“ Making art on skateboards was a great way to bring share of my passions! ”
About Me.
Every time I’m sitting down to paint a painting or draw some “character” I get into this strange type of immersion, a zone. The same effect comes over me while working on the skateboards I have created. In designing them, I allow myself to get swept away by the current of color, dynamic design, and concentration.
- Olivier
My Mission.
I’ve been skating in the Bay Area - specifically at the Emeryville and the Berkeley Skate Park and all over the streets - for the last 7 years. This year, I’ve noticed a group of boys at the Berkeley Skate Park who show up again and again. I saw this one kid MG struggling to do a “shove-it” and gave him some pointers; over time I began to skate with these kids and teach them what I know about the sport. Little by little I got some their personal stories — and started to understand that they were from disadvantaged backgrounds and, like many, skating was a great positive outlet. One day, I was sitting at home drawing and got the idea to create 5 customized skateboard decks for this group of friends. I based on their personalities and any interests I knew about each one and surprised them with the decks next time I went to the park. It felt fantastic to share my love of art and help them continue their path on skating!
About my Process.
Each board takes 1-8 weeks to produce. The art has a unique flow but the preparation is always the same:
Sand & prepare board with white gesso
Pencil sketch & fill in with paint
View. Consider. Embellish. Repeat.
Apply clear coat protection