Monday, August 30, 2010
Oregon Trifecta
Congrats to Mark Partain for taking 1st place in the Grandmasters division for all 3 contests at the Oregon trifecta.. SWEEP!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Skating in Uganda
Always cool and inspiring to be able to see the progression of skating in Africa.
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Kitintale from Yann Gross on Vimeo.
[/html]Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Dave Hackett Interview
How old are you and how many years have you been skating? - OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: The physical body is 46 by yearly measurements…The spirit is ageless. Emotionally, I can be anywhere from 14 – 90 depending on the situation. Most of the time I feel like I’m in my 20’s and I’ve been skateboarding for 41 years.
What was the first deck you ever owned? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: A red, steel wheeled 1965 Roller derby "Skate Board".
What is/was your favourite board/set up and do you still have it/one? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: That’s a tough one Tony. I have a lot of decks that are favorites but if I had to pick one (or three), The number one deck is my 34.5X10" "Purple Heart" set up with Indy vintage 169’s with Yellow Khiro Barrel Bushings, and Nitro Ceramic bearings in my new "Hackett Slash" 60mm 101durometer wheels by "Cheta Wheels". I currently ride on most vert, bank, pool and bowl terrain with that set up. The other favorite is that weird little 30X9.5" Street Sickle I did with Skull Skates back in 1985- That deck could be ridden in the tightest pools. I still have a couple of the originals still set up from back in the day. The last deck that has just become my favorite for bank riding and surfskating- my new 30X9 flat nose"Bert Machine" that I just started making on my "Malibu SurfSkates" label. I set mine up with Bennett trucks and Kryptonic wheels, Khiro Bushings and Nitro Bearings. Check it out at http://www.malibusurfskates.com
Where was the first spot you skated?.... and what was the best session? Michael - Australia
Hackett: The first actual "Spot" I started riding was our neighborhood that consisted of about 100 homes with steep banked driveways on a downhill, so you could slash and carve in and out of every driveway on the way down to the bottom ending up at the beach, then hitchhike back to the top. The best sessions were on hot summer days with all the guys I grew up with. Most of the time it would be about 10-20 of us all bombing these hills and carving the driveways ALL DAY LONG. My all time favorite sessions are when I skate with Olson or Alva or JayBoy or Duane. Those guys are from my same era (just before knee sliding) and we all share a common feel for how a pool or bank should be ridden.
Where have you ended up travelling to through skating? SteveS - Sussex, UK
Hackett: I’ve been to the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, France, Mexico City, and ALL OVER the US. Still waiting for someone to pay our way to Australia and New Zealand for a demo or to judge a contest!
How did you turn pro and who for? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: What Up JellyHead! HAHA! I turned Pro at 15 years old back in 1975, and rode for G&S FibreFlex, Tracker Trucks, (No Indy back then) Pepsi Team, and 360 Sportswear.
What was it like doing the loop? and what could you compare that rush too? Jer - Raleigh, NC
Hackett: The Loop was Gnar! It was a serious rush. It was like flying. Total "Out-Of-Control – In-Control" kind of sensation. There’s a huge blind spot when you’re upside down that makes you have to rely on your instincts and the initial line you set at the start of it. I would compare it to the G-force you feel when taking off in an F-4 Phantom or an F-16 Fighter plane. It’s only about 2-3 seconds- But feels like slow motion.
How many tries to pull the loop? OldManBrian - Chandler, Arizona
Hackett: I tried about 10-15 times into the bags, the last 2-3, I was coming all the way around and the bags were in the way of me actually riding it out- So we just pulled the bags and I went for it! Olson and Daniel Harold Sturt really coached me through it.
Now that you did the Tony Hawk loop, any plans to go to Reedsport Oregon and loop the concrete beast? oregonparkskater - Oregon, WA
Hackett: I don’t know. I kinda' want to do that one too because it’s different. More of a carve than straight up and over upside down like Tony’s loop. I’m more interested in doing the Mega Ramp now. I just need to be able to handle the 25' quarter pipe air at the end.
I like your clothes shops, any plans to produce a new jacket? Gazza - UK
Hackett: HA HA! Good one buddy - HACKET clothing company is not owned by me! (I wish!) If it was, I’d be having my assistant answer these questions while I lay on the beach in Fiji!
I remember the rather excellent Deathbox forums, totally out of control - what forums do you post/lurk on? Gazza - UK
Hackett: Yeah, that was a bummer… I had it taken down because of so much hatred and negative energy it was creating. I thought it was going to be more productive and a cool place to share new ideas and history and stuff, but some skaters just have no class. Once and a while I will check out Bulldog’s forum, Bowlrider.com, MySpace (www.myspace.com/goddude) and ncdsa.com to see results of contests, or cool photos, but I almost never post anything anymore.
How do YOU get dogshit outta griptape? (Wayne's favourite question asked to everyone) Wayne - UK
Hackett: Wayne, Wayne, Wayne…What are we going to do with you Wayne? Didn’t you ask Lance or Skip that same question? How and why does dogshit get in your griptape? I’ve never had that happen yet - But if it did- I would pour gasoline on the entire deck, torch it, and sacrifice it to the EMPTY POOL GODDESS!! Get a cat Wayne.
How and when did you meet Olsen? Steve S, Sussex, UK
Hackett: I met Olson at that Winchester Pool contest in 1978 with Alva. I was riding for Alva at that event, and Tony knew Steve, so we all ended up hangin’ out and raging. Peter Gifford won that one, I got 3rd.
Who is the most punk rock outta you and Olson? Wayne - UK
Hackett: oLsOn for sure. I was never Punk Rock. I was always Rock&Roll. During the "Punk Era" I went disco - Hot chicks dug disco and long hair back then. Punk Rock was for Rejects and Fat Chicks.
If you could only skate one "discipline" from now on, what would it be? Wafflesole - South Coast, UK
Hackett: Bank riding. (SurfSkating) If you ever get the chance to go to Alb. New Mexico and ride The 3.5 mile long Indian School ditch, you’ll know why.
What is your favorite "skate event" to attend and why? (What makes an otherwise commercial/industry event fun for you? Who does it right?) Concretin - Louisville, KY
Hackett: My favorite to compete in is The Indian School Outlaw High Speed Banked Slalom Invitational Race; No rules, No Permits, No Nothing - Pay your $100, and you get three runs to post the fastest time (sick). My favorite events to watch are any of the World Cup Skate Cement Bowl events. Don and Danielle Bostick along with Dave Duncan know how to run a big event with a “Homeslice” feel. Those are the most fun, cause it’s like family. I also like to watch the vert and mega ramp events at X-Games and the Action Sports World Tour.
How did the Deathraces come about and what do you look for when laying the course out? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Hey JellyHead! The DeathRace format was conceived by myself and Tony Mag. We wanted to create an event where a rider HAS to use the entire park WITHOUT pushing, around cones and in and out of bowls for the fastest time. We look for a high speed line that will not cross over itself through the whole park, in 30 seconds or less. If the course crosses itself, lots of skaters like to "barge" during practice and it can get a bit hectic. 30 seconds or less, because 50 riders at 3 runs each starts to add up to a lot of time for an event. Spectators and competitors can get bored very easy, so we try and keep the event moving fast with lot’s of energy.
Have you seen Hellboy the movie? Does that guy remind you of anyone?? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: No Jelly, I have never seen that one. Why? Are you in it?
Has there ever been a move that has eluded you over the years? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Never. I can do all the Moves, just none of the tricks!
Have you changed your perception of interviews since now you do them for Juice? The Mutt - Balmer, Merlin
Hackett: I’ve never done interviews for Juice. You’re thinking of oLsOn. But my perception of interviews has changed since back in the day when I was trying to sound like I’m cooler than you.
When I think of all round terrain skaters, a few come to mind like yourself and Kenny Mollica. Is there any older riders out there like Kenny that you looked up to for inspiration? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: I love Kenny and admire his competitive record, but he is younger than me and I think it was him who looked up to oLsOn, not me…There are very few "All Around Riders" in this day and age that are older than me…I still think Tony Alva is ripping hard; I just skated a pool 2 weeks ago with him, Joe Wood and oLsOn and TA was killing it. The other "All Around Riders" I have respect for are; oLsOn, Duane, Tony Mag, Rob Palmer, Jeff Budro, Brad Edwards, Christian Hosoi, Brian Patch, Chris Miller, Lance, Cab, Dave Ruel, and Todd Johnson. The older guys I looked up to when I was coming up were Torger Johnson, Dave Hilton, Woody Woodward, Bruce Logan, Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, Ray Flores, and Steven Picciolo.
