U.K. SKATE SCULPT

     Matt approached me with an open brief, beyond simply wanting the piece to depict a skater. The main section of the body connected to the board was a form I had been developing and using in other sculptures, as it has a strong sense of flow and a highly appealing graphic shape. It’s amazing how many variations of a skating pose can emerge from the same core body, simply by changing the position of the other leg, arms, and head.

     This was also the second piece I created at this thickness. My initial experiments translating these figures into sculptural form were much thinner, resembling approaches more commonly seen in CNC metal work. While that direction kept the forms closer to the original graphic drawings, it proved difficult to maintain structural integrity and ultimately lacked physical and visual weight.

     I love how the added width grounds the entire sculpture, giving it a sense of stability while still supporting such an expressive pose. The skateboard itself acts as a disguised counterweight, eliminating the need for an additional base. This allows the piece to exist freely in space, as if the skater is simply passing by.

  There is always a transformation that occurs when taking drawings into the third dimension, and that unpredictability is part of the joy. While a strong initial plan and structural balance are essential, the work inevitably shifts during the build, guided by what feels right in the end. As with most work, it’s difficult to let go—you want to hoard it all after investing so much care and love. Still, I’m honored that this piece has crossed the sea and now lives in the U.K., on the desk of an incredible artist and friend.