’t easy. Getting owners to agree to let some random artist, although talented no doubt, “bomb” the side of their businesses was no easy feat. It took about 10 months to plan this event. “This perhaps was the hardest year yet, getting funding, and having people trust in the process, the art, and the result has been made easier after seeing the final result”. Besides the heavy politics of the “where” Wong had to think about the “who”. ‘Everyone involved at first was friends who were artists that I trusted and who wouldn’t be a diva. You can have the most talented artist in the world but if they come together and butt heads and are divas then it’s not worth anything.” says Wong. Starting out with 5 artists at first, then 13+, to 40+ this year, Wong has created more than just an event but an artist social event. It’s great to see someone both humble and ever focused on the bigger picture--Community. Jasper Wong is breaking tradition in every sense of the word and we can’t wait to see what he does next. Follow Jasper at @MrJasperWong and Jasperwong.com

Meggs

Shortyfatz

123 Klan

Peap Tarr Katch 1

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Phibs

15 Angry Woebots

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rone Eddie Colla

“I could complain about it, which I did or do something about it.”

A few questions with Jasper Wong

How’d you go from SF to Hong Kong? I went to CCA (California College of the Arts) in Oakland and when you’re in art college they teach you conceptual thinking and critical skills but they don’t teach you how to segue that knowledge into a viable career. They don’t teach you how to do business, invoicing, contracts, etc. So when you’re in the game then you have no idea. I really wanted to learn how to translate my visual thinking into physical product. Like if I have an idea for a shoe or a bag, how do I make a physical product from that. What is the process? I moved there on a whim and tried to find my way around. I then started working for Hypebeast(.com). I ended up meeting a lot of people from that. I was still trying to get in the art game in Hong Kong. It’s a city that’s based on finance and trade. And that translates to every aspect of Hong Kong including their galleries. When you go through their gallery district it’s pretty much all painting inventory stores. They don’t do openings or shows like they do in America. I’d try to get shows in these galleries but at that time mainly Chinese art was the hot item. So either I could complain about it which I did or I could do something about it and that’s why I started Above Second Gallery. So that I could do my own shows in my own space, under my own rules. Pow Wow started because a few friends of mine wanted to bring in some DJs from Tokyo. But I thought why do you want to bring in another DJ, we get two or three a week. Why don’t we bring in some visual art too.

How did Pow Wow start? The first Pow Wow started in Hong Kong. It started with 5 people just doing live art. Me and my friend Yuie challenged ourselves to paint 9 large paintings in a week. We weren’t sure we were going to finish. The second year I wanted to do it in Berlin, Shanghai, or Singapore but I had a friend who came to the first one from Hawaii. She kept pushing me to do it in Honolulu. I feel like there’s a lot of talent here but I was born and raised in Hawaii and I didn’t think that people would be receptive. The first year was 5 artists the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

last year was around 13 and this year it was around 50 artists. This year it became more about educating too. We tried to push a heavy education initiative. It’s a three parter.. One, we teach mural painting and street art to high school kids. The other part is we have a panel. Panelists talked about how to make a career out of being creative. And the last one we offered a tour around town to educate Pow Wow visitors about the real Hawaii. Their image of Hawaii is hula girls, Waikiki, grass skirts or whatever they’ve learned from movies or tv. This was sort of to educate them about the real Hawaii for example: Queen Lili’okalani, the Palace, the Pali look out.

What type of impact do you hope to make on the community? Growing up here and going to public school here we never really had a lot of resources. You don’t get exposed to a lot. So your knowledge of art is limited. It’s the same now. They cut funding and art is the first thing to go. So it becomes important for individuals to educate. I want to educate people from Hawaii on an international scale and even on a local scale. People don’t know that some of the best graff guys are from here. Guys like BuffMonster, Slick, Katch1 they’re from Hawaii. But also to tell the world what’s happening in Hawaii. That’s why I invited Complex and Hypebeast so they can go and tell everyone. And even all the artists individually have huge followings. I’m hoping this helps jump start the creative community on a grander scale through the simple act of painting walls. Now people are walking around Kaka’ako looking for the walls, taking pictures, hanging out. That’s a powerful thing. That’s rewarding enough.

What music do you listen to? I listen to everything. At one point I was really into country, to hip hop, electro rock but sometimes I get into modes where I want to listen to audio books! Right now on heavy rotation I’ve got Xx, Elwood Black, the New Pornographers, the Roots, I’ll jump around based on my mood. Sometimes when I’m painting I’ll listen to old Japanese music or movie soundtracks like Mission Impossible. It depends on what my mood is.

“I could do my own shows in my own space, under my own rules.”

meggs

interview x Cassie Walker photos x Matt Rosamilia

Have art, will travel On a beautiful summers day photographer Matt and I drove through Collingwood’s tight but colourful streets in Melbourne. We’re set to meet up with international graffiti artist, David Hook or perhaps better known for his street name, Meggs. The studio is located on a street that’s decorated with graffitied walls, lined with design studios, art houses, clothing warehouses and a community radio station. Upon arrival, Meggs invited us in and took us on a tour of the studio, sharing memories and showing us things from the studios past then spoke of his thoughts of it’s exciting future. With a soundtrack of spray cans, a weekends worth of glass bottles, background conversation and music from the neighboring studios Meggs and I sat down for a chat. How old were you then? When did you first get into street art? I first got into street art around 2003. I just started doing stencils on the streets, really basic stencils, I messed around with a little bit of graffiti in high school but that was my ‘in’ to street art.

studied graphic design so therefore everything I was doing creatively was more structured around that. I started working as a graphic designer so everything I was doing was brief based or client work but that then lead me to do street art outside. I guess I started to get a bit bored or feel a bit confined and I wanted to get back to something that was looser and more fun.

With street art there is an adrenaline rush, how did it feel when you did that first stencil?

I was about 23, 24.

You mentioned that you messed around with graffiti in high school; did you practice any other art forms? I’ve always done illustration and bits and pieces of artwork on my own accord for many years, but I

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

I think the very first time I did it I was quite drunk but that was a year or so before I actually got into the street art thing. You’re kind of scared but it’s more just that exciting rush of doing it. I went with a couple of mates and when you have a couple other people with you it sort of helps when someone’s looking out. In the early periods I think I was more relaxed because I wasn’t thinking too much about it, but there is that nervous excitement for sure!

As you do more street art it seems like it almost becomes more of a brand and people start recognizing your work, is there more risk involved in getting caught?