Do you ever get involved with any of the banked slalom races like Indian School Ditch? And how's Palmer's pool? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: Yes, I helped organize one of the races through our racing organization; SRA (http://skateboardracingassociation.com and Black Leather Racing. Palmer’s pool is sick! Fun as hell, very tricky to ride and get wired, but home of some all time sessions!
What tricks are you credited with inventing? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: None. I am known for the “Hackett Slash”! But that’s a "Move", not a trick. Tricks are for kids. Other Moves I am probably credited with doing first are the Bomb Drop off a truck in NYC, First Pipe to Pipe Ollie, First Bio Airs with Suspenders...
What was the worst skate injury you have had? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: Probably breaking all five metatarsals in my right foot. I still have four titanium screws holding it together.
Who's your favorite A-Team member if you had to pick one? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: I pity the fool who doesn’t remember Mr. "T"!
It seems to be all the rage in Juice mag, so....have you ever thanked god or jeezus for anything (other than for beer and chicks and stuff )? Oliver - London
Hackett: Absolutely! I thank God everyday for my amazing life and everything in it.
How high can you Ollie? Alec, Surrey - UK
Hackett: That Pipe to Pipe ollie is about 18 feet off the ground…
Do you like tight pants? O'Johnny, Springfield - Mo
Hackett: Only when my chick wears them! She’s a size 0.
Whats your favorite new shoe add? O'Johnny - Springfield, Mo
Hackett: I like the Giorgio Armani ads. For skate shoes, I like the Osiris, Vans, Vox, and Sanuk ads.
Do you snowboard as well as surf? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Yes, I do but I’m a much better surfer than snowboarder because I live at the beach.
What is your favorite era of skateboarding ? El Gato Negro - Bordeaux, France
Hackett: I really love the 70’s era because it really embraced and publicized all disciplines of skateboarding including speed racing, slalom, pools, bowls, banks, schools, parks and specialty events like high jump, barrel jump, cross country and more. Magazines were less corrupt and "politically correct".
Are you a team rider or do you ride solo? O'Johnny - Springfield, Mo
Hackett: TEAM BLACK LEATHER RACING!
What is your position on the slalom rules ( the euro vs us rules) and the number of wheels allowed ? El Gato Negro - Bordeaux, France
Hackett: Skateboard Racing is not only one of the sports first forms of competition; it is the purest, and most objective. Since those early days, many people and organizations have tried to change the definition of what a skateboard is by adding additional trucks, bearings, wheels and more: just shy of what could be defined as a set of roller blades!
The very essence of what a skateboard is; 1 board, 2 trucks, and 4 wheels.
Why dont you allow 'bands' to add you on myspace? (I make music but I'm a skater too). Munchh - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Because I get hit up with too many bands trying to promote.
What do you think about Nike jumping on the skate bandwagon? Or is it skating that jumped on the Nike train? OldManBrian - Chandler, Arizona
Hackett: Nike was one of the first big shoe companies to sponsor skaters back in the 1970’s. No one knows that because none of the current skate magazines cover skateboard history properly. Back in 1978 Nike sponsored me, Alva, Jerry Valdez, Kent Senatore, and a bunch of other pros. All Leather Nike Hi Tops were the shit back then.
Is there any equipment that you used to use that you wish they still made, or are you to good to give a shit? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: I used to like Wings wheels, and also Powerflex 5’s. The original narrow Bennett trucks would be killer. I wish I had a few of my old Jay Adams design Fly Away helmets too.
What bearings do you use? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: I use a variety of different bearings for different disciplines; Hi Speed Downhill I use Powell 6 Balls. Skateboard Racing, Nitro Ceramics or Oust Mach 9’s, Pool and Bowls, I use Nitro Abec 7’s or Ninjas.
Whats the most important 'part' of your setup to you, (which bit have you got the biggest OCD about)? Munchh - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Wheel base. Most of my decks I ride a 17 inch wheel base. I feel “right” when my stance is set on my deck. I’m also picky about proper truck alignment, bearing speed, bushing rebound and… sticker placement!
Last ever, ever! pool run for the Hack... where would it be, who'd be with you (skating), what moves are you pulling and what tune is playing? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Original Dogbowl, Me, Olson, Alva, Biniak, Duane, Wentzle, Jayboy, B-Paul, Lance, Shogo, Muir, Wally, Greg Weaver and Joe Wood. We’re all carving fast and hard multiple combo lines, airs, and old school tail taps, wheelers, and slash grinds. Ted Nugent, ZZTop, ACDC, and The Sweet is Rockin’.
Who is the skater who impressed you the most? El Gato Negro - Bordeaux, France
Hackett: OLSON- STYLE FOR MILES, COOLER THAN THE FONZ, AND ALWAYS HAVING MORE FUN THAN ANYONE!
So, when are you coming over to shralp the Rom pool in the UK? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: November 12th, 2011 – On my 50th birthday.
Anything you want to say that you haven't been asked about?
Hackett: I would like to let everyone know about the power of their own words. Try saying the following affirmations every morning to improve the quality of your life: "All Obstacles now Vanish from my Pathway. Doors fly open, gates are lifted to my greatest good as I enter the Kingdom of Fulfillment, under Grace to experience the Square of life- Health, Wealth, Love, and Perfect Self Expression." God Bless- And so it is…
Hackett: The physical body is 46 by yearly measurements…The spirit is ageless. Emotionally, I can be anywhere from 14 – 90 depending on the situation. Most of the time I feel like I’m in my 20’s and I’ve been skateboarding for 41 years.
What was the first deck you ever owned? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: A red, steel wheeled 1965 Roller derby "Skate Board".
What is/was your favourite board/set up and do you still have it/one? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: That’s a tough one Tony. I have a lot of decks that are favorites but if I had to pick one (or three), The number one deck is my 34.5X10" "Purple Heart" set up with Indy vintage 169’s with Yellow Khiro Barrel Bushings, and Nitro Ceramic bearings in my new "Hackett Slash" 60mm 101durometer wheels by "Cheta Wheels". I currently ride on most vert, bank, pool and bowl terrain with that set up. The other favorite is that weird little 30X9.5" Street Sickle I did with Skull Skates back in 1985- That deck could be ridden in the tightest pools. I still have a couple of the originals still set up from back in the day. The last deck that has just become my favorite for bank riding and surfskating- my new 30X9 flat nose"Bert Machine" that I just started making on my "Malibu SurfSkates" label. I set mine up with Bennett trucks and Kryptonic wheels, Khiro Bushings and Nitro Bearings. Check it out at http://www.malibusurfskates.com
Where was the first spot you skated?.... and what was the best session? Michael - Australia
Hackett: The first actual "Spot" I started riding was our neighborhood that consisted of about 100 homes with steep banked driveways on a downhill, so you could slash and carve in and out of every driveway on the way down to the bottom ending up at the beach, then hitchhike back to the top. The best sessions were on hot summer days with all the guys I grew up with. Most of the time it would be about 10-20 of us all bombing these hills and carving the driveways ALL DAY LONG. My all time favorite sessions are when I skate with Olson or Alva or JayBoy or Duane. Those guys are from my same era (just before knee sliding) and we all share a common feel for how a pool or bank should be ridden.
Where have you ended up travelling to through skating? SteveS - Sussex, UK
Hackett: I’ve been to the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, France, Mexico City, and ALL OVER the US. Still waiting for someone to pay our way to Australia and New Zealand for a demo or to judge a contest!
How did you turn pro and who for? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: What Up JellyHead! HAHA! I turned Pro at 15 years old back in 1975, and rode for G&S FibreFlex, Tracker Trucks, (No Indy back then) Pepsi Team, and 360 Sportswear.
What was it like doing the loop? and what could you compare that rush too? Jer - Raleigh, NC
Hackett: The Loop was Gnar! It was a serious rush. It was like flying. Total "Out-Of-Control – In-Control" kind of sensation. There’s a huge blind spot when you’re upside down that makes you have to rely on your instincts and the initial line you set at the start of it. I would compare it to the G-force you feel when taking off in an F-4 Phantom or an F-16 Fighter plane. It’s only about 2-3 seconds- But feels like slow motion.
How many tries to pull the loop? OldManBrian - Chandler, Arizona
Hackett: I tried about 10-15 times into the bags, the last 2-3, I was coming all the way around and the bags were in the way of me actually riding it out- So we just pulled the bags and I went for it! Olson and Daniel Harold Sturt really coached me through it.
