Kick-flip It With Skate Deck Art at Bed Bar

Beijing’s pavements might not be the safest for skateboarding, but since doing anything else in Beijing (including riding the subway) pretty much has the danger levels of an extreme sport anyway, then … why the hell not?

And of course, Beijing being the cultural epicenter that it is, it only makes sense to take it to the next level: skate deck art.

Challenge Skateboards has been hosting a tour of skate deck art through China’s major cities for several years running, and this year it starts tonight at Bed Bar, where they’ll be displaying 44 works by 38 different artists. The celebration for the opening includes beats by DJ Pump (who melds hip-hop, drum & bass, and scratching), free drinks and finger foods (come early!), live deck paintings at the venue, and five listening stations where you can try out the new Skullcandy Aviator headphones (it’s like bringing Radio Shack to the party).

We interviewed three of the skate deck artists – snowboarder Wang Lei, graphic designer Maxime Archambault and graffiti artist Romy - to find out more about what all this painting of these boards on wheels is all about…

tbj: So, what other kind of art do you do?
WL: I really am rather a hobby artist! My day job is to ride for Burton Snowboards, and also take care of the Marketing and Resort Business in China.
Romy: Stencils and some experimental art. I like using different surfaces as “canvas” for my art and my current project is about transforming common building substances like bricks or pavement stones into neon light installations.
MA: Since 2 years I am really into T-shirt illustration, but I also like to do acrylic paintings in the vibe of a pop surrealist. I paint on all sort of object like toys, shoes, or furniture. I also enjoy street art, wheat pasting, photography and everything around graphic design.

tbj: What made you interested in doing skate deck art?
MA: Back in Montreal I have a crew called laparia.ca. The link between all members is the skate industry, street art and being an artist. So Sk8 customization is something that I have done before and I like it a lot. I think it’s a good way to reach the younger generations.
Romy: I like the idea to use a ready made object, especially a wooden surface, and create something new.

tbj: What's your own history with skateboarding?
WL: Snowboarding and skateboarding are closely connected. Actually I just got myself a new skateboard. It’s great to cruise around in the city during the summer.
MA: I received my first skateboard at age 8 and I have kept riding up until I was 22.
Now what keeps me related to this culture is the design, fine art and the fashion. I really like the etiquette related to skateboarding, even if they have so many different styles around it, I enjoy the diversity of it.
Romy: I grew up with skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding surrounding me. I’m not an avid skater myself, but am intrigued by the culture, the spirit, and skills of the riders.

tbj: Damien Hirst just sold a new crop of outrageously expensive skate decks he designed, and some complain it goes against the original spirit of "making art accessible." What do you think skate deck art should be all about?
WL: I saw the decks and wasn’t in particular awe. I don’t think he was overly creative in the design. Skateboard art should also be there to make the sport and culture more approachable for more people.
MA: In art, a lot of things are about fame. If you are able to sell your art for a lot of money, do it - why not? I think if you want affordable art you have to buy from emerging artists. You have to fallow the market, and people that complain are jealous. If I will find a person to buy my skate deck art at RMB 1000,000,000,000, I will sell it with pleasure, and be very happy. But at the moment I just hope it will sell at RMB 3,000.

tbj: Tell us more about your particular work on display this year. What inspires you?
WL: My deck features some iconic buildings and landmarks of Beijing city. Every city has its distinctive skyline, and since I live here, I wanted to use it for the deck design. If someone sees it, they immediately know: this is Beijing.
MA: At the moment I am into character design, so I have created this guy called “Freshy Jelly”. He is very nice, yet a bit ugly. Its value is artificial. He is like a teenager: he thinks that wearing good brands make him a better person. At the moment he has a nice diamond in is hand and he thinks he is awesome. My artwork for Challenge Skateboards SDA is called “DIAMOND LOOKS GREAT ON ME!” and I used acryclic to paint on the deck.
Romy: The LOVE deck is an homage to all the skaters, and it also is an extension of my experiments with neon lights.

tbj: Wang Lei, seeing the Beijing skyline cut out of a skateboard is kind of new. What were you hoping to convey to Beijingers, and what is the significance of it also bearing the shape of an ark?
WL: Some people worry about the end of the world. I just want to say: No worries! We have skate deck art. Even if you don’t skate yourself, you know the culture, and its art. You can get inspired to look over your own horizon to make the world a better place.

tbj: What's the ideal skateboard trick to show off your piece?
WL: You can’t really skate my deck anymore, it’s cut in half.
Romy: A regular “Off The Wall” I guess…jokes aside, it’s an art piece now and you can’t ride it anymore.

tbj: Oh, right. Well, thanks for making the city a safer place.

To peep these decks and more, head to the party at Bed Bar tonight, 6-11pm. The decks will be on display until July 15.