-- Ian Johnson: TONIGHT

posted by Yong Ki Chang


Tonight is Ian Johnson’s opening for yet another solo gathering at Park Life in the inner Richmond district of San Francisco.

We LOVE Ian’s work…

Opening Reception:
Ian Johnson—Other Rooms/Other Songs
Saturday August, 16th, 7pm – 10pm

Park Life Store
220 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94118

Phone: 415.386.7275


Philly Joe Jones

-- Shanghai, China "3 Stripe Skate Hype" Tour Photos

posted by Yong Ki Chang


We were honored to be invited and participate in this years 2nd Annual, “3 Stripe Skate Hype” (July 14-24), in Shanghai, China, created by FLY Skateshop, Original Heads (from Canada/China), and adidas Skateboarding. Invited attendees consisted of various artists, photographers, filmer, and an awesome logistical team of event organizers, all for the benefit of skateboarding.
Artists and photographers were asked to create their works on select obstacles along with filling a large gallery space with original art, while all being housed in a unique setting in China.

The location was the Shanghai Sculpture Space. On July 19, the event began with an open-house for artist-installation, along with a massive 48 hour build of the interior by 50 or so park builders.

From July 20-22nd, the largest contingent of the best skateboarders from China gathered to compete and show us all how healthy their skateboarding scene truly was. Also in attendance was the adidas Skateboarding team, judging and putting on a demo intermittently throughout the event.

Regardless of the heat and humidity (which I kinda enjoyed after 5 or so days), it was nothing short of an amazing experience, as the group that I was honored to participate with would contest to. The outcome of their hard work and dedication paid-off in many ways.

Fortunately, we had the opportunity to venture out and explore one of the most modern cities in China.
The experience was not only humbling in many ways but eye-opening in the most positive light.

The photos below are essentially “trip photos.” A montage of the artshow and skatepark is below along with links to complete coverage of the contest provided at the very bottom.

Thanks to everyone who participated towards the planning of this trip and all those that attended.

Invited Artists, Photographers & Filmer:
Andrew Pommier
Matt Irving
Sandro Grison & Color Magazine
Allister Lee (ALIST))
Benjamin Deberdt & Kingpin Skateboarding Magazine
Mark FOS Foster & Heroin Skateboards
Kirk Dianda
Yong-Ki Chang x Hessenmob Skateboards (featuring Don Pendleton x 3131 (featuring Isaac McKay-Randozzi)
Fan (photographer)
Thrasher (artist)

Mahalo’s for EVERYTHING to:
Tim Sedo (Original Heads)
Jeff Han (FLY Skateshop, China)
Mat Morgan (Original Heads)
Matt Irving
Brian Smith
The Shanghai Connects (That’s Everyone Involved!)
adidas Skateboarding

Also, congratulations to Tim Sedo and his new fiance, Debbie Wong on their recent engagement. Well wishes to you both…


Shanghai’s skyline is 8 times larger than New York City.


20 million folks live in Shanghai with up to 3-5 million coming to
work from outside of the city on a daily basis.


Andrew Pommier, Sandro Grison, Tim Sedo, & Allister Lee in front
of FLY Skateshop


Mongolian/Chinese hotpot dinner with the most food options to
boil in your soup I’ve ever seen in my life. Photo shows only a small
portion of what we were offered.
No one got sick on this trip… not once.


FOS & Sandro, pre camera-focusing.


Exact moment Sandro’s camera got focused by Andrew Pommier.


No overhead to speak of, just a straight barber in the middle of a
busy sidewalk. I’m next…


We indulged in smoothies often on this trip. Here, Andrew and
Debbie at Element Fresh.


Andrew and a cicada. Eerie green lighting


Jeff Han working pre-event behind Andrew Pommier as I hold one
of Andrew’s adidas signature models


ALIST fire-cracker scarfing at the FLY headquarters.


One of our supply missions took us to this spot where
Allister found a pair of used Nike “Rayguns”


Gift Skateboards out of the FLY camp. Check the Matt Irving
“Delphi” collaboration deck. First position.


FOS ate some, Sandro passed on the silk worms.


Photo montage from the Shanghai Sculpture Space.
Location for 3 Stripe Skate Hype 2008.
8:43 minute photo montage of the event location,
art installation, and gallery space.