Now that you did the Tony Hawk loop, any plans to go to Reedsport Oregon and loop the concrete beast? oregonparkskater - Oregon, WA
Hackett: I don’t know. I kinda' want to do that one too because it’s different. More of a carve than straight up and over upside down like Tony’s loop. I’m more interested in doing the Mega Ramp now. I just need to be able to handle the 25' quarter pipe air at the end.
I like your clothes shops, any plans to produce a new jacket? Gazza - UK
Hackett: HA HA! Good one buddy - HACKET clothing company is not owned by me! (I wish!) If it was, I’d be having my assistant answer these questions while I lay on the beach in Fiji!
I remember the rather excellent Deathbox forums, totally out of control - what forums do you post/lurk on? Gazza - UK
Hackett: Yeah, that was a bummer… I had it taken down because of so much hatred and negative energy it was creating. I thought it was going to be more productive and a cool place to share new ideas and history and stuff, but some skaters just have no class. Once and a while I will check out Bulldog’s forum, Bowlrider.com, MySpace (www.myspace.com/goddude) and ncdsa.com to see results of contests, or cool photos, but I almost never post anything anymore.
How do YOU get dogshit outta griptape? (Wayne's favourite question asked to everyone) Wayne - UK
Hackett: Wayne, Wayne, Wayne…What are we going to do with you Wayne? Didn’t you ask Lance or Skip that same question? How and why does dogshit get in your griptape? I’ve never had that happen yet - But if it did- I would pour gasoline on the entire deck, torch it, and sacrifice it to the EMPTY POOL GODDESS!! Get a cat Wayne.
How and when did you meet Olsen? Steve S, Sussex, UK
Hackett: I met Olson at that Winchester Pool contest in 1978 with Alva. I was riding for Alva at that event, and Tony knew Steve, so we all ended up hangin’ out and raging. Peter Gifford won that one, I got 3rd.
Who is the most punk rock outta you and Olson? Wayne - UK
Hackett: oLsOn for sure. I was never Punk Rock. I was always Rock&Roll. During the "Punk Era" I went disco - Hot chicks dug disco and long hair back then. Punk Rock was for Rejects and Fat Chicks.
If you could only skate one "discipline" from now on, what would it be? Wafflesole - South Coast, UK
Hackett: Bank riding. (SurfSkating) If you ever get the chance to go to Alb. New Mexico and ride The 3.5 mile long Indian School ditch, you’ll know why.
What is your favorite "skate event" to attend and why? (What makes an otherwise commercial/industry event fun for you? Who does it right?) Concretin - Louisville, KY
Hackett: My favorite to compete in is The Indian School Outlaw High Speed Banked Slalom Invitational Race; No rules, No Permits, No Nothing - Pay your $100, and you get three runs to post the fastest time (sick). My favorite events to watch are any of the World Cup Skate Cement Bowl events. Don and Danielle Bostick along with Dave Duncan know how to run a big event with a “Homeslice” feel. Those are the most fun, cause it’s like family. I also like to watch the vert and mega ramp events at X-Games and the Action Sports World Tour.
How did the Deathraces come about and what do you look for when laying the course out? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Hey JellyHead! The DeathRace format was conceived by myself and Tony Mag. We wanted to create an event where a rider HAS to use the entire park WITHOUT pushing, around cones and in and out of bowls for the fastest time. We look for a high speed line that will not cross over itself through the whole park, in 30 seconds or less. If the course crosses itself, lots of skaters like to "barge" during practice and it can get a bit hectic. 30 seconds or less, because 50 riders at 3 runs each starts to add up to a lot of time for an event. Spectators and competitors can get bored very easy, so we try and keep the event moving fast with lot’s of energy.
Have you seen Hellboy the movie? Does that guy remind you of anyone?? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: No Jelly, I have never seen that one. Why? Are you in it?
Has there ever been a move that has eluded you over the years? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Never. I can do all the Moves, just none of the tricks!
Have you changed your perception of interviews since now you do them for Juice? The Mutt - Balmer, Merlin
Hackett: I’ve never done interviews for Juice. You’re thinking of oLsOn. But my perception of interviews has changed since back in the day when I was trying to sound like I’m cooler than you.
When I think of all round terrain skaters, a few come to mind like yourself and Kenny Mollica. Is there any older riders out there like Kenny that you looked up to for inspiration? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: I love Kenny and admire his competitive record, but he is younger than me and I think it was him who looked up to oLsOn, not me…There are very few "All Around Riders" in this day and age that are older than me…I still think Tony Alva is ripping hard; I just skated a pool 2 weeks ago with him, Joe Wood and oLsOn and TA was killing it. The other "All Around Riders" I have respect for are; oLsOn, Duane, Tony Mag, Rob Palmer, Jeff Budro, Brad Edwards, Christian Hosoi, Brian Patch, Chris Miller, Lance, Cab, Dave Ruel, and Todd Johnson. The older guys I looked up to when I was coming up were Torger Johnson, Dave Hilton, Woody Woodward, Bruce Logan, Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, Ray Flores, and Steven Picciolo.
Do you ever get involved with any of the banked slalom races like Indian School Ditch? And how's Palmer's pool? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: Yes, I helped organize one of the races through our racing organization; SRA (http://skateboardracingassociation.com and Black Leather Racing. Palmer’s pool is sick! Fun as hell, very tricky to ride and get wired, but home of some all time sessions!
What tricks are you credited with inventing? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: None. I am known for the “Hackett Slash”! But that’s a "Move", not a trick. Tricks are for kids. Other Moves I am probably credited with doing first are the Bomb Drop off a truck in NYC, First Pipe to Pipe Ollie, First Bio Airs with Suspenders...
What was the worst skate injury you have had? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: Probably breaking all five metatarsals in my right foot. I still have four titanium screws holding it together.
Who's your favorite A-Team member if you had to pick one? OldManMike - Tempe, AZ
Hackett: I pity the fool who doesn’t remember Mr. "T"!
It seems to be all the rage in Juice mag, so....have you ever thanked god or jeezus for anything (other than for beer and chicks and stuff )? Oliver - London
Hackett: Absolutely! I thank God everyday for my amazing life and everything in it.
How high can you Ollie? Alec, Surrey - UK
Hackett: That Pipe to Pipe ollie is about 18 feet off the ground…
Do you like tight pants? O'Johnny, Springfield - Mo
Hackett: Only when my chick wears them! She’s a size 0.
Whats your favorite new shoe add? O'Johnny - Springfield, Mo
Hackett: I like the Giorgio Armani ads. For skate shoes, I like the Osiris, Vans, Vox, and Sanuk ads.
Do you snowboard as well as surf? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Yes, I do but I’m a much better surfer than snowboarder because I live at the beach.
What is your favorite era of skateboarding ? El Gato Negro - Bordeaux, France
Hackett: I really love the 70’s era because it really embraced and publicized all disciplines of skateboarding including speed racing, slalom, pools, bowls, banks, schools, parks and specialty events like high jump, barrel jump, cross country and more. Magazines were less corrupt and "politically correct".
Are you a team rider or do you ride solo? O'Johnny - Springfield, Mo
Hackett: TEAM BLACK LEATHER RACING!
What is your position on the slalom rules ( the euro vs us rules) and the number of wheels allowed ? El Gato Negro - Bordeaux, France
Hackett: Skateboard Racing is not only one of the sports first forms of competition; it is the purest, and most objective. Since those early days, many people and organizations have tried to change the definition of what a skateboard is by adding additional trucks, bearings, wheels and more: just shy of what could be defined as a set of roller blades!
The very essence of what a skateboard is; 1 board, 2 trucks, and 4 wheels.
Why dont you allow 'bands' to add you on myspace? (I make music but I'm a skater too). Munchh - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Because I get hit up with too many bands trying to promote.
What do you think about Nike jumping on the skate bandwagon? Or is it skating that jumped on the Nike train? OldManBrian - Chandler, Arizona
Hackett: Nike was one of the first big shoe companies to sponsor skaters back in the 1970’s. No one knows that because none of the current skate magazines cover skateboard history properly. Back in 1978 Nike sponsored me, Alva, Jerry Valdez, Kent Senatore, and a bunch of other pros. All Leather Nike Hi Tops were the shit back then.
Is there any equipment that you used to use that you wish they still made, or are you to good to give a shit? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: I used to like Wings wheels, and also Powerflex 5’s. The original narrow Bennett trucks would be killer. I wish I had a few of my old Jay Adams design Fly Away helmets too.
