Homebase Skateshop | 610 Crew | Bethlehem PA » L.V.A.N.

first friday tonight: “our lives through a skateshop’s eyes”

homebase — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:19:11 +0000

Hanging Homebase memorabilia on our back wall so you can see what 9 years looks like through a skateshop’s eyes.

The show runs from 7pm-10pm tonight and will be catered by our friend’s at Hello Burrito. All the food will be vegan or vegetarian too for all our animal loving friends.

See you at First Friday!

cutting it up with andy v. (nyuck, nyuck)

homebase — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:30:50 +0000

Andy Vasquez is a talented individual- on and off his board but he’d never tell you that. I’ve known him since his early BM2K days and have been proudly watching him mature from the sidelines into an amazingly creative friend. His latest venture is his wood working company and website: www.AndyVasquezFurniture.com. He had one of the most unique art shows at Homebase a while back so it was nice to catch up with him and his creations when he brought in a Pennslyvania shaped cutting board into Homebase.

So how are things going with Andy Vasquez Furniture these days?

Things are going well. I’m working on pieces whenever I’m not at the ‘Za or at home, doing things around the house. And when I’m not in Kutztown, I’m trying to work on the website (www.andyvasquezfurniture.com), and sketch new ideas for future pieces. Basically, I’m not able to be in the studio all day, every day anymore, but I’m not trying to stay productive with furniture, as well as skate as much as I can.

You’ve been an artistic for as long as we’ve known you V, but how long have you been working with wood?

I was always helping my Dad with projects around the house, learning the basics like using a drill, circular saw, and jigsaw. And then, when I was picking classes one semester for my Art Education major about 3 years ago, and I saw that Wood Design was an elective I could take, and seemed like a very logical class to take being that I thought I had a little bit of knowledge already and I could combine functionality with a more artful approach. And to be honest, I wasn’t that into it at first, but the next semester I was finding myself using woodworking in most of my projects for other classes. So I gave furniture making another shot, and I was hooked thereafter. I can say the furniture making and skateboarding are similar in that it’s so meticulous to learn your basic tricks and basic methods, but once you have those down you’re free take all different approaches and really put your own voice into the activity.

What kinds of pieces have you made? What’s the funniest piece you’ve created and what’s been the most challenging?

A lot of my older pieces come from an approach to make functional sculpture, and while my work can still be considered as such, I’m looking to address function and aesthetic more now, while still having some content involved. For instance, I’ve been working on this Neo-Nakashima series for almost a year now, and that’s been both the funnest and funniest (I couldn’t tell if you’re question had a typo in it, haha). [Po: I did mean funnest!]

I love making those pieces because it’s mostly all in the moment. I have basic sketches, but there’s no way to make the supporting structures match a sketch with how complicated they are. And I would say they’re funny in a way, because I throwing in some historical reference to George Nakashima, a world-renowned furniture maker, who worked in New Hope, PA as a matter of fact. Nakashima made these beautiful, but very simple pieces of furniture, utilizing natural slabs. While, I love Nakashima’s work, I really don’t care for all of the people who have just kind of ripped off his style.

I think of it in the same way that you can really admire the way someone skates, or paints, but I can’t get behind skating or painting exactly like someone.

So I think or my Neo-nakashima pieces as being an homage to Nakashima, while putting my own style into it, and poking a little fun at those who have directly copied Nakashima.

Sorry, I’m going on forever, but to wrap this up: My most challenging piece was definitely my City Grid coffee table. I was experimenting with combining the use of copper and wood in equally complicated construction methods.

While some of my other pieces took just as much time if not more to create, this one was the most difficult because throughout the last half of the project I kept realizing, “This isn’t me.” But I completed it to have the experience of really working through a piece that I didn’t feel was really my own, or all that exciting.

Being a fan of all things local and PA related, we’re obviously fans of the State of Pennsylvania cutting boards but what gave you the idea?

Well I set out to make smaller items, so that I could have pieces that were affordable by people in similar financial situations as myself. I can’t remember exactly how the idea came to me, but I remember being very enthusiastic after I thought of it because up until that point, making cutting boards seemed so familiar and unexciting to me. I’m happy to be able to show my pride in my upbringing (and current location) and make something that people can relate to and use.

What do you suggest we cut these cutting boards?

Ha, well I know myself and fellow PA cutting board owner, Giancarlo Demarchi, use ours for vegetables and tofu, but you’re free to cut whatever you’d like on it, I do not preach. I use a food safe finish on all my cutting boards, so if it’s food, and you can cut it, aaaaand you’ve got some PA pride, I’ve got a cutting board just for you, haha.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Say I’m just your average skater reading this interview and I want an Andy Vasquez cutting board- where can I by one?