I guess. The way my work has evolved, the brand that is ‘Meggs’, the art name that is known is separate from my fine art and I kind of did that deliberately. A lot of the street stuff, which evolved into more graffiti painting or character based stuff looked kind of different and was always unsigned, so those in the culture knew, but I never felt that would be a link that would put me in any risk. Definatly stuff like paste ups and stickers, yes, but I don’t feel like it’s enough along the lines of the public damage vibe to authorities to care and we’ve never had any trouble. We involved ourselves in legal projects now and lots of community based stuff as well which probably helps our profile and now Everfresh as a whole and myself, Meggs, are recognized as more legitimate artists rather than someone that the cops consider strictly graffiti and would want to track down.

Was that a conscious decision from you and the Everfresh crew to be recognized as acclaimed artists rather than graffiti artists? It kind of evolved a bit naturally as we started to do more legal work and a few different group

â&#x20AC;&#x153;..public graffiti is building so people are starting to become aware that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more facets to this culture..â&#x20AC;? the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

murals, we started to get more recognition and then more opportunities came and for sure individually as artists we’ve all wanted to ideally make a career out of what we love doing. We’ve pushed that aspect for each of us to become more legitimate artists in our own right. We’ll always have graffiti. And is that because you still love that thrill of the risk?

I guess so but personally I don’t want to take as many risks that can get me into any legal trouble as I’ve got more to lose as far as overseas visas or court costs or anything hindering what I’m doing professionally. Over the years I’ve noticed the progression of Everfresh (the crew that Meggs is associated with) and the community are more accepting of street art. You see it on t-shirts and not just “gangsters” in a stereotypical term, have you noticed that’s contributed to your success ? As a whole the culture’s becom-

ing more socially recognized and that benefits us, especially when you’re making a career as a fine artist. It’s a bit of a double edged sword sometimes. That commercial aspect can take away a little bit of the kind of spontaneity or anonymity, that kind of excitement. On a whole some ways I think it’s good, there comes more opportunities to produce public art and as you get older and you start thinking of making a living and making money and all that sort of thing, getting more opportunities to do that and producing more public art is a good thing for the community.

And now street art is being displayed in galleries and it’s interesting to see that transformation. In the early days did you get a lot of criticism from the public because you were a street artist?

It depends. The guy’s in Everfresh and myself straddled that gap between graffiti and street art, so we’ve done a bit of everything from tagging to pieces to

characters to posters to stickers to stencils to big murals and stuff so generally the public opinion is still pretty divided in that when you say street art they’ll be more accepting because it’s image based stuff or it’s things they can relate to and like to look at. If you say graffiti a majority of people still say “tagging is bad, we hate tagging”, but I think that’s shifting a little bit now as more quality public graffiti is building so people are starting to become aware that there’s more facets to this culture and you can’t just have a black and white view on it. We’ve always had pretty positive responses from any public projects we’ve done so that’s a good thing but there’s probably a lot of unspoken stuff you wouldn’t advertise that you did, it’s just for that rush that I’m sure a lot of people wouldn’t have liked.

By creating art outdoors and in public spaces it is prettyshort term and most likey be covered up or removed or the effects of nature will take its toll. Do you see that as an advantage to keep your art fresh and new? Is there anything you miss?

21 One thing I’ll miss is the train lines that I used to travel along. The Belgrave, the Lilydale line through Richmond station, that canyon to Camberwell, I had some great stuff up there but all that area got buffed and the city lost of a lot of graffiti history in those spots so it’s a real shame that happened. As for other street work goes, I guess you could look back and wish a few of things had stuck around but ultimately the stuff that I want to stay permanent is commissioned, larger scale works anyway, the other smaller stuff, yeah I’m always prepared for that to be transient and as long as it’s documented you’ve got something to look back on. Do you document all of your work? Most of it, yeah. With the technology now you can just get your phone or digital camera straight away. It’s always been a key thing in graffiti culture because everyone’s always been aware that this stuff doesn’t last and

if you want records of what you do they take photos.

What I like about your art is the use of colour, like all graffiti it stems from the bright but limited colours available on spray cans. Is that the origins of your inspiration? I guess so, but it’s probably more my education in graphic design. We went over a lot of colour theory and the natural sense of colour. It’s definitely influenced by such things as a graffiti culture, but sometimes you just see certain colour combinations that just work. When you first start out you experiment with a lot of different colours and then as you mature you hone that down to understanding more selected colour palettes. And what about the subject, I noticed you have themed exhibitions?

For each of my solo shows I’ll have a specific theme in mind so I’ll build a body of work around that theme. I like it so the whole space is based around one thing, in between that when I produce paintings I’ll have little ideas that will prob-

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

ably stem from the larger themes but didn’t quite fit or things I just want to paint, so I guess there is the underlining duality theme of personal emotive influences in my work that is about expressing distress or frustration or energy to express, which is personally how I paint and it all sort of reflects on pop culture trends and society and how I see different social events and the vibe. I think you absorb it as an artist, I try to paint stuff that relates to me personally. I try to be honest in my work and my personal interests. And this space that we are in, which is your studio, also houses a lot of creative people who also work here. Do you feel inspired here? Yes, I think definitely in the beginning years. The studio is now structured differently, people are more separated in their areas, but initially Everfresh was a communal table and everyone worked around each other and that was definitely a major developing and learning period for me. Now we still share a knowledge of the basic stuff like painting techniques, new materials or how someone’s doing something. I think it’s important. I like having my own room to paint but I find it’s really important to have that creative group around you.

Your whole career, particularly with Everfresh has been about the creative social aspect…And you’ve got a network outside of Australia, you’ve travelled all over the world with your art, which is incredible, what’s coming up for you?

I don’t know, I still feel like it’s still in the beginning stages. More travel; the travel part is actually becoming a more important part of what I do. It’s definitely pushing myself further and it’s necessary to branch out into new areas, especially in the USA, my contact base is really growing and there’s potential for more exciting projects happening there so I’m going to Hawaii for the Pow Wow event and then a solo show in White Walls in San Fransciso in July and then another solo show in Melbourne.

“I try to be honest in my work.”