What bearings do you use? TonyB - London, UK
Hackett: I use a variety of different bearings for different disciplines; Hi Speed Downhill I use Powell 6 Balls. Skateboard Racing, Nitro Ceramics or Oust Mach 9’s, Pool and Bowls, I use Nitro Abec 7’s or Ninjas.
Whats the most important 'part' of your setup to you, (which bit have you got the biggest OCD about)? Munchh - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Wheel base. Most of my decks I ride a 17 inch wheel base. I feel “right” when my stance is set on my deck. I’m also picky about proper truck alignment, bearing speed, bushing rebound and… sticker placement!
Last ever, ever! pool run for the Hack... where would it be, who'd be with you (skating), what moves are you pulling and what tune is playing? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: Original Dogbowl, Me, Olson, Alva, Biniak, Duane, Wentzle, Jayboy, B-Paul, Lance, Shogo, Muir, Wally, Greg Weaver and Joe Wood. We’re all carving fast and hard multiple combo lines, airs, and old school tail taps, wheelers, and slash grinds. Ted Nugent, ZZTop, ACDC, and The Sweet is Rockin’.
Who is the skater who impressed you the most? El Gato Negro - Bordeaux, France
Hackett: OLSON- STYLE FOR MILES, COOLER THAN THE FONZ, AND ALWAYS HAVING MORE FUN THAN ANYONE!
So, when are you coming over to shralp the Rom pool in the UK? Jellyhead - Sussex, UK
Hackett: November 12th, 2011 – On my 50th birthday.
Anything you want to say that you haven't been asked about?
Hackett: I would like to let everyone know about the power of their own words. Try saying the following affirmations every morning to improve the quality of your life: "All Obstacles now Vanish from my Pathway. Doors fly open, gates are lifted to my greatest good as I enter the Kingdom of Fulfillment, under Grace to experience the Square of life- Health, Wealth, Love, and Perfect Self Expression." God Bless- And so it is…
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Elderly Skaters
Okay, maybe older skaters are not your typical 85 year old geriatric, brittle, pee stewing in your diaper kind of old. But down at the skatepark, if your over the age of 30, then you are pretty much viewed as a fossil.
Regardless, I have some good news for you if you are leery about considering stepping foot back on that wooden toy. Skaters are pushing the envelope these days and crushing barriers and the sterotypes that skateboarding is just for kids.
It's no secret among older skaters that skateboarding IS the fountain of youth them.
Jean Rusen..40 and mother of 2..
Got Wood
Jim Phillips Interview
Up today is an interview we did with the legendary skateboard artist, Jim Phillips.
Jim Phillips
What brought you back into doing graphics, seems like you took a little hiatus for a while?
Blame it on Matt French, he wore me down. I was happy working on my old truck but he was convincing enough to persuade me, and it's been very enjoyable and sometimes exciting. Working tooth and nail with Matt has been like the old studio days, and the internet has made communication possible in a virtual studio.
How is it working with VCJ on the compilation pieces you guys have done for pocket pistols?
The "MC Who?" deck we did together was set up by Matt French, who also arranges for Court and me to have an art exhibit this summer at the Volcom store in LA. In fact that's where I met Court and Matt in person for the first time. We all went out to dinner a few times with some other friends and we hit it off pretty good. I've always enjoyed VC's work, even though in the 80's he posed the most serious competition than anyone else I can think of. We plan to visit each other's home
I see in the PP's stuff that there almost seems to be a couple of jabs at Santa Cruz (i.e. the screaming hand graphic) is that an intentional jab at SC /NHS or more of a joke?
No jab intended. I might have been a little casual with licensing out some of my creations, but for now NHS, Pocket Pistols, Matt and I are all getting along. We've decided to all work together rather that get into some endless litigation. Isn't that what Rodney King wanted?
Out of all the pieces you've done over your career, which is your personal favorite, whether it be skate, surf, or rock and roll?
My favorite art genre is skateboard art. I was inspired by the great comic book artists of the 40s and 50s, and since skateboards were screen printed, the keyline style of pen and ink graphics turned out to be highly valued. Just dumb luck to goof off, spending a great deal of my youth reading comics drawn by the great masters who were cast into obscurity by society's preferences and the winds of time, and then wind up with a global following from the knowledge I gained from them. In today's world, it's very daunting when you see the high level of talent in today's animated digital movie images, very powerful stuff. But it all flies past your eyes so fast and after the movie you can hardly remember what happened. My simple pen and ink graphics don't even move but they have a power of their own. For one thing they are on display 24/7, and kids can just sit in their room staring at it. It sort of burns an image into their head and they can't forget it. That's what makes an icon.
Do you know how many kids have gotten there start in art by repeatedly drawing those graphics? (I know every single notebook I ever had, had a screaming hand drawn on there somewhere)
Hey Jer, that's copyrighted material! Ha-ha. I do get a considerable amount of fan mail from those whom it took a hold on. I must say that influencing young people to draw is one of the most satisfying rewards from an activity that tends to isolate because of the solitary nature of art. It never ceases to amaze me how a few lines on a piece of paper, drawn out of the deep of your inner core, can go out around the world and become an enduring entity.
Seeing as how you came from the old school of pen to paper type graphic design how has the transition to computers been for you, and what type of software, computer, tools, etc. do you use?
You won't live to see another invention as powerful and versatile as a computer. And one of the most accessible features is the control and interface between art and printing. But computers are a double edge sword, the continuing downward price of memory has made it accessible to everyone, and everyone can easily publish. You can get a CD 25,000 images for less than $99. Who needs artists? And I think with the power they offer, people tend to get lazy. Digital animation is amazing, but everyday ad art has become a stale mix of photos and type. Commercial artists like Norman Rockwell, Coles Phillips, Maxfield Parish and Leyendecker are no longer existent in our culture.
What is your process of creating these graphics, and generally how long does it take from initial idea to completed product?
Hey these are trade secrets! I usually draw with pencil, ink with felt tip or brush-pens and scan it to my computer. I use the art tools in Photoshop for the same reason I got it in the beginning: to color separate my black and white drawings. The time can vary from amazingly fast to painfully slow. You can do twice the work in half the time alright, but then a whole world opens up with millions of colors and options to suck you down a deep tunnel.
Not a question, but thanks for the inspiration, you are truly one of the great artists of our time.
You are too kind Jer! I appreciate your interest.
Orezona (Arizona)
Who were YOU inspired by, art-wise?
I believe inspiration seeds come in the formative years of childhood, and then light and watering can cause growth. So I must credit some of the most prolific and talented masters of comic art, who sadly remain unknown in a culture that idolizes music, movie and sports stars. My earliest influences happen to be some of the earliest comic artists, simply because their works were still being reprinted when I was a child in the 40s. Krazy Kat by George Herriman was a favorite, and one of America's first anthropomorphic animals. Actually I was into his friend Ignaz the Mouse, the story within the story. That newspaper cartoon originally dates from 1910. The next cat was Felix the Cat, by Pat Sullivan who made more than 100 cartoons by 1933, and Otto Messmer who inked most of the comic strips. Those Felix cartoons played endlessly on one of our only TV channels after school. I think Disney put ears on Felix and called it Mickey Mouse, but speaking of Disney, and his studio of superb artists, one of the greatest was Carl Barks who developed Donald Duck from an early simpler character. He wrote and drew the Duck comics single handedly, and all of the Scrooge McDuck adventures. On my fourth birthday I received a card with a flocked Donald Duck. My mother said that I loved it so much I would take it to bed. Then the Fleischer Brothers cartoons were pretty imaginative, with Popeye being probably the most recognizable. Later there were the great comic artists of the Golden Age: Hal Foster who drew Prince Valiant,, Burne Hogarth with Tarzan, Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon. Tex Avery was King of Cartoons, and Jack Kirby was King of Comics. Then there are the wacky EC Mad Comics' inkers under Harvey Kurtzman: Bill Elder, Wally Wood, Basil Wolverton, John Severin, Jack Davis, Al Jaffe, and the whole gang before Mad changed to a magazine. EC Comics was a target of the McCarthy hearings and resulted in the Comics Code Authority, that little seal you see in the corner of comics to show there's no sex violence and crude humor. In my teenage years Big Daddy Ed Roth showed me that after big bulging bloodshot eyes, a row of big teeth and a flapping tongue, there wasn't much left for an artist that was any fun. Salvador Dali was the greatest, and Picasso was the cleverest. Bosch was out of his skull, and maybe E.C.Escher. Virgil Finlay's work just languishes in obscurity. There are so many artistic influences I have left out its shameful, but this list can give you an example of the extreme cross section.
