The Quiet Life is a project out of Los Angeles headed by Andy Mueller, of the Girl/Chocolate “Art Dump.”  The name Andy Mueller has always been closely associated with my favorite skaters and brands, although I never knew exactly what he did.

Turns out, he does a little of everything. His main job is steering the art direction of Lakai Footwear but being related brands in the Girl/Chocolate Family- he contributes to them all. You will probably recognize his board graphics for Girl and Chocolate Skateboards, whether you realize they are his designs or not.  He makes time to shoot photos for Fourstar and Ruby Clothing also.

He has also founded a design/photo/film studio entitled OhioGirl with his friend who have gone on to start the photo-centric apparel line. Now if that wasn’t enough, he co-founded an independent record label called OhioGold.  For a more in-depth look at Andy’s background, watch this clip from Upper Playground’s “Dithers.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

The clean design aesthetic of Andy’s past work shows through in the thoughtful simplicity of Quite Life line.  Even the name seems calming in a time when people are fighting for attention. Simple but attractive graphics on t-shirts, tank tops, along with well made and cleanly designed hats are a welcome addition to Homebase.

Art was also a big focus of skateboarding at the start of the month as Japanese artist Haroshi teamed up with DLX Distribution and HUF Clothing brand to release a very special, very thought out (the decks used in the project were from select pros, to help draw on the connection a rider has with their deck) ,collection of clothing.

Speaking of  Keith Hufnagel, he celebrated a birthday this month also (he’s 38, you stair counters).  It got me thinking about how naturally Hufnagel has been in skateboarding for decades and always offered a stylish and powerful product. From huge ollies in NY , to speed lines in SF. From ill shoe designs with multiple companies , to becoming “HUF” the brand. Even the kid in Elf wanted a “Real Huf Board”.

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Huf has been able to do this without a loud mouth, or an overbearing personality. He just keeps it clean and powerful, again, a skaters skater. Stop in this weekend to get a chance to own a piece of the Haroshi x DLX x HUF release.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The stand out of this batch, for me is the Omar Salazar 1.5 , A sleeker version of the Salazar that dropped a couple years ago.

Featuring a new vulc sole ,similar to the switch made between P Rod’s 2 and the 2.5′s.  This gives it a big weight drop, while including a Lunoron insole that gives incredible cushioning and maintains the Zoom Air board feel.

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With the new sole, mid cut style, and clean lines  I can see this being a better start for the Salazar.  In my opinion, the first shoe focused too much on the space theme to the detriment of the sole.  I was feeling the first version’s profile but I felt it was too thick to offer proper board feel.  I don’t think I was alone in that opinion and I’m looking forward to the response the 1.5 receives.

Omar, also, deserves to have a great shoe.  He’s always killed it with an individual and contagious style.  He skates fast and doesn’t seem to be held in any one skate stereotype.  A skaters, skater.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Stop in to try the Salazar 1.5 on, and if you see Santa tell him I’m an 11.

These decks remind me specifically of Marc Makee’s velvet Randy Colvin and sparked a nostalgic trip down memory lane via Sean Cliver’s Disposable: A History Of Skateboard Art.

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Even the most “I don’t give a Wh@t about graphics” tough guy will wax poetic about the evolution of the Rob Rosscop decks.  If you were like me, lurking skate shop walls in the late 80′s early 90′s, you still trip on the endless colorways of  Vision Gators available at the time.

It’s also great to sink into the behind the scene stories that go along with so many of these great graphics.  Like the Burger Board, intended for and denied by vegan Mike Valley. Then given to Jason Lee who posed in front of Burger King sporting  Mike’s symbolic bald head.

Can you remember the Natas Devil graphic? It was originally planned for Jason Lee, but rumor has it he was spooked into thinking it was bad karma by Mark Gonzales.  Rocco apparently paid Lee $10,000 to ride it, Jason returned the check within 24 hours.  Incedently, the bad karma wrap stuck with this board due to Natas’s  backward spelling and Natas hurting his ankle on the same deck.

Stop in Homebase and check out the new decks, or stop in and talk about the older ones.  There is art and stories in every one.  We love them all just as much as you do.

-Nono

My first “real” stick. A Brand-X , green Gullwings ,with  pink and black Slimeballs, along with matching green nose guard, tail guard, and rails. First Loves are never forgotten.

Take a look at Sean Cliver’s book Disposable and check all the artists that shaped my youth.

Giancarlo Demarchi is one of my favorite artists and a good friend.  He has an individual style which shows in his painting and has been giving a glimpse at his process lately through Tumblr and Instagram. I always think its generous and bravet of an artist to allow people into their creative process before the piece is finished.

This generosity also shows through in the work Gian has done for the arts community in the Lehigh Valley, including hosting, promoting and doing design work for the Lehigh Valley Artist Network.  I am excited to see Gian’s new works up close this weekend and I hope to see you all there.