Melbourne will always be my hometown, so even if I’m not based here I’ll always be coming back to do shows, producing and making projects happen, working more graphics with snowboards and t-shirts. You can follow Meggs on twitter @HouseofMeggs or check in at HouseofMeggs.com

Cassie Walker is a music TV presenter and venue booking agent in Melbourne, Australia. Cassie will be sharing her stories and secrets of life in the music industry and bringing interviews from the land down under. When Cassie isn’t at a gig she enjoys chai tea, nail polish and her goldfish Nikki Sixxx and Tommy Lee. Cassie is OCD with her wardrobe and needs to be banned from lip stick and leopard print.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

break on free Photography x Napua Camarillo Styled x Julia Currier Modeled x Johnelle Anderson the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Nelly is wearing: bathing suit x insight, vintage high waisted shorts x levis , modern & vintage jewelry, vintage hat

Napua Camarillo is originally from Hawaii but considers herself tricoastal. She currently lives on Oahu but hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite gotten rid of the travel bug yet. She dreams of shooting Balinese sunsets, and surfing friendly turquoise waves. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an artist at heart and hopes to share what she feels worthy in this magazine which has come to be her baby. You can follow her at IsleOfFashion.tumblr.com, @naptime_ on instagram, and @abitofaloha on twitter.

Johnelle or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nellyâ&#x20AC;? Anderson is a very talented jewelry maker working under the design name Feathered Skull. You can check out her designs on Etsy.com/featheredskull or follow her on featheredskull.com to ride shotgun on her daily adventures.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Dress x Missoni, scarf x missoni, SDVTG Reconstructed Vintage Button up, heels x Jeffrey Campbell

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Vintage lace crop top x Versace, sheer Asymmetric skirt x Forever 21, wedge Heels x Jeffrey Campbell, mixed modern & vintage jewelry, vintage glasses

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Cropped Ribbon Top x Forever 21, shorts x American Apparel, ankle boots x Lucky, Vintage Jewelry

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Vintage Snoopy Shirt , Vintage Shorts

Gothic Tropic Y

our eyelids slowly peel open. Shutters on aging farmhouses open with more ease. Your head pounds in perfect time to an unseen drum. That obscene flavor in your mouth is last nights Jameson and stale cigarettes. Moments like these you know your mother would be proud. The first solid thought to solidify runs along the lines of “Where the fuck am I?” As soon as it hit your mind, the creaking of a geriatric door splits the silence. A pair of tattered running shoes emerges from the interior of the door. On the other end of these worn shoes is Daniel Denton. He’s a pulled piece of taffy, tall and lean. He’s totting an oversized bottle of water; periodically taking sizeable tugs from it. His clothes are damp with sweat, as he has just finished a 10-mile run moments before. Which is made all the more astonishing knowing he was up until at least 3 a.m. that morning and had made his way through no less than three bottles of wine. Keep in mind it is now only 7 a.m. He mutters something under his breath “I feel like shit.” Paces across the room and begins to stand inverted kicking his legs into the air and against the the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

text x Paul Rossi photos courtesey of Gothic Tropic

“Dynamite comes in small packages.”

wall. Viewing this helps to turn your stomach. “Shouldn’t have opened that third bottle. It got dark.” You can’t do much but agree with a mild shake of your head. He comes down from his handstand and paces the room. Takes a swig from his water, hesitates “How much of the show do you remember?” You drag your mind like a harbor detective searching for evidence. “Slim to none. Slim skipped town.” He smirks and lets out a laugh “Pile.” Running your fingers through your hair trying to mellow the sound of that imaginary drum, and just like that a flash of hazy memories crash against your synapsis. Here is that collision: You find yourself standing in a venue/ bar all in one extended space. It’s calm. It’s quiet. It’s comfortable. A cold beer is thrust into your hands, “Cheers”. The hand extended in front of you has two attachments, a disposable cup filled with red wine. The other is a wrist, to an arm, to tiny framed and stature that is Liv Marsico. She is, in short, adorable. She is draped in an off white dress and leather jacket and what appear to be combat boots. You ask typical questions to keep a conversation flowing. The entire time you get the sensation she is sizing you up. For what reason, you are unsure, and you don’t intend to find out. Dynamite comes in small packages. She makes her way to the stage and

plops down behind her drums. Leaning forward picks up her drumsticks, and this is when your curiosity is fully peaked. She has a traditional grip. To the layman this typically means, jazz. Which typically means, good. Which typically is untypical of most Los Angeles based bands. “That’s all I remember at the moment”. Danny laughs, brings that giant water under his mustache and swigs away. He mentions, “Isn’t it your job to remember, pile.” Some arguments you loose immediately. He sits down in front of his Wurlitzer and fiddles the keys. With his back to you he offers “Margaritas?” What’s left of your unturned stomach quickly flips. What’s left of your brain cells replies, “Who’s driving?” Simply stated without him batting an eye, “You. Dick”. As you make your way to your feet the blood flees from your head, your knees buckle, and you sway like a palm. As your vision blurs another memory racks into focus. Here is that development: Her hands are wrapped around an acoustic guitar, a pair of fringed black tights pendulate in perfect time to her strumming. “It’s a toss up between the time the mermaids thrived and 1,500 BC Egypt, specifically the royal chambers.” As unrealistic as the question “where would you travel in time?” is, her answer is equally offbeat. For the main reason that the question arises, “Does she really believe in mermaids?” Her playful brown eyes say, “I do”. This is Gothic Tropic’s guitarist, front-woman, and creator Cecilia Della Peruti.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

“What three bands would you love to tour with?” She strums her guitar a bit, searches her memory banks, smirks “The Flaming Lips, because they’re fun. Gravy Train, because they’re fun.” She hesitates and looks in Danny’s direction. He stares back at Cecilia, and then to you “I don’t know”. Bemused you ask, “So where did the name Gothic Tropic come from?” She stops strumming and giggles, “It started as a solo project that I didn’t intend to taking seriously, for once, and it initially just cracked me up.” She laughs again, turns to a poster on the wall, and with parodistic intention says, “Like being a crusty/dangerously adventurous punk rooted adolescent who didn’t have a dark soul, but just liked to party.” Shoulder to shoulder, with your elbows resting on the bar. You slowly swirl the contents of a margarita glass as you fumble with bits and pieces you have of the night before. “Can you switch it to the Clippers game.” Danny’s face lights up as his request is made. Without breaking his concentration from the game he asks, “So what are you going to do?” Raking the river bottom, and all you can come up with is “I’m trying to figure that out”. You nip at the salty sweet concoction in your glass while you stir salsa with a stale chip. The imaginary drum is back. Slower this time, much more