How do you feel about the artwork on skateboards lately? Is there a lack of artistic value when it comes to deck graphics by all the "big companies" these days? Is there hope for "art" in skateboarding with the underground artists (Like Jeremy Fish) coming up through smaller DIY skate companies?
Read Alvin Toffler's book Future Shock, because in 1971 he laid out the foundation of today's fragmented culture of an ever-increasingly transitory nature. Artists and art is disposable as Sean Cliver points out. The quest for the next hot product has resulted in a glut of products trying desperately to secure a market share. You can't even begin to see all the graphics that are out there, and there's not much available that hasn't been done several times. A dealer will buy a new graphic but doesn't want to get stuck with dead stock, so there's a tendency to just keep throwing stuff out there. How can any one graphic or any one artist attempt to stand out among a hurricane of images?
You seem to have done pretty well for yourself with designing graphics for "useless wooden toys", what advice do you have for those who are interested in designing pieces of art that will get slid off on a handrail after only a couple days...
Hey Orezona, that makes them rare and that drives collectors nuts. And the collector market that has emerged validates the art. What kind of art is worth anything if it's not worth anything? My advice is to not limit yourself. Skateboarding really has nothing to do with art although it is rewarding to be involved with what you like, and that can always happen with the right circumstances no matter what you are doing. I guess it can depend on how much compensation you require for your time, which has something to do with things like inspiration, motivation and endurance.
Your old designs: should they be hung on a wall, or skated?
Is it a wall hanger or a skateboard?
Oldmanmike(Arizona)
Some of the new PP stuff was collaboration between yourself and VCJ. How do you go about the process when working with another person on one piece?
I was fortunate to work with someone like VC who was so smooth and professional. It's Matt French who causes me consternation and discombobulation. We work together on designs and argue back and forth about every detail for hours at a time. He tweaks me and I resort to sarcasm, and there's no sacred cows either.
I know that we have a few fans that are unbelievable artists on our site. Would you ever consider doing another art collaboration with someone unknown?
I like that, the unknown artist! Sort of like how Margaret Keane turned out to have painted most of Walter's paintings, who knew? It reminds me of Mati Klarwine, who did the Jimi Hendrix Abraxas album art. In the years before his death he would often pick up stray paintings at yard sales, add his touches to them and sign below the other artists' name. But Mike... if I don't know who they are, how do I know they will do anything worth while or even hold up their end? I don't need help wasting my time; I do plenty of that as it is.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Basil Wolverton... actually, I like the 3 Stooges a lot more than any artists.
What's your favorite deck design (not one of yours)?
My son Jimbo's Sick Styx barfin' board. I offered him $75 but I can't get my hand on one.
Chef (California)
How do you feel about the screaming hand being one of the most popular skate tattoos? - there is no question why.
I think it was because of the guy we saw who tattooed the mouth right on his palm. That's respect!
H (England)
Respect.
What a great subject for an interview.
Skateboard Graphics?
Always fancied the idea of doing board graphics.
Must be an absolute blast knowing that there are people that are stoked just seeing the images and that the graphics can totally make someone buy a deck.
It is a blast, H. I remember I was out to dinner with relatives in Oakland, I walked out in back alley for a smoke where there was a couple of kids skating off a piece of old plywood they propped up. I noticed they had my graphics on their decks so I walked up and said "Hey you've got my graphics on your deck." They stoked and asked me to sign their sticks, and it was like having instant friends anytime in any city.
If you were to do something for an "older" skater type what image would spring to mind to spin on?
A skating granny with her walker attached to a skateboard deck?
Oregonparkskater (Oregon)
Me and my son both have the "Cell Block" skater tattoos.
cool!
In general how do you feel about dudes like me and my son, jacking your work and putting it on our skin for life?
It's indeed an honor. Especially knowing that it's a lifelong commitment. I feel like we're sort of married.
El Gato Negro (France)
Are you aware that there's collectors who love your work so much they have walls covered with boards with your art (usually overpaid...)
They sniffed around and bought them before anyone could get a clue. I admire that. Except some of the bought them from me before I had a clue.
Did you have a meeting with a skater before you decided on a graphic, or did you draw and Santa Cruz randomly gave the graphic to a pro....
I always liked to have personal meetings with the pro, and get as much of him into it or out of him as possible, and I always tried to do what they wanted, unless it was totally lame and then I'd try to talk them into something.
Has someone refused one of your graphics?
Well I refused him let's say. Spidey Demontrond kept changing his mind and asking for redesigns, and eventually I just said no! Most of the refusers just politely insisted on their own stupid thing so I would assign them to one of my studio artists.
Do you have some of your art pieces on your walls?
I'm so tired of looking at it all there's hardly anything in the house. I have a MC Who hanging in my office, and my studio/garage has my collection of old and new decks hanging on the walls.
Do you earn royalties on your graphics?
Yes, and It's starting to get better. It's great although you are taxed at a higher rate for royalty income. Charles Schultz creator of Peanuts and Snoopy said that licensing was everything, despite his long and prolific career in newspaper comics.
What are you all time favorite skateboard graphic (one from you and pick one from another artist please..)
I would say the Slasher of mine, and I already cited Jimbo's Barfin Deck, so I'll say the VC skeleton guy.
What do you think about the reissue thing?
What goes around comes around... and around and around. Sort of a graphic reincarnation cycle huh? I just feel fortunate that the graphics can hold up over the years and still be appealing to younger skaters. A lot of the market is basically collectomania, and cousin of the huge sports collectable market.
And what about the blank war?
Hey, what if they gave a war and used blanks? I'm not up on the war because it's my job to make them un-blank.
That's it, I have a ton more but I leave some room for my fellow soldiers...
At ease then soldier. Fall out.
Thanks a lot for opening my eyes on art Mr. Phillips...
You are very kind to think that I had something to do with it. I hope it results in some drawing.
Rollerbob (Texas)
What was your inspiration for the screaming hand? It was one of my most favorite graphics ever, and made my parents uneasy (which as a teenager, I thought was awesome!) but it was totally fresh and unique and definitely made a lasting impression on me. Like a lot of the guys here, your artwork really had an impact on me and my appreciation for skateboard graphics as true art.
Hey thanks Rollerbob! I've drawn the clenching hand since I was a kid, just sticking up in the background somewhere. Or coming out of the water for the third time. Artists through out history have used hands to convey emotion, and it is very effective. Just try to talk without using your hands. So when I got the idea of adding a mouth to double up on the expression factor I knew right away that it was killer material, I just had to talk them into it.
(I was stoked to see your work on Pocket Pistols. It made me feel "comfortable" returning to skating after so many years away. Kind of like, not EVERYTHING had changed or was unfamiliar.)
Hey that's really cool to hear Bob! Thanks you're the first to say that. I've been riding a longboard lately and it's a stoker.
Is it as much fun now to design graphics for today's pros as it was back in the 80s? (was it even fun then? I'm assuming it was...)
It was more than fun, it was agony and ecstasy. And with art you can't live any closer to the muse than that. Working with pros is like being a shrink; you analyze and then take a stab at the Rorschach test. Nobody knows what the prognosis will be but you hope everyone keeps their sanity.
What did you appreciate about doing graphics in the 80s that may, or may not, be part of creating graphics today, and is there anything today that's better or easier, than back in the day?
You guys are staying up late thinking up these cogent inquiries aren't you? The hot thing about the 80's skateboard graphics was two edged. At first not many knew exactly where to take it because it was uncharted waters, but then you could do almost anything and it would be unprecedented. The first few artists in the field were able to define the substance and set the styles. There were no limitations due to any other artist's claim to any certain thing. It started out fairly anonymous and unimportant, but as the years went by it became so important that it resulted in anonymity. Does that make any sense?
That's all? Thanks everybody! Keep on drawing'!
Jim Phillips
What brought you back into doing graphics, seems like you took a little hiatus for a while?
Blame it on Matt French, he wore me down. I was happy working on my old truck but he was convincing enough to persuade me, and it's been very enjoyable and sometimes exciting. Working tooth and nail with Matt has been like the old studio days, and the internet has made communication possible in a virtual studio.
How is it working with VCJ on the compilation pieces you guys have done for pocket pistols?
