Skateboarding is a potpourri of personality; a mosaic of flavours and styles. Its capacity for individuality fuels my current project.
Last year, I bought a skateboard on a whim. I'm not sure if I was reliving my childhood or restoring serotonin lost during Covid-19. Regardless, it was a wise decision.
While honing my hobby, I encountered every subculture, every wing of society. Goths, gangstas, punks, nerds, rockers and drag-queens all sped past my rookie manoeuvres. These people look different. Their wardrobe is specific and their boards are too. Of course, there's the skater in Dickies and a five-panel cap. But a spectrum of style rolls alongside tradition.
Whether trench-coated or miniskirted, skaters also ride uniquely. Old-school dudes do hand-plants at Brunswick Bowl. The street stylist masters flip tricks at Riverslide Park. The adrenaline junkie launches from ramps in secret locations. The punks thrash through crusty DIY backyards in Preston.
On first glance, these people have little in common. They like different music, come from different backgrounds and inhibit different neighbourhoods. Yet they're often firm friends.
Most skaters take this for granted. I too was aware of different styles. But I didn't realize the extent of individuality that skating encompassed.
Upping your trick arsenal and planning the next obstacle creates a mutual connection. Total strangers share anecdotes and strategies. Everyone is stoked to be on the hamster wheel of self-improvement. Yes, there are dicks and lowlifes. But there are dicks at the post office too.
As a 33-year-old I found myself connecting with 19-year-olds. Skating evened our differences - all because of this joint endeavour. Initially, I rode self-consciously, expecting judgement or intimidation. My 2001 skate memories mostly include running home from fights. Things seemed to have changed, at least in my experience.
I've met so many interesting humans it feels a bit like travelling. People have told me of mental breakdowns, Kabbalah lessons and small-town upbringings. I now seek out these conversations as a bonus every time I ride.
This experience had inspired my latest work - a series of photos, personal tales and quotes you can find here.
This project will continue grinding throughout 2021. I'm looking forward to more shooting and more stories. All alongside my personal human gumbo - happily stirred together by skateboarding.