gentle. To your surprise it’s not your head, it’s Danny’s fingers tapping a bass line into the bar. This is a solid punch to your memory banks. Here is that blow: The type of bass that makes the stagnant air shiver. The low rumble that makes your clothing quiver. Danny sways as he rumbles note after note into the amplifiers. It’s smooth. It’s clean. It’s crisp. A snare drum fires off. Toms and cymbals are quick to follow as Liv rolls on her drums. The crowd is sparse and spread out. Echoes of a guitar begin laying over the driving beat. Heads begin to turn. Bodies slowly migrate together. Cecilia wails into the microphone, her voice fills the gaps between now swaying bodies. The tempo raises and falls. Songs with titles like “Kill Lloyd Opus” and “Flesh Dance” are pumped fervently into the listener’s ears, and one thing has become abundantly clear, the crowd is now static. Bobbing heads and tapping feet have evolved into wave of hair and limbs. A raucous of clapping and cat calls take the place of ringing guitars and drums, and in a simultaneous occurrence all three members reach for either a beer or cup of wine. Cecilia approaches the microphone and proceeds to thank the crowd for coming. She professes her love for them, the venue, the other bands on the bill, and ultimately everything. As quickly as the on slot of sound stopped, it begins again. A guitar bends sound waves in the air. Liv squirms in anticipation awaiting her cue. Sticks met stretched skins and a current of auburn hair swirls in unison. Danny digs his fingers into the neck of his bass guitar, looking as though he may be trying to pull it apart. Cecilia unleashes

into the mic, and stomps her feet at tiny invisible monsters crowding the stage. It’s the last song and they are making full use of it. What started off as a crowd sitting on their hands has turned into a ball of energy feeding off the sounds created by these three musicians. In short, Gothic Tropic is an ensemble of a dying breed, real musicians. You remember what those are right? What real music sounds like. A sound created in adolescent bedrooms, multiple cluttered garages, and empty studio spaces. No one sends in texts to vote for their favorite idol. Hires image consultants and public relation hounds to sniff out what’s hip. Just three intelligent, talented, well-rounded, authentic musicians, coming together to make damn fine music and spread only the best of vibes. Do yourself, the band, and modern culture a favor: look them up and give them a listen.

After years of traveling, couch surfing, living on boats and tour buses, Paul Rossi has temporarily settled in San Clemente California where he is launching his art-centered company “Death Rattle.” For updates on his work check out his website: www.deathrattle.org or his blog: www.blogspot.miserydrinking.com.

logical thinking

Interview x Jermaine Fletcher Image courtesey of Logic

Out of Maryland is a young, witty, and energetic emcee that’s making a name in a big way. His personal drive is like that of The Energizer. The name he’s created for himself along with his team has grown tremendously and many of the successes are accomplished on an independent level. His well-polished music videos went from thousands of views to millions over the course of the past years but his success and growth is far from overnight. Meet Logic.

What life experiences have influenced your pursuit and drive as an artist? I left home when I was 17. My mother was a single mother so growing up without a father was a big thing but I heard that in all the rap songs which was great and why I could relate to them. It made me realize that we are definitely all equal.

Pun’s Beware. There are all these crazy artist that no one really shows any recognition to because it’s been so long since they have passed. How important is the multi-media and social network world to your career?

So much is an influence. Everything, especially dealing with girl experiences. Getting your heart broke and going through all kinds of things gives more people a reason to relate to my music.

A lot of people have too much pride like “I’ll let other people do that.” I’m hands on you know what I mean. I don’t give a damn. Even when I’m on Kanye status, I’m going to be on my blog like “Check out my new shit.” It’s very important to let people know that you’re still hungry and that it will never go away.

How important to you is it to have knowledge about artist that came before you?

What is one of your personal philosophies or motives to keep you on track?

I’m never going to forget it. Everybody talks about Biggie and Pac all the time. Those are the ones you hear because they had the most effect on the east coast and west coast but there’s Big-L that did Casualties of a Dice Game. Real intricate storytelling… stuff that you would basically see on the big screen. You go from that to Big

You have to wake up everyday and believe that you are wherever you want to be. Whether you want to be an underground artist or a superstar. I visualize that that’s who I already am; of course in a humble state because if the people do not believe that your talent exceeds theirs, then you’re not going to get there. You have to believe it and you have to make them believe it to get to that level.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

"You have to wake up everyday and believe that you are wherever you want to be.â&#x20AC;?

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Reid Taira is more than just a handsome face. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the drummer for Humble Souls, an active skater in the community, and a lifeguard on the island of Oahu. Girls, get in line. the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Sean Reilly

Interview x NC images x Christopher Martin

I met Sean Reilly at a pirate pool party of all places. He had a smudged on John Waters mustache above his upper lip and he was splashing around in the pool like a 5 year old. I knew right away we’d get along. Since that day two years ago I’ve learned that he’s one of the more funnier people I know, his nickname is appropriately “Bed Pan” and his wife/life is his skateboard. He’s been described as a local legend, one of the most generous and friendly people around, and a community standout. Here’s a few questions with Bed Pan himself and take a peek into the world of photographs that capture his insanity. What are your hobbies outside of Where are you from? Kailua, Oahu When did you start skating? 1989 Who are your sponsors? JNCO, 808 skate, Natural Koncept, Gravis, APB, Downbeat Diner, Poetree, In4mation, Ezryder, Venture Gnarly injuries? Head, elbow, head, swelbow, luckily I have small nuts or those could have been injured. Who are your biggest influences? Doc Ellis, Tom Penny, Kahlil Gibran, Sean Payne, Jim Morrisson Where have you traveled for skating? Kauai, Maui, Big Island, Waianae, Japan, USA East to West, Ireland, Mexico

skating? Running, bus boying, mixtapes, p90x

What was the best advice you’ve ever gotten? A doctor in San Diego told me I should never drink alcohol again! FAVORITES: Favorite trick to do? No comply Fav skate/street/spot to skate? St. Louis (Kenny’s spot) with the ghetto blaster, maybe a brewska, a basketball, a lil wax, too much fun! Favorite skate video? Timecode, Non Fiction, Naughty, and Portfolio are all videos that inspire and stay timeless in my little head. Favorite skater and why? Bernardo Bernard, no explanation necessary LOVE/HATE: What do you love about where

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

you’re from? 808 skate

What do you dislike? Kailua has really small waves, I like big ones What do you love about making skate videos? Looking at the finished product and realising how awesome my friends and life is! What do you hate? Mini dv tapes and vhs players are on the verge of extinction. What do you love about touring? Trying to do blunt kickflips in every state! Hate? Squeezing 12 dudes in a 8 seater ottomobile and sleepin in a room with the same fellas and 1 bed. Share with us a funny/gnarly/ crazy skate story from your adventures. .In San Diego I entered a skate contest and got second. I was stoked so I celebrated by drinking 6 icehouse 40’s at a friends

house. I’m not sure if it was the fact that I got second or that they had Icehouse 40’s for only 98 cents either way it had me in such a party mode! Anyways I woke up the next morning in a strangers house on their couch with a note saying if I needed to use a phone or help with anything to wake the roommate down the hall. I walked down the hall and knocked, waking up a cute college girl. I asked her what was I doing on her couch. She said her roommate was walking home at 2am and saw me asleep in the middle of a fog covered intersection, so dragged me out of the street and into their living room. I said thank you and apologized for urinating on their couch, then I spent the next hour wwalking around the neighborhood until I found my friends house.