The "MC Who?" deck we did together was set up by Matt French, who also arranges for Court and me to have an art exhibit this summer at the Volcom store in LA. In fact that's where I met Court and Matt in person for the first time. We all went out to dinner a few times with some other friends and we hit it off pretty good. I've always enjoyed VC's work, even though in the 80's he posed the most serious competition than anyone else I can think of. We plan to visit each other's home
I see in the PP's stuff that there almost seems to be a couple of jabs at Santa Cruz (i.e. the screaming hand graphic) is that an intentional jab at SC /NHS or more of a joke?
No jab intended. I might have been a little casual with licensing out some of my creations, but for now NHS, Pocket Pistols, Matt and I are all getting along. We've decided to all work together rather that get into some endless litigation. Isn't that what Rodney King wanted?
Out of all the pieces you've done over your career, which is your personal favorite, whether it be skate, surf, or rock and roll?
My favorite art genre is skateboard art. I was inspired by the great comic book artists of the 40s and 50s, and since skateboards were screen printed, the keyline style of pen and ink graphics turned out to be highly valued. Just dumb luck to goof off, spending a great deal of my youth reading comics drawn by the great masters who were cast into obscurity by society's preferences and the winds of time, and then wind up with a global following from the knowledge I gained from them. In today's world, it's very daunting when you see the high level of talent in today's animated digital movie images, very powerful stuff. But it all flies past your eyes so fast and after the movie you can hardly remember what happened. My simple pen and ink graphics don't even move but they have a power of their own. For one thing they are on display 24/7, and kids can just sit in their room staring at it. It sort of burns an image into their head and they can't forget it. That's what makes an icon.
Do you know how many kids have gotten there start in art by repeatedly drawing those graphics? (I know every single notebook I ever had, had a screaming hand drawn on there somewhere)
Hey Jer, that's copyrighted material! Ha-ha. I do get a considerable amount of fan mail from those whom it took a hold on. I must say that influencing young people to draw is one of the most satisfying rewards from an activity that tends to isolate because of the solitary nature of art. It never ceases to amaze me how a few lines on a piece of paper, drawn out of the deep of your inner core, can go out around the world and become an enduring entity.
Seeing as how you came from the old school of pen to paper type graphic design how has the transition to computers been for you, and what type of software, computer, tools, etc. do you use?
You won't live to see another invention as powerful and versatile as a computer. And one of the most accessible features is the control and interface between art and printing. But computers are a double edge sword, the continuing downward price of memory has made it accessible to everyone, and everyone can easily publish. You can get a CD 25,000 images for less than $99. Who needs artists? And I think with the power they offer, people tend to get lazy. Digital animation is amazing, but everyday ad art has become a stale mix of photos and type. Commercial artists like Norman Rockwell, Coles Phillips, Maxfield Parish and Leyendecker are no longer existent in our culture.
What is your process of creating these graphics, and generally how long does it take from initial idea to completed product?
Hey these are trade secrets! I usually draw with pencil, ink with felt tip or brush-pens and scan it to my computer. I use the art tools in Photoshop for the same reason I got it in the beginning: to color separate my black and white drawings. The time can vary from amazingly fast to painfully slow. You can do twice the work in half the time alright, but then a whole world opens up with millions of colors and options to suck you down a deep tunnel.
Not a question, but thanks for the inspiration, you are truly one of the great artists of our time.
You are too kind Jer! I appreciate your interest.
Orezona (Arizona)
Who were YOU inspired by, art-wise?
I believe inspiration seeds come in the formative years of childhood, and then light and watering can cause growth. So I must credit some of the most prolific and talented masters of comic art, who sadly remain unknown in a culture that idolizes music, movie and sports stars. My earliest influences happen to be some of the earliest comic artists, simply because their works were still being reprinted when I was a child in the 40s. Krazy Kat by George Herriman was a favorite, and one of America's first anthropomorphic animals. Actually I was into his friend Ignaz the Mouse, the story within the story. That newspaper cartoon originally dates from 1910. The next cat was Felix the Cat, by Pat Sullivan who made more than 100 cartoons by 1933, and Otto Messmer who inked most of the comic strips. Those Felix cartoons played endlessly on one of our only TV channels after school. I think Disney put ears on Felix and called it Mickey Mouse, but speaking of Disney, and his studio of superb artists, one of the greatest was Carl Barks who developed Donald Duck from an early simpler character. He wrote and drew the Duck comics single handedly, and all of the Scrooge McDuck adventures. On my fourth birthday I received a card with a flocked Donald Duck. My mother said that I loved it so much I would take it to bed. Then the Fleischer Brothers cartoons were pretty imaginative, with Popeye being probably the most recognizable. Later there were the great comic artists of the Golden Age: Hal Foster who drew Prince Valiant,, Burne Hogarth with Tarzan, Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon. Tex Avery was King of Cartoons, and Jack Kirby was King of Comics. Then there are the wacky EC Mad Comics' inkers under Harvey Kurtzman: Bill Elder, Wally Wood, Basil Wolverton, John Severin, Jack Davis, Al Jaffe, and the whole gang before Mad changed to a magazine. EC Comics was a target of the McCarthy hearings and resulted in the Comics Code Authority, that little seal you see in the corner of comics to show there's no sex violence and crude humor. In my teenage years Big Daddy Ed Roth showed me that after big bulging bloodshot eyes, a row of big teeth and a flapping tongue, there wasn't much left for an artist that was any fun. Salvador Dali was the greatest, and Picasso was the cleverest. Bosch was out of his skull, and maybe E.C.Escher. Virgil Finlay's work just languishes in obscurity. There are so many artistic influences I have left out its shameful, but this list can give you an example of the extreme cross section.
How do you feel about the artwork on skateboards lately? Is there a lack of artistic value when it comes to deck graphics by all the "big companies" these days? Is there hope for "art" in skateboarding with the underground artists (Like Jeremy Fish) coming up through smaller DIY skate companies?
Read Alvin Toffler's book Future Shock, because in 1971 he laid out the foundation of today's fragmented culture of an ever-increasingly transitory nature. Artists and art is disposable as Sean Cliver points out. The quest for the next hot product has resulted in a glut of products trying desperately to secure a market share. You can't even begin to see all the graphics that are out there, and there's not much available that hasn't been done several times. A dealer will buy a new graphic but doesn't want to get stuck with dead stock, so there's a tendency to just keep throwing stuff out there. How can any one graphic or any one artist attempt to stand out among a hurricane of images?
You seem to have done pretty well for yourself with designing graphics for "useless wooden toys", what advice do you have for those who are interested in designing pieces of art that will get slid off on a handrail after only a couple days...
Hey Orezona, that makes them rare and that drives collectors nuts. And the collector market that has emerged validates the art. What kind of art is worth anything if it's not worth anything? My advice is to not limit yourself. Skateboarding really has nothing to do with art although it is rewarding to be involved with what you like, and that can always happen with the right circumstances no matter what you are doing. I guess it can depend on how much compensation you require for your time, which has something to do with things like inspiration, motivation and endurance.
Your old designs: should they be hung on a wall, or skated?
Is it a wall hanger or a skateboard?
Oldmanmike(Arizona)
Some of the new PP stuff was collaboration between yourself and VCJ. How do you go about the process when working with another person on one piece?
I was fortunate to work with someone like VC who was so smooth and professional. It's Matt French who causes me consternation and discombobulation. We work together on designs and argue back and forth about every detail for hours at a time. He tweaks me and I resort to sarcasm, and there's no sacred cows either.
I know that we have a few fans that are unbelievable artists on our site. Would you ever consider doing another art collaboration with someone unknown?
I like that, the unknown artist! Sort of like how Margaret Keane turned out to have painted most of Walter's paintings, who knew? It reminds me of Mati Klarwine, who did the Jimi Hendrix Abraxas album art. In the years before his death he would often pick up stray paintings at yard sales, add his touches to them and sign below the other artists' name. But Mike... if I don't know who they are, how do I know they will do anything worth while or even hold up their end? I don't need help wasting my time; I do plenty of that as it is.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Basil Wolverton... actually, I like the 3 Stooges a lot more than any artists.
What's your favorite deck design (not one of yours)?
My son Jimbo's Sick Styx barfin' board. I offered him $75 but I can't get my hand on one.
Chef (California)
How do you feel about the screaming hand being one of the most popular skate tattoos? - there is no question why.
I think it was because of the guy we saw who tattooed the mouth right on his palm. That's respect!
H (England)
Respect.
What a great subject for an interview.
Skateboard Graphics?
Always fancied the idea of doing board graphics.