I have them for sale at Home and Planet on 3rd Street in Southside Bethlehem, and I just got them into Loose Threads boutique across the street from Homebase. I make them in smaller and larger sizes, so if they don’t have what you’re looking for in-stock, or aren’t in the immediate area, you can e-mail me at andy@andyvasquezfurniture.com, and I’ll get you what you’re looking for. At any location, the small boards are $20 and the larger boards are $25, and come in oak or walnut (locally harvested, and from scrap pieces whenever possible).

Have you had any shoes (shows) lately and are there any coming up?

I’ve read this question over and over again, trying to figure out why what shoes I’ve worn lately have to do with my furniture and cutting boards, haha. But I have had some SHOWS lately, haha. I just had a solo show in Kutztown in April, I was in a group fibers show in Reading in March, and I had pieces in the Senior Show for my furniture design degree at Kutztown in April as well. I will be in a group show opening July 1st at the Eckhaus in Kutztown, and I’m really psyched for it. The show is called Wood and Evil, and it features myself, Alex Echevarria, Sydney Howell, Mark Mahoskey, Martha Summer, Darren Beck, Kevin Travers, and I believe a few others. I excited for the show because while I will have furniture in the show, the other work will be painting and sculpture, and I think it will be a really good mix, because I think our work has a lot of commonalities. Also, we’re really committed to transforming the gallery and even ourselves, because the show is all about the appearance and texture of wood. I’m leaving the evil part as a surprise. I will be posting more info about the show soon.How do we find out about future projects for Andy Vasquez?

I just started a blog to go along with my website, so I’m trying to stay current with updating the blog to give a glimpse of how the pieces are made, and also to provide unofficial photos of completed pieces before I get around to having them professionally photographed. www.andyvasquezfurniture.com/blog.html

Thank you very much, Po, and thanks to everyone who read this.

No, thank you V.

memories. . . la, la, la. . . meeeeeemories.

homebase — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:07:35 +0000

Following up last month’s 9 Year Anniversary events we want all our Homebase homies to share their memories with us for the upcoming July First Friday.

Instead of displaying a local artists work on our back wall we’ll be displaying 9 years worth of Homebase memorabilia from old video premiere posters, candid photos from skate sessions, skateboard tickets, newspaper clippings and almost a decades worth t-shirts.

Got a photo from a past Homebase event you came to? Bring it in and we’ll throw it up on the wall for all to see.

Did you ever do a school project that involved Homebase? Bring it in and we’ll throw it in an album for all to read.

Homebase belongs to everyone. Your memories are just as big of a part of the shop so bring it what you got.

So I guess you can say that we’re all collaborating for next month’s art show. Hope you come out for OUR ART SHOW.

9 year weekend coverage. cross-blog coverage

homebase — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:31:26 +0000

First wave of coverage from Red Bull Manny Mania on Saturday and the Homebase 9-Year BBQ on Sunday. Again, thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible from sponsors, to all the volunteers, judges, performers, venues and of course everyone who came to support.

Manny Mania Results: 1st- Spencer Brown (Maryland). 2nd- Timothy Fulton (New Jersey). 3rd- Ben Taylor (Bethlehem)

The Homebase 9-Year BBQ raised $1640.00= 33 Bricks will be bought for the Bethlehem Skateplaza.

Photos by Max Zahradnik. Visit his site, www.MaxZahradnik.com to see all the sequences from Manny Mania before the video comes out.

Photos by Jaime Heim. Visit his site to see all his photos at www.JamieHeimPhotography.com

Photos by Tom Flores. The Red Bull Skateboarding edit he and Eric Shell are working on should be online soon.

Photos by Mike Panic. See all his photography on www.MikePanic.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video by Cap Cee. Thanks to the Audio Dynamikz DJ’s for keeping us moving all weekend

Lots more photos and video to come from both days. Some of my own photos from Manny Mania are in the Gallery. . . .

first friday artshow-a-thon: ray gurz at loose threads & dst at homebase.

homebase — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:10:20 +0000

If you’re not on the Southside tomorrow then you’re blowing it. Not only is it First Friday but it’s the opening of two local artists who are very close to Homebase, Ray Gurz and Dane S. Thompson. But it doesn’t stop there, we’ll be celebrating our neighbor’s across 4th St, Loose Thread’s 2 Year Anniversary. There will definitely be pretty girls there. . .

Ray Gurz does not stop. He is constantly building and creating. Whether it is for Lost Soul Skateboards, any one of his respected bands, hosting Homebase events or helping The EASA design and build their first skatepark- he stays busy. This is all in between family life, working, skating, a new love of bowling and creating for himself.

Tomorrow night, Ray will help Loose Threads celebrate their 2 year anniversary by opening his solo art show in their newly remodeled shop from 6-10p. “Catalog of Dysfunction” will debut Ray’s most recent work created especially for this event with Loose Threads. As well as an artist collaboration t-shirt he designed for Simply Anti.