Sean Reilly films skate videos in his spare time and his next Bedpan Production, You wanna wallie my polejam? is set to be released at the first annual skate film festival at the Academy of Art in Honolulu August 1, 2, 4.

"I said thank you and apologized for urinating on her couch...â&#x20AC;?

photo x Napua Camarillo

denver, co

san fransisco, ca the manifold magazine

birmingham, al issue 1 breaking tradition

for more photos by christopher martin go to cmartphoto.com

east la, ca

denver, co beverly hills, ca

birmingham, al

memphis, tn the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

beverly hills, ca

memphis, tn denver, co

kailua, hi

beverly hills, ca memphis, tn

beverly hills, ca

san diego, ca

The Ripple Effect H

ave you ever seen a piece of clothing you were so in love with that you simply had to have it? Something so wonderful that you’d pay in blood? The thought occured to Jasmijn Andringa, the 30 yearold beauty behind The Red Rail. She brought attention to the need for blood donation in the coolest of ways, fashion. Back in 2010, Andringa created The Red Rail. Donate blood, get a raffle ticket, win a piece of clothing straight off the runway from one of Hollands best 18 up and coming designers. This is merely one of her

ripple effects. Through the company, Foundation Noble, (which Andringa was the director for) she helped out a lot of companies in need. Foundation Nobel is what she describes as “a communication agency driven by a group of creative forces”. So, think filmmakers, creative directors, ad agencies and producers who donate their time to collaborate on projects for companies who have the desire to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities. The Red Rail for example was a way to link a youthful audience with a love for fashion to the worthy cause of donating blood. She took on representing non profit organizations and companies in need of PR and

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

text x Napua Camarillo image x RNCO

marketing. This project in itself is inspiring, but even more so is the drive within Andringa. Upon graduating from college as a documentary filmmaker, Andringa spent time traveling, eventually settling in India which she says, “Really put things in perspective for me.” She found the country to be such a fascinating contradiction. Jasmijn Andringa

“...think about giving without necessarily expecting something in return.”

“In the chaos of New Dehli, I found my peace,” she remarks. “Traveling or living somewhere on the other side of earth is already enriching of course, but living or traveling in India is that times 100. You will be in situations that you never thought you would be in

and you have to develop your intuition and sense of self knowledge. India opens all of your senses.” Andringa spent some time doing volunteer work and attending the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Before she knew it a year and a half had passed. I can imagine this is where everything connected for her and where the ideas for her company were birthed. When she returned to her native Holland she created the Stichting Nobel or Foundation Noble. Fast forward two years now and Foundation Noble is a non-profit corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication agency that uses any money earned to expand their reach into doing more projects similar to that of the Red Rail. “On a basic level we just took fashion as a vehicle, a Trojan horse, to get the attention of our target group by speaking their language,” Andringa said. “But there is a bigger picture. On another level, we challenge them to not only try and look

cool but prove that they are cool. Have them think about ‘giving’ without necessarily expecting something in return as these items are created with this spirit in mind.” This is just one of the projects that Andringa has put together. Currently she is looking into efforts on more of an international level and has stepped down as director focusing her time on volunteering in places like the Philippines.

A ripple effect is a simple act of kindness that spreads like an infection. We are in love with highlighting people who embody this idea, so, if you know someone who is making a difference, pitch us their story at TheManifoldMag@gmail.com

McGillville text x Napua Camarillo photos courtesey of McGill family

The family that plays together stays together. An interview with a brother sister duo that’s become surfing’s most promising up and comers turned into full fledged admiration and family envy. A few hours with the McGills and you’ll want to be adopted, for real. As I tour their North Shore home complete with velvet paintings, antiques, a downstairs half pipe, personal photography studio, tire swing, and outdoor living room, I begin to see just how their lifestyles are breeding the next big things in competitive surfing. Welcome to McGillville.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Mike McGill, head of the family has the essence of a punk rocker, reminding me of Mike Ness (lead singer of Social Distortion). He welcomes me into his home and cracks me open a Heineken. I, of course, accept and become a fly on the wall in full observance of their family life and lifestyle. McGill has just wrapped a shoot on the East coast of Oahu as his wife, Lindsay, strides in looking like a fitness model, tall, blond, athletic build with a smile that lights up a room. The couple is gorgeous and for lack of a better word: cool. Mike is a well known photographer who’s photographed the likes of Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Britney Spears, and Mandy Moore to name a few. And Lindsay’s got her own production company called Minnow 11 where she’s worked with Annie Leibovitz and Tom Munro (both bigwigs in the world of fashion photography). I snoop around their house, riffling through their family calendar that hangs on their bright red 50’s style refrigerator. Dax, 14 and Finn, 12, are showing their presence in the surfing world winning titles and making a name for themselves. I admire the trophies that line their rooms and begin to fully understand that I’m in the presence of the famous before they are famous.

I always admired people who knew what they wanted to do at such an early age. But what’s more awesome is the family that supports and uplifts the dreams of their inner circle. For a photographer and a fashion shoot producer Hawaii isn’t perhaps the most beneficial place for their careers. However, putting the already budding careers of their children first is paying off. Dax, 14, and Finn, 12, have won the National Scholastic Surfing Association’s compe-

tition for each of their age groups in 2011 not to mention Dax’s brought home a win in her first overseas competition in Panama in April for the ISA (International Surfing Association). She became the second youngest to win the title in the 18 and under division. There’s no stopping her there, she’s bound for reigning the surfing world, blogging for Foam magazine, being buzzed about all over the surfosphere, and being stunningly beautiful doesn’t hurt either. And Finn isn’t too far behind ruling in his divisions and staying on track towards surfing stardom. Here’s a few questions with the entier McGill family. FAVORITE BREAK: DAX: restaurants LINDSAY: same - it’s amazing. FINN: Cloudbreak MIKE: Lunch!!!!! FAV THING ABOUT HAWAII: DAX: The waves. Seeing the Van’s Triple Crown in front of our eyes. LINDSAY: It’s a bit like a playground, like we’re at some fun ‘adult recess’. FINN: It’s beautiful, beautiful people and waves. MIKE: Slow drivers, the people and their lust for life & the focus on friends and family. FAV ALBUM TO LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW: DAX: I like different music for different things. Sometimes I like to listen to music that pumps me up - like old eminem. Sometimes I like to dance, sometimes I like to listen to Uncle Jack to cruise. LINDSAY: I’m a dork. Prairie

