One of the highlights of ASR had to be Powells art exhibit celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the Ripper. 58 artists interpreted Vernon Courtlandt Johnson’s (VCJ) classic work that is arguably the most iconic skateboard graphic ever created. There are soem names you will know and some that you won’t. Two Northwest artists were among those whose work was commissioned, Jay Meer and Mark Sellman. I was going comment on how the collection seemed kind of weak until I took a look at the complete installation. The individual pieces as presented isolated in popups don’t really do them justice. If you take a look at the installation you’ll get a better appreciation of the works. Check out the Powell Peralta web site for the whole shebang, including pics from the reception and George Powell’s interesting recollections of the design process.
And no, I wasn’t upset that I wasn’t asked to be included in the show. After all, there’s a fine line between tribute and copyright infringement, as you’ll see after the jump.
Initially I was super stoked to create these boards. Other companies had done more famous parodies, but in my mind this was a tribute and not sarcasm. Powell Peralta was the first brand I ever had a strong connection with, and a red Caballero dragon was my first real board. Although I ended up moving on to other brands after buying a couple Powell decks, I always had a special place in my heart filled with unicorns, puppies, rainbows and Powell Peralta. A huge part of that was VCJ’s artwork. Getting back to our tribute, after a while I started to feel like it was lame, not because it had been done ready, but because I thought it showed a lack of creativity that I often criticized other companies for.
Of course, we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to resurrect our tribute for the 20th anniversary of the ’86 Bones Brigade Tour, the one that used the ripper graphic extensively. This is our version on a sticker. I don’t think we even went on a tour that year.
10 comments
orezona
I suppose I’m 3 years too late to ask if you have any of those stickers left…
Tito
hey check out the 99 limited run of the Grant Brittain pro skateboard… scull and camera
Concretin Nik
There are some great tributes in that show. And a couple of WTFs. And the prices have my wallet saying no thanks. But ‘art’ always has been a bit overpriced for me… I’m not a snob, just poor. I think Lance Mountains is my favorite, but there are some fantastic pieces in there.
conahan
They didn’t ask me either.
conahan
By the way, that was a great use of QTVR.
Mark S
The show was great! The set up was amazing! George Powell was a super nice man. It is my understanding that there were about 30 artists who had to be bumped from the show due to lack of space. If they can get another sponsor like a drink company they will travel the show so that more can see them in person.
Jaymeer
Just back from San Diego.
Good times I remember looking at the weather one day it was 73 down there & 37 in Portland & Seattle!! I was on the beach Kill!
Glad Powell gave me the excuse to travel to San Diego & ASR I was in Diego last year but its been over 10 years since an ASR mission! Felt like old times, worked it into vip into multiple bars & shows with no cover lol. I love working the system, thats the best.
Good to See the homies down there, got to See the Deathbowl to Downtown premier 2 times in Seattle & Diego plus the Creepy Creeps played SiCk!
Hangin out at Washington Street, got to paint there & the Tower Bar & chillin skateboarding OB with Neil, Too many heads to name everywhere there is a migration in the winter when I go down there & see like 10 plus people I see in Oregon & Washington a week before & after. Dammit you gotta escape for a sec. get some good weather to make it through the winter! Glad I brought some sunshine back with me, Burnside was fun & warm yesterday other than bla bla !! Still looking for some product & lifestyle sponsors, lol.. yeah skate & keep annoying! THanks SNA
colin
Jaymeer what’s your email – i have a photo of you and grip tits
Jaymeer
Video now on Skateone … they did a good job … Big Ups !!
GatorALLin
Just in case there are any ripper fans out there…..
here are a few ripper picture collections:
#1 Ripper skateboard decks (OG + Spoofs+ Reissues). Not all of these are mine ….but many are….
http://s1014.photobucket.com/albums/af261/GatorALLin/
#2 Ripper Art or products: http://s1014.photobucket.com/albums/af261/GatorALLin/Ripper%20Art%20and%20Products/
#3 Just a few ripper tatoos: http://s1014.photobucket.com/albums/af261/GatorALLin/Ripper%20Tattoos/