Located across the street from Homebase at 9 w. 4th st, Loose Threads is the woman’s boutique that always has a great window display helping our block shine. Check out Ray’s newest works, have some food, drinks, music, and pick something up for that lady in your life. Congratulations to both Ray and Loose Threads.

Photos courtesy of www.MaxZahradnik.com (Text by NoNo)

Dane S. Thompson is master of mixed media. He can paint, draw and use a Illustrator to produce his signature style prints which you may have seen wheat pasted around town or stuck to a street sign next to a Homebase sticker.

Dane is Homebase’s May/June LVAN artist and his show, “A Delectable Pedigree” debuts at the shop the same night as Ray’s show at Loose Threads. The show features a large collection of his past prints as well as some made specifically for this show.

I heard of Dane’s work through his father a few years ago when the LVAN was just getting started. He talked about his son who was going to art school in Hartford, CT at the moment, had been to the store several times and liked what we were doing.

Some time later Ray told me about a artist named Dane but couldn’t remember the last name but felt his work would make a really good art show at Homebase. It wasn’t until later that I pieced it all together but by then we lost contact with Dane’s and his Dad.

Then one day a wheat paste of Gordie LaForge from Star Trek popped up in the alley behind Loose Threads. The concept and style was so fresh it was almost like it belonged on a wall next to a Shepard Fairy or Faile piece but instead it was in Bethlehem. I posted it up on the Homebase Twitter and went on my way. A little later, I get a retweet from DST46 saying he was glad I liked the piece.

We went back and forth on Twitter and I offered him an art show at the shop if he had more pieces. Dane directed to his facebook and then it all the pieces came together. DST, Dane S. Thompson. Since we were already friends, I checked out his photos and immediately recognized him and his Dad.

I’ve never told Dane this but I guess he’ll know now and we’ll have a good laugh at the open of “A Delectable Pedigree” this Friday night. Hope y’all can make it out and watch my face turn red.

Both shows debut this Friday night so livelocal* and support the local arts and business communities.

tonight. . . this land is your land.

homebase — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:39:09 +0000

Hope to see everyone out on the Southside for a beautiful March First Friday.

It may be a bit chilly outside but there’s no snow on the ground or rain falling from the sky. We’re open til 10pm tonight so come on by!

notes from nono: behind brian barto’s “this land is your land.”

homebase — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:00:53 +0000

Homebase & The L.V.A.N. are very proud to present Brian Barto: “This Land Is Your Land.” Show opens First Friday March 4th at Homebase from 7-10pm.

I first became aware of Brian Barto, the older brother of another LVAN alumni , Brett Barto in my high school years. They were both at the forefront of an amazingly tight skate crew from Emmaus.

Brian is somewhat of a polymath; or a renaissance man if you will. He was a staple of the early LV Hardcore scene when bands like Bad Brains and the Cromags came through the Valley. He helped to push the straight edge lifestyle and the D.I.Y. ethics that punk opened up to all of us. Brian was either printing shirts, hand making fliers, renting union halls to hold shows and planning tours- all while attending school for communication design.

He’s an inspiration to me and a lot of the guys at Homebase because even with all of the responsibilities of being a “grown up” he’s held onto his passion for skateboarding, takes snowboarding trips to Colorado, hikes and camps in the real wilderness and lives life to the fullest.

My first glimpse of Brian’s woodworking skills was at the second Backed in Black Griptape Show. Brian made his presence know by creating an amazing 3D wood interpretation of a skater with wings carving and the words “Keep on, Keeping on” that is still hanging proudly here in Homebase.

Through today’s social network society I was also able to get to know Brian and his work little better. I “witnessed” his hand building of the most beautiful canoes I’ve ever seen; a project that took years of work and was clearly a labor of love.

He has a keen eye for salvaging what most would pass by. His solo shows often showcase his interest in vintage market and barn signs that are full of history and 610 pride. The work speaks to you on a different level. It’s a refreshing style in today’s digital world.

The installation that he has done in Homebase for his upcoming solo show is nothing short of amazing. Brian transformed the back of the shop into a hip country barn. It reminds you of a roadside ice cream stop in the Summer and sparks a feeling of comfort combined with a new appreciation for the classic woodworking style.

Homebase and the LVAN are very proud to present Brian Barto in his solo show entitled, “This Land Is Your Land”. Opening First Friday, March 4th at Homebase from 7-10pm. Stop out to meet Brian and his art- this is one of our best shows yet. If you can’t make it the show will be hanging through the months of March and April.

Find out more about Brian on Whiskey and Chocolate. All photos from TheseOurWastedDays.

-Nono

first friday: jaguar nono opening at homebase & skateplaza fundraiser at home & planet

homebase — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:00:53 +0000

We ain’t scared to drop a LVAN art show banger for a cold November First Friday. You know why?