Home Companion from Garrison Keillor. Or maybe HONK. FINN: The Buzzcocks, Goons of Doom, New York Dolls, Jack Johnson MIKE: Anything Bowie, The Pixies FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: DAX: That we all surf together. LINDSAY: That & the total, complete chaos. I know these years don’t last forever. So I’m going to ride the horse in the direction it’s going... FINN: We all skate and surf together MIKE: They are my best friends! WHAT DO YOU HOPE COMES OUT OF SURFING SOMEDAY? DAX: me as world champ. haha. i love how music, art and surfing kind of blend together. LINDSAY: hmmmm....I love innovation combined with power.

I’m a fan of ‘sports theory’. I love the fact that you can take the old russian sport system approach to surfers and the formula just doesn’t work. the most trained surfer isn’t always the best. there’s that ‘X’ factor.... FINN: To surf on the ASP & surf for a living, that’d be siiick MIKE: To surf with Dax and Finn’s kids someday WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOU ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS: DAX: Lots of traveling. I love everything about travel. Hopefully win some more NSSA titles, add to my bag of tricks and hopefully storm the ‘CT someday. LINDSAY: perfect my 1-1-2-3 combo. Plant a garden. FINN: Grow a mustache, win a junior pro MIKE: Still be kickin’ DOES HAVING A SIBLING THAT’S A COMPETITIVE SURF-

ER HELP IN YOUR OWN COMPETITION, AND HOW? DAX: Yes. Finn pushes me to charge harder, try new tricks, and basically surf more like the boys. But it does get annoying if he cuts me off. FINN: For sure, if they do somethng good, barrels, airs--- I try to do it better. WHO’S YOUR HERO? DAX: In surfing - Carissa because she’s so innovative. In life? Anyone who can make it when everyone says they can’t. FINN: My parents, they let me do so many fun things and Bill Murray. SPONSORS (SAME FOR BOTH): VOLCOM, NIKE, T&C SURF, ELECTRIC, VESTAL, CREATURES, BUBBLE GUM WAX YEARS SURFING: DAX AND FINN: Since I was in my mom’s belly.

“my hero is anyone who can make it when ev-

eryone says they can’t” --Dax

DAX

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Lindsay shot by Mike

Mike and Dax surfing Waikiki

Dax & Finn’s Volcom Ad

FINN

Beautiful people and beautiful waves.”--Finn

Mike

“Hawaii is beautiful.

Daybreak

Photography x Napua Camarillo Styled x Julia Currier Modeled x Julia Currier the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Sheer Galaxy Jacket x Romwe, Dress x City Triangles

Bathing suit x Rip Curl/Heather Brown Series, Mesh drape sweater x Rogan

Silver Maxi Dress x Kai Boutique

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

vintage dress, heels x aldo

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition Crop top x American Apparel, Black Maxi Skirt,Vintage Hat

Vintage numbers leotard, Vintage high waisted shorts, Vintage Leather jacket, Ankle platform boots x Opening Ceremony

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Vintage Llama Sweather, Tights x American Apparel tights, Platform lace ups x Steve Madden

Skatistan What is Skateistan? In simple terms, it’s Afghanistan’s first skateboarding school. But by adjusting to the culture, they offer separate days for boys and girls ages 5 through 17. One of the mission statements for the organization is to provide safe recreational and educational facilities for youth. Excelling way beyond just a facility, Skateistan is growing as an international center of inspiration and cultural exposure.

text x Jermaine Fletcher images courtesey of Skatistan

media does a poor job of delivering a clear and positive message about what takes place in Afghanistan. One of the major goals of the work being done at the school is to “bring youth from different backgrounds together.” Like many regions across the world there is a history of tension within and among the different groups there. By bringing the youth together at Skateistan, they create the chance for “positive change and unifying people from all backgrounds not just all Afghan people”

When describing his work experience at Skateistan, Brandon Gomez who is an Exectuive Assistant says it doesn’t feel like a job, nor a career but “It’s a part of my life now.” He is responsible for documenting much of what is gathered at Skateistan through multi-media outlets.

What’s an average day like at Skateistan?

One of the first statements Gomez made when commenting on the region of Afghanistan pertained to misconceptions. He says the

On the streets, things look more different than some could imagine. Kids can be skating on the street but at the same time you might

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

“Nothing is normal! The winter had been one of it’s worst in 20 years.” Water was frozen and at one point there wasn’t running water for 2 months straight…electricity can be in and out as well,” Gomez laughingly explains.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

have Police with AK-47’s just watching out of curiosity. But don’t get the wrong impression; it’s mostly friendly observation. All and all, Afghanistan isn’t that different from many other places in the world. You have an upper class and a lower class. People there are just trying to make a living for themselves like people everywhere. Skate instruction is given by experienced international skateboarders as well as some of the very first kids to step on a skateboard in Afghanistan, who now work with Skateistan as skate instructors. One of those native skaters is Merza Mohammadi. Merza now works at Skateistan as an instructor and his day-to-day work includes cleaning, scheduling and teaching. At the end of the day, he just loves to skate himself. “Everyone wants to be the best! ” Merza says. Skateistan The Movie We at The Manifold Magazine, first learned about the movement of Skatistan through the feature film released at the Hawaii International Film Festival. It was there we met with Rene Kock who was one of the producers of the film attending for Q&A. What inspired you to first be involved in this film? My director friend Kai Sehr sent me this article from the German news magazine ‘Der Spiegel’ that talked about this weird idea of a couple of Australians wanting to open a skateboard school in Kabul, Afghanistan. I read this brief article and was immediately hooked. What a great idea these guys had, to connect to the urban Afghan youth through skateboarding!