September 17th @ 7pm
Connexions Gallery
213 Northampton Street
Easton PA 18042

-nono

With the donation from  M&T and the future announcement of Phase 2, there is a lot of growth in and around the SkatePlaza. You can feel the energy.

With all this growth it’s still as important as ever to treat the Plaza and each other with respect.

The Plaza is under constant surveillance and the City has been impressed with the pride you have all been showing the Plaza. It shows in this continued expansion. Lets all continue to work together, clean up after each other, and help the Plaza grow.

Remember to stop out to the Plaza on September 15th to celebrate the shade and thank M&T Bank for their generous support.

-nono

Since it was a very rainy night, as well as sharing the day with the Punk Rock Picnic,  some people missed their chance to come out and support the Plaza and the artists.  This Friday, September 2nd, from 7-10pm at Homebase, we are offering a second chance to scoop some original art and directly help phase 2 of the Plaza become a reality.

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There are some amazing decks still available for purchase and this is your last chance.  Stop out and start your weekend the way it should be started, on the South Side. Help out the Plaza, as well as take advantage of the last of our back to school sales.

-nono

Metal J received surgery and is recovering now.

Matt along with Brian Froustet, Brian Barto, Tom Patterson and Mike Panic pooled together their respective talents to help Metal offset the financial set backs that are sure to follow. A PayPal account has been supplied to get any donations right to him.

If you are able to donate more then $25 you will receive the Keep Metal On The Pedal shirt.

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Cycling has always had a strong presence in the Valley with the T-Town Velodrome being so close.  However, the growing popularity of cycling for travel and sport within the local skate scene means we are at an increased risk. These risks are multiplied when riding without a helmet.

Helmets in the skate world are rarely seen unless your at the lip of a megaramp.  I’ve often told myself its because: “I’m not bombing rails, I’m just skating a ledge.” I’ve felt a helmet make me top heavy or strained my neck- even if it’s just in my head.  I know it has a lot of us do it to not look goofy.  Street skating was raw, we didn’t need all the smelly pads that made the vert guys look like flying bricks.  Even though we all know the risks of skating, cycling, or even walking up the stairs in our home- we resist helmets.

With age comes wisdom and confidence. Hopefully, the wisdom to know you should wear a helmet and the confidence that comes with it are what follows.  There is also a saying about learning from others mistakes and in this case, I want to remember.  I am as guilty as the next man about ignoring my helmet. I see it, it’s right there by my bike and any of us could be in Metal J’s position without one.  I know, I know: “If I get hit by a bus a lil plastic won’t help.”

Well, it wasn’t a bus that hit Metal J, even if it felt like it.

I’m not telling you to leave your house in a bubble but I am telling you to listen to your heart and use your head so you can get back home. It doesn’t matter if you’re skating, cycling or driving a car: protect yourself and you can continue to roll.

-NoNo

Although he might be known for the fire hydrant banger, he had the raw power of big ollies , an original fashion sense , and the soul of a surfer in each carve of his loose Thunders.  He was also able to pick and manage talent, including the impressive roster of 101 skateboards, as well as pushing a career in art and fashion design.  Natas is a true skaters, skater.

soul carve

Fighting the Power. This photo is burned in my brain

If you skated in the 80′s, you loved this part

Click here to view the embedded video.

There was also an amazing bio done by the now dissolved ON Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

Created by Zeke Zelker and Steven Leibensperger , Art Wars is designed to help artists gain exposure, expose the public to the creative process and to entertain artfully.

Art Wars pits 16 artist against each other in a timed and themed paint off.  These 16 artists will be whittled down until the audience and jury decide on one winner.  This winner will receive $1000 and a solo gallery show.

The events are held in Kutztown, Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton to include as many artists as possible.  The next wave of Round 1 battles will be held at The Allentown Brew Works, on Saturday, April 30th. This next round will include Jessica Echevarria, Alexander Clare, Aliza Vaida, and LVAN alumni Joseph Curwen.

This is a new and exciting spin in the Lehigh Valley art scene and offers spectators a layer of competition along with the ability to watch the creative precess of different artists.   Local DJ’s will be there keeping the vibe while the artists use 2 hours to design, paint, and present their works.

Winners are chosen by a panel of judges that changes with every battle but their decision is also balanced by crowd participation.  Spectators can make a donation to cast their vote for their favorite artist of the night.  All the donations go back to supporting these local artists.

After the 30th there is one more Round 1 qualifier, to be held May 5th at the Kutztown Pub before the Semi-Finals begin at Molly’s Pub in Bethlehem on May 5th where Homebase’s own Andy Po will be guest judging.

Visit the LV Art Battles Facebook page for full details and stop out to support local arts (and restaurants).