Must be an absolute blast knowing that there are people that are stoked just seeing the images and that the graphics can totally make someone buy a deck.
It is a blast, H. I remember I was out to dinner with relatives in Oakland, I walked out in back alley for a smoke where there was a couple of kids skating off a piece of old plywood they propped up. I noticed they had my graphics on their decks so I walked up and said "Hey you've got my graphics on your deck." They stoked and asked me to sign their sticks, and it was like having instant friends anytime in any city.
If you were to do something for an "older" skater type what image would spring to mind to spin on?
A skating granny with her walker attached to a skateboard deck?
Oregonparkskater (Oregon)
Me and my son both have the "Cell Block" skater tattoos.
cool!
In general how do you feel about dudes like me and my son, jacking your work and putting it on our skin for life?
It's indeed an honor. Especially knowing that it's a lifelong commitment. I feel like we're sort of married.
El Gato Negro (France)
Are you aware that there's collectors who love your work so much they have walls covered with boards with your art (usually overpaid...)
They sniffed around and bought them before anyone could get a clue. I admire that. Except some of the bought them from me before I had a clue.
Did you have a meeting with a skater before you decided on a graphic, or did you draw and Santa Cruz randomly gave the graphic to a pro....
I always liked to have personal meetings with the pro, and get as much of him into it or out of him as possible, and I always tried to do what they wanted, unless it was totally lame and then I'd try to talk them into something.
Has someone refused one of your graphics?
Well I refused him let's say. Spidey Demontrond kept changing his mind and asking for redesigns, and eventually I just said no! Most of the refusers just politely insisted on their own stupid thing so I would assign them to one of my studio artists.
Do you have some of your art pieces on your walls?
I'm so tired of looking at it all there's hardly anything in the house. I have a MC Who hanging in my office, and my studio/garage has my collection of old and new decks hanging on the walls.
Do you earn royalties on your graphics?
Yes, and It's starting to get better. It's great although you are taxed at a higher rate for royalty income. Charles Schultz creator of Peanuts and Snoopy said that licensing was everything, despite his long and prolific career in newspaper comics.
What are you all time favorite skateboard graphic (one from you and pick one from another artist please..)
I would say the Slasher of mine, and I already cited Jimbo's Barfin Deck, so I'll say the VC skeleton guy.
What do you think about the reissue thing?
What goes around comes around... and around and around. Sort of a graphic reincarnation cycle huh? I just feel fortunate that the graphics can hold up over the years and still be appealing to younger skaters. A lot of the market is basically collectomania, and cousin of the huge sports collectable market.
And what about the blank war?
Hey, what if they gave a war and used blanks? I'm not up on the war because it's my job to make them un-blank.
That's it, I have a ton more but I leave some room for my fellow soldiers...
At ease then soldier. Fall out.
Thanks a lot for opening my eyes on art Mr. Phillips...
You are very kind to think that I had something to do with it. I hope it results in some drawing.
Rollerbob (Texas)
What was your inspiration for the screaming hand? It was one of my most favorite graphics ever, and made my parents uneasy (which as a teenager, I thought was awesome!) but it was totally fresh and unique and definitely made a lasting impression on me. Like a lot of the guys here, your artwork really had an impact on me and my appreciation for skateboard graphics as true art.
Hey thanks Rollerbob! I've drawn the clenching hand since I was a kid, just sticking up in the background somewhere. Or coming out of the water for the third time. Artists through out history have used hands to convey emotion, and it is very effective. Just try to talk without using your hands. So when I got the idea of adding a mouth to double up on the expression factor I knew right away that it was killer material, I just had to talk them into it.
(I was stoked to see your work on Pocket Pistols. It made me feel "comfortable" returning to skating after so many years away. Kind of like, not EVERYTHING had changed or was unfamiliar.)
Hey that's really cool to hear Bob! Thanks you're the first to say that. I've been riding a longboard lately and it's a stoker.
Is it as much fun now to design graphics for today's pros as it was back in the 80s? (was it even fun then? I'm assuming it was...)
It was more than fun, it was agony and ecstasy. And with art you can't live any closer to the muse than that. Working with pros is like being a shrink; you analyze and then take a stab at the Rorschach test. Nobody knows what the prognosis will be but you hope everyone keeps their sanity.
What did you appreciate about doing graphics in the 80s that may, or may not, be part of creating graphics today, and is there anything today that's better or easier, than back in the day?
You guys are staying up late thinking up these cogent inquiries aren't you? The hot thing about the 80's skateboard graphics was two edged. At first not many knew exactly where to take it because it was uncharted waters, but then you could do almost anything and it would be unprecedented. The first few artists in the field were able to define the substance and set the styles. There were no limitations due to any other artist's claim to any certain thing. It started out fairly anonymous and unimportant, but as the years went by it became so important that it resulted in anonymity. Does that make any sense?
That's all? Thanks everybody! Keep on drawing'!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Protec Masters
Every year after I watch the old timers skate in the protec jam, I'm always in amazment with the level of skating that goes down.
Most of the folks in the masters are over 40 years old. What this proves, is that skateboarding has no agel limits.
Most of the folks in the masters are over 40 years old. What this proves, is that skateboarding has no agel limits.
Skating in Fiji
One of our forum members just got back from a trip to Fiji. He was a little bummed that he could not get a live feed for the Protec Pool party. So he had to improvise.
"just got back from a trip out to fiji's coral coast,while i was there i was a bit miffed as i couldn't get a live feed for the protec pool party ,
so..i improvised...fingerboard sesh took place with coconut shell boards & bottles of fiji bitter.....i beat grosso's 28 block slide btw...
Lance Mountain
We did an interview with Lance Mountain some time ago. But it's always interesting to go back and read it every once in awhile.
15 Questions for Lance Mountain
1. How has the transition been from being a pro/company owner to being a pro team rider, and not having the responsibilities of running a company?
Lance: I will tell you the transition from pro rider to company owner in the 90s was a lot harder than company owner to pro rider again. I think about it only when asked or just here or there on days that I don’t have much to do. When I was doing the company my mind was always thinking about everything as I should, actual skating was the only time that it was clear and the second I stopped rolling it went back to trying to figure out the next issue or rider or move in the industry. I don’t regret having a company or now not having a company, it’s just another change. Being responsible now, for family and myself only is nice.
2. What’s the hardest part of skating after the age of 40?
Lance: Motivation. Not to go skateboarding, but to do it in a progressive or an aggressive way. Your mind will always think or say to you I can do that, but your Will say’s "why try when you know you could do it"
3. Is it still just as exiting to skate new spots and terrains, or do you feel like you’ve kind of "seen it all" now?
Lance: Its still fun to skate new spots and see new people but I always think the stuff to skate is not all that great now, when in reality it is better. Still looking for stuff to feel as easy as it did when I was 15, I have come to understand it is me not the spot.
4. What is the gnarliest thing you have seen in all your years skating?
Lance: Bob at Baldy
5. When was the last time you pulled a FALL GUY? (frontside invert to fakie)
Lance: In one of the early soul bowl contest 5 years ago. Maybe I will try one tonight.
6. How was it being the "goofball" in the Bones Brigade?
Lance: I want to know the name and address of the guy who asked that. I find that insulting, I was a professional athlete.
7. * Two Parter:
a.) How are your wife and son?
Lance: Yvette my wife is good. She has been my best friend since I was 17 and has been the unseen support for anything I have tried to do in skateboarding. We kind of have a new life together now that we are now empty nesters. Our son Lance Ronald Cyril (dad and grandfathers names) We were going to use Cyril as his name, just as my first name is Robert and Lance is used but everyone started calling him Jr. after a Powell ad was selling a mini, but he is not a mini, he is rad. He is now been married to Kellie for two years and they are doing great.
b.) Your son is a really good skater, how do you think he deals with Lance Mountain being his Dad?
Lance: I talked to him yesterday and he hadn’t skated for a few months and he learned front side kick flip lip slide on a flat bar, just by messing around at lunch break, that’s not one of the easy ones. Skating pro or whatever is not something he wanted to do, I don’t think he even wants to skate it’s just something that is natural to him, He said he wished playing guitar came that natural because that is what he loves to do. He writes songs. I think that him being my son made him want to only skate for fun not a job and made him want to be good at something else.
8. How was it working with Stacy Peralta and George Powell?
Lance: It was awesome, I would have to put Stecyk in there as well, and I was around Stacy and Craig more because they were in L.A. They formed my way of thinking about skating and if it weren’t for them I never would have been involved with skateboarding after it died in 1983.