I managed to track down Oliver Percovich, the Skateistan founder and director, and finally reached him on his cell in Kabul. (On my first visit to Afghanistan he actually showed me the dirt road intersection where he stopped his motorcycle to take my initial call.) - A month later we met in Germany where Oliver was invited to attend a Skateistan fundraiser. During his visit, Nadia, our editor, and I produced a 7-minute short that was cut out of some DV footage that Oliver had shot himself. This short explained and illustrated the work Skateistan did with the street kids in Kabul and it helped Ollie to raise the first $ 50k from the German government for the Skateistan skate park. Ollie and I really hit it off when we first met in person and he granted us the exclusive rights to produce a feature-length documentary. What do you hope audience members walk away with after watching the film? We hope that people will leave with a more realistic picture of Afghanistan than what they have seen before in the Western media coverage, which mostly focuses on the negative aspects of life in Afghanistan. We want people to understand that there is irrepressible hope in the Afghan youth, that kids all over the world are very much alike and that Afghanistan has more children than most other countries on earth. To learn more about Skateistan visit www.skateistan.org the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Summer of sun

Photography x Sierra Prescott

Styled x Brittany Hampton Modeled x Cole Gerdes & Mark Grurich (FORD Models) Hair x Jonathan Mason Makeup x Natasha Scher the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Mark: Shirt x Dirty Hollywood Tank top - $38.00 - Kitson LA - www.shopkitson.com, Shirt x Kinetix Tank top - $38.00 - Kitson LA, Shorts x Hartford Board Shorts - $38.00 - Kitson LA Cole: Shirt x Hozell Tank Top - $38.00 - Kitson LA - www.shopkitson.com, Shorts x Sundek BoardShorts - $118.00 -Kitson LA - www.shopkitson.com

Cole: Shirt x Dirty Hollywood Tank Top - $38.00 - Kitson LA, Shorts x Hartford Board Shorts - $138.00 Kitson LA the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Mark: Jacket x Aviator Nation Hoodie - $165.00 - Kitson LA - www.shopkitson.com, Shirt x American Eagle Basic V Neck Tee - $24.50 - American Eagle - www.ae.com, Shorts x Rebel Yell Sweat Shorts - $78.00 - Kitson LA - www.shopkitson.com, Sandals: Stylist Own Cole: Jacket: American Eagle Red Jacket- $69.99 - American Eagle - www.ae.com, Shirt x ZaneRobe Tank Top - $58.00 - Kitson LA - www.shopkitson.com, Shorts x American Eagle Cargo Short $39.50 - American Eagle - www.ae.com, Shoes x Converse - $50.00 - Converse - www.converse.com

Mark: Shirt x Hozell Tank Top - $38.00 - Kitson LA , Shorts x Sundek Board Shorts - $118.00

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sierra Prescott is a bona fide California skater girl with a splash of goofball joie de vivre. Besides photographing people, smiling and laughing are the things she does best. She is currently building her portfolio capturing the faces and fashion of LA. For more of her work, please visit www.SierraPrescott.com

Chuck mitsui

text & images x Napua Camarillo

5 Ways Chuck Mitsui has embraced Hawaii

2. 1.

For nearly two decades, Chuck Mitsui has become a community figure on Oahu. And while that may not seem such a groundbreaking feat, read on and find out why heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made paradise that much better!

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

After first coming to Hawaii to get a degree in Marine Science, Mitsui shifted gears and opened the first skate-only board shop in the Hawaiian Islands appropriately called 808 Skate in 1995. After sharing the reins with surf brand, Hawaiian Island Creations, for a few years, 808 reclaimed their own space last year that comes fully equiped with a team half pipe in their back warehouse for those rainy Kailua days.

After starting 808 Skate, Mitsui began filming commercials and shorts for his company, discovering talent like Sean Reilly (see page 48) and Anton Glamb. Mitsui got a taste for filmmaking and made his debut in 2010â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honolulu International Film Festival (HIFF) for the movie One

Kine Day, a film he wrote and directed. The film starred newcomers (Ryan Greer)and veteran actors alike (Crista B Allen, 13 Going on 30). The film got rave reviews in SF, LA, Chicago, and Philly not to mention an audience choice award at the HIFF. It has been described as one of the more real depictions of life in Hawaii. Check for the indie movie One Kine Day, in your local Redbox. For a preview go to OneKineDay.com

Refusing to settle in the more populated area of Oahu, Mitsui, would much rather enjoy the lush windward side of the island with the mountainside as his backyard (pictured here). It’s a place he describes as “the real Hawaii”.

Mitsui has been described as being a community role model hosting skate contests, having bbqs, and through ASH offering classes on screenprinting and video editing for very reasonable rates. Mitsui is more than just a business owner, he sees a bigger picture within the community.

Mitsui founded ASH, the Association of Skaters in Hawaii in 1996, where their mission was/is to provide safe places for skateboarders to practice their sport. In fact, Mitsui was the driving force behind almost all of Hawaii’s skate parks in 2002. Through the process of getting funding, Mitsui rallied local skaters to get involved in the process teaching kids how to change something within the legal system.

I’m not sure if it’s what he’s acutally done, or his humble presence, that makes me feel lucky to know the guy. Chuck Mitsui has done what a lot of others haven’t, he’s made his passion his business and as much as Mitsui has embraced Hawaii, Hawaii has done the same!

genese in general

text x Genese DeBeaux

PUBLIC BEHAVIOR: 5 DON’Ts

Lets start off easy and then we will get to the hard stuff....

3. Everyone loves a little public tonguing but

DO NOT ever, I repeat EVER leave your house without deodorant on. You would think this is common

some people have just lost their damn minds. Some-

sense right? NOPE, and nothing pisses people off more than a stinky onion/dog turdy smell. For the love of God how do you not smell that and shame on your sucky friends for not letting you know your underarms smell like onions. Looks like you need a shower and a new crew. Or do us all a favor, find the nearest bathroom and take a whores bath, stat.

times I really think they are contemplating putting the P in the V right there with the chick they roofied from Club Douchebag. I get it, I mean Goose can get ya girl feelin loose but c’mon bro, take the last train back to Jersey, and creep into the backdoor of your parents house to bust a L on her Ts. PDAs are most of the time, barf worthy.

4 Nothing is worse than people being unaware of

If you’re a geek and google how to behave in public, E-how suggests that you contain your excitement,

not speak or laugh too loud, be courteous of others and don’t swear or use offensive gestures...eh scratch that! Everyone loves some good energy and laughing is contagious so throw your middle finger up and make it happen...unless you have an obnoxious story that no one wants to hear or you have a high pitched voice your pretty much in the clear...next thing you should be googling is appropriate topics to speak loudly about, and your lousy sex life/how many cats you have is NOT on the list so either be entertaining or just shut the F up. (Don’t worry if kids are around, they need to learn how to swear sooner than later anyway)

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

where they are. Lets say you are on some public transportation, chances are you are extremely close to a lot of other people so let’s quickly go over what you shouldn’t be doing:

Talking on your blue tooth, eating messy food, coughing all over the place, CLIPPING YOUR NAILS, popping your gum, singing whatever song is your ipod out loud, taking up two seats, staring at anyone, trying to shoot up, reading your neighbors newspaper, tapping, whistling, letting your kids run wild, picking your nose...and yes I’ve witnessed these things!! Know where you are and stop being a weirdo!