It’s because it’s Jaguar NoNo. One of the founders of the L.V.A.N., local skater (local legend in my book), Homebase manager, graf writer, vinyl toy customizer, hip-hop historian and all around good dude to know. Get to know NoNo.

“Everything Cool Has Been Done” is a collection of new and old pieces from NoNo or Josh Novak if you’re the government that show cases his versatile ability to use almost anything as his canvas. Rumor is he’s even made some collectible plush figures. . .

Be sure to stop by Home & Planet down on 3rd St and support the Bethlehem Skateplaza through a very creative fund raiser using your old decks. Fellow “skar-tists,” Jason and Adam Podlaski who create furniture using used skateboard decks will be raffling off a piece of their work to raise funds of phase 2 of the plaza.

Home & Planet’s Press Release:

“This First Friday, November 5, Home & Planet presents, “SK8 — Furniture & Lamps From Recycled Skateboards”. Artists (and brothers) Jason and Adam Podlaski create stools and benches, and Victor Perez creates one-of-a-kind lamps from used skate decks. A really exciting trio of artists and a show not to be missed.

In addition to the show, the artists will also create a one of a kind piece to be raffled off during the month of December at Home & Planet to benefit the Bethlehem Skateplaza. We are working with Homebase, our local skate shop on 4th street, to collect broken boards from Bethlehem which will then be used to create the piece to be raffled by the artists. The raffle will go through the month of December, with the winner announced on December 22. We hope you’ll agree that this is a great way to support the skateplaza and, for at least one lucky person, receive a unique Holiday gift!

Show opens First Friday November 5, from 7 to 10 pm and runs through November 28. Raffle begins as soon as piece is made and continues through December 22, 2010.”

while you were sleeping: the rink st. fair

homebase — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 22:00:38 +0000

Skateboarding has always been closely tied to art and music. Every skateboard graphic that isn’t a logo is pretty much worthy of hanging on a your wall. The Faction, Flogging Molly, Bad Shit, The Goat, Bad American and even Muscle Revolution are all bands that have skaters in them.

So when Loose Threads asked if we’d be interested in helping them put together a DIY flea market behind their shop for local artists, have local bands play and serve locally made beer . . . we said “YES.”

That was about 3 months ago and last week the Rink St. Fair was finally born on a cold and windy October afternoon. . . . and it was awesome.

We had artists, jewelery makers, vintage clothing, used shoes, skateboards, hot apple cider, hot dogs, wood workers, photographers, pottery, live music and of course- FREE BEER.

We took donations for the Bethlehem Skateplaza thanks to the beer, wine and cider donated to us by Keystone Homebrew. With the $10 table charge from the vendors we were able to raise over $200 for the skateplaza. Thank you so much because every little bit helps the skateplaza grow and a very special thanks to brew master, Jeremy Frey for all the drinks

Thanks to Loose Threads for being our beautiful hosts. Helene really was happy on Saturday.

A huge thanks to all the vendors who took a chance on our event for the first year.

Wolfman & The Mutts and Bushman’s Blend for playing through the cold and wind. Reject from the Lehigh Valley Apparel Creations for donating the sound equipment.

Easy Weenie’s for cooking up hot dogs. Comfort Suites for loaning us the tables, Mike Emery for being that guy with the truck and of course everyone who came out to support the Rink St. Fair.

what is the rink st. fair?

homebase — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:21:45 +0000

This Saturday Homebase and Loose Threads are bring some of our friends together to set up the yard sale of all yard sales, the flea market of all flea markets . . . .The Rink St. Fair.

Hopefully the wind doesn’t blow all of us away..

We hope the Rink Street Fair will be a platform for artists, craft makers, jewelers, musicians and collectors of all types to display their creations and “treasures” to the community in the eclectic atmosphere that is Southside Bethlehem. Paired up with live local music from Bushman’s Blend and Wolfman & The Mutts, unique vintage clothing and locally made edibles and BEER sampling provided by Keystone Homebrew the Rink Street Fair hopes to follow in the footsteps of recent events like Go Green Town during Loopapalooza and the “punk rock flea market” events at the Secret Art Space.

Please come out and support local business, local artists and local music all in one shot. I dare you to name better way to spend a Fall Saturday evening.

-   Lost Soul Skateboards
-   Commeh Labbe
-   Andy Vasquez
-   Jess Echevarria
-   Matt Zillhardt
-   Loly Reynolds
-   Gina Mento
-   Chris Reject/ LVAC Apparel
-   Billy Kurtz
-    Keystone Homebrewing
-   Brian Barto
-   Dylan Smith
-   Sam Keller
-   Christine Rallis
-   Todd Junknevic
-   Farah Aponte
-    Eskandalo Salon/ Wink Magazine
-   Homebase Skateshop