9. (For the lads across the pond in the U. K.) - Do you have any memories of your time at Romford Skatepark in England?
Lance: I have great memories when I went to England to skate in 1979. My Dad was born in Lewisham, so we went when I was 10 and when I was 15 to see my grand parents, museums and skate. I skated Romford . Blacklion, Maddog, Harrow or Rollin Thunder. But I went to Rom just once or twice I think; after Shogo was there they still had flyers of him. I saw Sinclair skate the pipe and only have one photo of Henderson in the pool. I have not been back to Rom. I went back to Harrow once and just sat up above the performance bowl that was cut of and filled in and just was the weirdest feeling I have ever had. It was 20 years later and it was not even my same life it seemed. I just can’t believe were skateboarding has taken us.
10. Are you tired of "eyebrow/unibrow" questions?
Lance: I think this is the first unibrow question I have received.
Do you still skate street?
Lance: I can’t say I skate it, but I shot a photo boardsliding a 12-stair handrail last week for a slap article, hope it looks good.
12 * Another two parter
a.)You were part of Hurley’s Pool Rules Art Show, how do you feel about the effect art has in skateboarding?
Lance: Neil Blender is what I think, Skateboarding would have been a bunch of tricks or a sport if none of the other things that mold it were not part of it. You can’t fall in love with tricks only, they pass, People, Personalities, Styles, It is so lame to say skateboarding is art, But everyone looks at it different and that is what makes it change and have a life of it’s own.
b.) How do you feel about your own art and the role it’s played in skating?
Lance: I just like to try and make stuff. It’s cool if others like it.
13. Do you have any plans to ever re-release any of the old FIRM videos on DVD, say perhaps La Buena Vida?
Lance: I’m working on a website that will have all sorts of stuff archives like the England trip and photo, decks, history, art, I’m sure I will have things for sale maybe I would make that stuff available, I’m sure I will do what ever someone has interest in.
14. Did you and McGill ever share a sleeping bag on tour and stay up all night talking about how pretty the moon looked and spooning each other?
Lance: I deserve that abuse. I use to tease Mike all the time until I saw him blast a 540 over my head first try, after we tried to learn them all day 1/2 way up and couldn’t get around all the way. mind blowing.
What do you think of the resurgence of older skaters, guys who may have quit due to responsibilities, jobs, families etc, coming back on board, and the push towards old school equipment / style in general?
Lance: I remember getting to the place were I was playing add-a-trick in the brown bowls at Marina with pro’s and I was behind Brad Bowman, Just thinking I will turn pro and be in contest with these skaters who made me fall in love with skateboarding next year. But it all fell apart we turned pro and all the older guys had to go get jobs or live’s because skateboarding had no money and there was no where to do it. The new skate parks have changed that and skaters from all eras can come have fun again, They have jobs and time to skate and the product for them can be fun, different, or strange.
15 Questions for Lance Mountain
1. How has the transition been from being a pro/company owner to being a pro team rider, and not having the responsibilities of running a company?
Lance: I will tell you the transition from pro rider to company owner in the 90s was a lot harder than company owner to pro rider again. I think about it only when asked or just here or there on days that I don’t have much to do. When I was doing the company my mind was always thinking about everything as I should, actual skating was the only time that it was clear and the second I stopped rolling it went back to trying to figure out the next issue or rider or move in the industry. I don’t regret having a company or now not having a company, it’s just another change. Being responsible now, for family and myself only is nice.
2. What’s the hardest part of skating after the age of 40?
Lance: Motivation. Not to go skateboarding, but to do it in a progressive or an aggressive way. Your mind will always think or say to you I can do that, but your Will say’s "why try when you know you could do it"
3. Is it still just as exiting to skate new spots and terrains, or do you feel like you’ve kind of "seen it all" now?
Lance: Its still fun to skate new spots and see new people but I always think the stuff to skate is not all that great now, when in reality it is better. Still looking for stuff to feel as easy as it did when I was 15, I have come to understand it is me not the spot.
4. What is the gnarliest thing you have seen in all your years skating?
Lance: Bob at Baldy
5. When was the last time you pulled a FALL GUY? (frontside invert to fakie)
Lance: In one of the early soul bowl contest 5 years ago. Maybe I will try one tonight.
6. How was it being the "goofball" in the Bones Brigade?
Lance: I want to know the name and address of the guy who asked that. I find that insulting, I was a professional athlete.
7. * Two Parter:
a.) How are your wife and son?
Lance: Yvette my wife is good. She has been my best friend since I was 17 and has been the unseen support for anything I have tried to do in skateboarding. We kind of have a new life together now that we are now empty nesters. Our son Lance Ronald Cyril (dad and grandfathers names) We were going to use Cyril as his name, just as my first name is Robert and Lance is used but everyone started calling him Jr. after a Powell ad was selling a mini, but he is not a mini, he is rad. He is now been married to Kellie for two years and they are doing great.
b.) Your son is a really good skater, how do you think he deals with Lance Mountain being his Dad?
Lance: I talked to him yesterday and he hadn’t skated for a few months and he learned front side kick flip lip slide on a flat bar, just by messing around at lunch break, that’s not one of the easy ones. Skating pro or whatever is not something he wanted to do, I don’t think he even wants to skate it’s just something that is natural to him, He said he wished playing guitar came that natural because that is what he loves to do. He writes songs. I think that him being my son made him want to only skate for fun not a job and made him want to be good at something else.
8. How was it working with Stacy Peralta and George Powell?
Lance: It was awesome, I would have to put Stecyk in there as well, and I was around Stacy and Craig more because they were in L.A. They formed my way of thinking about skating and if it weren’t for them I never would have been involved with skateboarding after it died in 1983.
9. (For the lads across the pond in the U. K.) - Do you have any memories of your time at Romford Skatepark in England?
Lance: I have great memories when I went to England to skate in 1979. My Dad was born in Lewisham, so we went when I was 10 and when I was 15 to see my grand parents, museums and skate. I skated Romford . Blacklion, Maddog, Harrow or Rollin Thunder. But I went to Rom just once or twice I think; after Shogo was there they still had flyers of him. I saw Sinclair skate the pipe and only have one photo of Henderson in the pool. I have not been back to Rom. I went back to Harrow once and just sat up above the performance bowl that was cut of and filled in and just was the weirdest feeling I have ever had. It was 20 years later and it was not even my same life it seemed. I just can’t believe were skateboarding has taken us.
10. Are you tired of "eyebrow/unibrow" questions?
Lance: I think this is the first unibrow question I have received.
Do you still skate street?
Lance: I can’t say I skate it, but I shot a photo boardsliding a 12-stair handrail last week for a slap article, hope it looks good.
12 * Another two parter
a.)You were part of Hurley’s Pool Rules Art Show, how do you feel about the effect art has in skateboarding?
Lance: Neil Blender is what I think, Skateboarding would have been a bunch of tricks or a sport if none of the other things that mold it were not part of it. You can’t fall in love with tricks only, they pass, People, Personalities, Styles, It is so lame to say skateboarding is art, But everyone looks at it different and that is what makes it change and have a life of it’s own.
b.) How do you feel about your own art and the role it’s played in skating?
Lance: I just like to try and make stuff. It’s cool if others like it.
13. Do you have any plans to ever re-release any of the old FIRM videos on DVD, say perhaps La Buena Vida?
Lance: I’m working on a website that will have all sorts of stuff archives like the England trip and photo, decks, history, art, I’m sure I will have things for sale maybe I would make that stuff available, I’m sure I will do what ever someone has interest in.
14. Did you and McGill ever share a sleeping bag on tour and stay up all night talking about how pretty the moon looked and spooning each other?
Lance: I deserve that abuse. I use to tease Mike all the time until I saw him blast a 540 over my head first try, after we tried to learn them all day 1/2 way up and couldn’t get around all the way. mind blowing.
What do you think of the resurgence of older skaters, guys who may have quit due to responsibilities, jobs, families etc, coming back on board, and the push towards old school equipment / style in general?
Lance: I remember getting to the place were I was playing add-a-trick in the brown bowls at Marina with pro’s and I was behind Brad Bowman, Just thinking I will turn pro and be in contest with these skaters who made me fall in love with skateboarding next year. But it all fell apart we turned pro and all the older guys had to go get jobs or live’s because skateboarding had no money and there was no where to do it. The new skate parks have changed that and skaters from all eras can come have fun again, They have jobs and time to skate and the product for them can be fun, different, or strange.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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