Johnny Tang, Mat Morgan & Che Lin


Andrew Pommier, Benny Fairfax, Benjamin Deberdt,
& Allister Lee


Benny Fairfax, Lem Villemin & Matt Irving


Whatever it is she’s making, she’s obviously the best with all those
trophies…


Breakfast at the Regent Shanghai with Allister Lee


A group of us took the subway around Shanghai. Andrew, Sandro
& Allister, oh, and Benjamin’s back


Outside my hotel window on the 31st floor.
Single rope, single plank.


Chinese 78’s and a player… and so much more…


I’m so down for this kind of stuff.
Crawfish sidewalk sale!


FOS


Pommier


The whole crew (including Brian Smith) at Love Park, Shanghai.


Irving out… probably the most humidity and heat I’ve felt ever.


Mat Morgan riding through a restaurant on a Big Red


To Use Sparingly


For complete photo-blog on the skatepark, the skateboarding contest and the awards party, check out:


Skate Here: The Building of a Skatepark
Skate Here Part 1: Art Installation & Press Conference
Skate Here Part 2: Contest Skating
Skate Here Part 3: Contest Finals
Skate Here Part 4: After Party

Also…
Color Magazine Flickr Photos
Kirk Dianda Flickr Photos
Benjamin Deberdt Photos

-- Allister Lee x Nike

posted by Yong Ki Chang


I was fortunate to have met Allister Lee (ALIST) in Shanghai this past Summer and spent the most time out of our hectic, yet enjoyable schedule touring around the city, shopping for random tidbits and walking blurry-eyed through alleyways and side-streets with him. Tonight, in Toronto, Nike is hosting Allister’s latest Nike Sportswear line along with their 08.08.08 Global Launch of Sportswear.

8 – Midnight. Flyer Below.

Word, Allister…

-- GIVE...

posted by Yong Ki Chang

Join Toms Shoes, Active and Element on Sunday, August 3rd, 2008 at Active located at The Camp in Costa Mesa, Ca where they will host GIVE: a creative collaboration will bring together some of Element’s top artists including Brook Reidt, Don Pendleton, and Todd Francis to customize Toms shoes for customers. Each artist will be creating art pieces to be auctioned live at the event with a portion of auction proceeds dedicated to bettering the life of others. Throughout the day, Ray Barbee will perform music along with special guest musicians and a collaborative mural will be created.

Additional sponsors include The Glue Network and Sambazon. The Glue Network exists to inspire and empower people to take action, helping different social issues around the world. – Skatedaily.net

-- Little Giants Volume One: Don Pendleton

posted by Yong Ki Chang


While away in Shanghai, the Little Giants Volume One: Don Pendleton DVD & 20 page booklet dropped. DVD also includes 40 bonus minutes of interviews.

You can go to Mumble Magazine and purchase it directly through their site. We just ordered ours today!


-- Color Magazine Summer 2008

posted by Yong Ki Chang

Color Magazine’s latest special edition issue, “Little Gold Book” came in the mail today!



On page 120, “Oh The Things They’ll Do”.
Sitting on the Solitary Arts Pocket Horn.

Thanks goes out to Sandro, Finn, and Leo.

-- Blktop Project: Union Pool, NYC

posted by Yong Ki Chang


Tommy sent a link to some photos from New York. The full slide-show is on Miso Vibrations with all photos by Sam Frank. 34 photos in all so check the site as the images below are just a sampling of what looked like a fun evening with the BLKTOP PROJECT, Bing Ji Ling, and DJ Orb. Event was at Union Pool in Brooklyn on July 18.


Blktop Project is (l-r):
Tommy Guerrero, Chuck Treece, Matt Rodriguez, & Ray Barbee

-- Aloha Army by In4mation

posted by Yong Ki Chang


Todd Shimabuku, co-owner of In4mation informed me last week that they were set to unleash their press release for the Aloha Army Surf Shop in Waikiki. Today, the news dropped and we’re so stoked to welcome this addition to the Hawaiian islands and surfing in general. So proud, Todd! Cheee Hu!
Aloha Army will take over In4mation’s storefront on Lewers Street.