5. Last but not least...Don’t be a jerk off!

I know you learned everything you know from Jersey Shore or the Real Douchebags of Orange County, but fighting or arguing like a little bitch is not hot. Whether you are the customer, at work, or just existing in the world, be a nice person. Open doors, give compliments, say please and thank you, don’t snap your fingers at people, smile, tip when appropriate and remember manners are good, regardless of what tv is teaching the world today. Doesn’t seem too hard right! If everyone just applied one of these to your everyday life the world would be that much closer to being an even more lovely place and I would be verbally assaulting a lot less people :) Go out there and make me proud!

Genese has been doing stand up comedy all over New York City for the past few years, she is currently named Broadway Comedy Clubs Most Awesome, New Comedian of 2011 and NYC’s Comedy Champion 2011. She only has to thank her mom for the endless material she provides. When she’s not on a stage she is slinging cocktails at the cities most poppin lounges and teaching people a thing or two about life, either way you can always find her harassing someone! You can follow her @genesegotjokes on twitter

vertebrae At practice the blue eyed boy tall-talked about a skydiver dying out at the old airfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; the thunderous thud, the craterâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; his half-lying irises diffusing light just like the air-scattered rays on Saturday at the park. The matter was on the ground, in the grass, laughed, and played burlesque. In scrimmage of skins versus jerseys they kicked the comic world around as if it were a head. It was easy to run away from scenes of falling poppies, or Spanish dancers, macabrely tumbling, undulating red in steady hula.

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

And gravity, dropping its gavel from the black-robed cosmos, never would grave me. Still, his pieces are waiting in gardens of bougainvillea, and as wind passes through teeth the random archaeology of a butterfly resting finds him porcelain whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; his brittle hand and broken mind.

Travis Hancock is from the North Shore of Oahu. He expresses his ideas through writing, drawing, and skateboarding. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in American Studies at the University of Hawaii Manoa. He is also guest curating the Honolulu Academy of Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first annual skate film festival held on Aug 1,2,4. More of his collages can be found at www.tdhancock.blogspot.com

text x Ehren Bowling illustration x Hakan Arslan will reverberate off of the walls of angry youth and still-unsatisfied souls for the rest of human history, was doing it like no one had ever done it before. Doing it that way was cool. The giant pigmented nevus hanging off of Lemmy’s cheek dares us to worship him in spite of tradition. Are gargantuan moles traditionally sexy? No, they aren’t. Has Lemmy made magic with more “traditionally” sexy women then you have? Yes, he has, the number is speculated at over 3,000. The real questions is, just what has tradition done for us?

I like Charles Darwin. I think Darwin hit the nail as close to its head as one could when in comes to explaining how RNA molecules, the spark that ignited evolution, could come all the way to the music god-human hybrid, Lemmy Kilmister. I mean, if the universe valued tradition, those single cells that started us all off would have

stayed single-cell, in the name of tradition. But, no. Those cells had to be different, had to do it their own way, they didn’t heed their fathers’ advice or try to live up to expectations… and so here we are. Lemmy gets it. The man, who’s gravel and sand of ‘Ace of Spades’

the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

I have nothing against sharing lore from our ancestors but when traditions are passed down from generation to generation words like “nigger” and “haole” become casual because you heard grandpa/ grandma say them. Is there anything wrong with being black, brown or white? Absolutely fucking not. Every race has taken their turn at the top of the hill, and every race let their shit roll right down that same hill on to the heads and backs of those holding that hill up. Tradition is bullshit. How many kids scour the base of their Christmas tree every year in search of that last present? The traditional holiday is blown up like a big goddamn balloon and when we pop it early one morning, around a

tree we went out of our way to cut down/pay for, it contains the same consistency of the balloon you can’t hit with a dart, tacked to plywood at the carnival. And so, you’re not Christian and you want to justify your “special” religion that accounts for the good in humanity and guarantees your spot in Nirvana or Valhalla…well, shut the fuck up. Click and paste your choice of celebrations in place of ‘Christmas’ and continue reading. Why didn’t the Hasidic Jew burst into flames or be struck down by a thunderbolt as he walked down the East Brooklyn sidewalk smoking a cigarette? Because tradition is bullshit. Acknowledge where you came from and cheer your set but c’mon, if we’re to make it another fifty-years, break tradition NOW!!! Stop going to church, don’t pay your taxes or go vote. Let’s grab this mother by the jugular and shake it up for a bit... just to see what happens. Hakan Arslan is an illustrator who grew up in Sinop, Turkey. He is currently persuing his masters degree in graphic arts at Ondokuz Mayis University. You can see more of his work at HakanArslan.blogspot.com Since the time Ehren Bowling was three wanderlust and delusions of grandeur have been somewhat of an obsession. Gracious angels and the knack of serendipitous timing have led him from lilly pad to lilly pad and by now he’s strung along a pretty good run of adventure and romance. Nowadays, Ehren, is turning over every stone in SE Asia and editing his first book, ‘Nomadness’, free-lancing as an English teacher and dabbling in the Arts, martial to conversational.

last word Bethany Hamilton-- the most tradition breaking woman in surfing, surviving a shark attack that took her left arm. She could’ve given up the sport altogether, but instead has become a intergral force in the surfing world.

Spike Lee-- filmmaker who always stirs up some conversation through his plots dealing with race, media, crime and politics.

Tradition breakers are everywhere. Well behaved people rarely make history! Here’s a list of people who helped change the history of the sh*t we’re interested in....

Rodney Mullen-- the man paved the way for street skating when he came up with street ollies which was his extreme influential mark on the skating community.

Hunter S Thomspon-Sure, he’s known for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas but what’s more rad is his form of journalism that puts the author in the midst of the action, which is now known as “Gonzo journalism”.

The Stooges-- At the time The Stooges never received commercial success but managed to influence more than a handful of music genres to follow including the backbone of punk rock.

Tupac-- Perhaps the most influential rapper of all time had a way of making us more lyrically conscience.

next issue:

the spirit of Youth the manifold magazine issue 1 breaking tradition

aloha Thanks for reading, from all of us at The Manifold Magazine for more info visit us online at TheManifoldMag.com