Autumn: Skate To Create/Street Art Workshops

"Stencil" is derived from the French word estencler which means to decorate or adorn with bright colors. It is very much apparent when looking at today's pop media and trends that the stencil has reached its critical mass in terms of popularity and accessibility. For instance, Comedy Central's graphics and logos emulate the street-born and hastily sprayed text that one would find on any lamp post, mailbox, or bare wall on the Bowery or Mott Street. T-shirt and skateboard graphics also include the classic "drips" and "spots" that are found in graffiti tags and murals.
The fact that stencil art and graffiti has attained mainstream appeal doesn't really shake my stance on the craft. In fact, just like any other medium, I'll keep on pushing it until the work becomes something other than just a stencil. And for those of you who think it's as easy as cutting and spraying - give it a shot and you'll find that there are many variables when it comes to creating a great graphic.
Having said all that, below are some pics of student work from our Autumn Workshops. Once again, I was really impressed with how much these kids applied themselves to their projects as well as the collective support and constructive encouragement they gave to one another.

Allison put together a 3-stencil graphic from her freehand drawing of the Beatles "Yellow Submarine"CJ took his Calvin and Hobbes sketch and transposed it into a 2-layer stencil graphic.Bryce enlarged his "robo-bunny" face and applied pattern and background colors.

Street Art Workshop (October 2006)

I worked with Robert previously in a "Skate to Create" class this past summer. Once he saw the challenge that comes with creating a "freehand" spray paint mural - he was ready to take it on. I showed him my library of graffiti literature, including "The Art Of Getting Over" by Stephen Powers as well as "Style:Writing From the Underground" (Stampa Alternative in association with IGTimes).
Rob's drawing skills are well-grounded, but he wanted to emulate the "Wild Style" Graff designs of the late seventies. We worked on his lettering and composition in the sketches all the while knowing that he'll have to pull this off on a 24"x48" piece of masonite.
I commend Rob on his ability to improvise as well as pay close attention to detail when it came to spray painting. I walked Rob through the process of outlines and fills, and let him go to work:

"COD" sketch on paper (week one)The finished piece - It poured down rain while Rob attacked his board with spray paint...Detail

Results: "Broken Bones" Benefit Party for Mark Eyestone

The "Broken Bones" Benefit Party for local skater Mark Eyestone was a great success. Over 100 people attended this event on a mild Saturday evening to raise over $1,000.00. All proceeds from the benefit will go towards taking a chunk out of Mark's medical costs accrued since he underwent knee surgery in August. Organized by Magic Bullet Records and PONSHOP Studio, this party brought the skateboard community together for a special cause.

Local bands Rocky's Revival and The Byzantines laid down some great music that evening and the much anticipated skate video by Patrick Brastrom made its debut to an enthusuastic crowd. A Silent Auction was also held throughout the party featuring skateboard art by Rob Landeck, Brent Eyestone, and Gabe Pons. Zac Childers donated a small artillery of skateboard products including shirts, hoodies, DVDS, and more. Max Harvey (aka DJ Skull Kid) wrapped up the evening spinning tunes from his two turntable mega-setup.

Below is some writing that was included on the back of the event program:

"There is a stereotype that pervades today’s society when it comes to skateboarding. 'Extreme Sports' are all the rage these days, depiciting thrill-seeking teenagers doing anything that’s over the top and explicitly dangerous. Unfortunately, MTV’s Jackass generation is being spoon-fed all the hype and very little substance when it comes to skateboarding – just like the energy drinks that they want you to consume. All too often skating is being used as a tactic to sell deodorant, cell phones, Big Macs, and video games.
When I met Mark Eyestone for the first time at Fred Skates, I knew that he was in the skateboarding game for all the right reasons, not because it made him look cool or popular, and it definitely wasn’t the money or fame. Mark has an inherent love for skating, and it shows not just in his abilities on a board, but in the way that he treats his friends and all the people around him.
Of course, tonight’s event is to show Mark our support and to help him recover from his knee surgery. But tonight is also for the kids: skaters, non-skaters, and skaters to be. This party is for the parents and adults in the audience so that they can see how talented and creative our youth really are. Fredericksburg’s skateboard scene is alive and well today because of people like Mark, who smile when they’re rolling on a plank of wood and wheels."

Enjoy, Gabe

The Broken Bones Reception Desk

MC Mono presents the bands

Rocky's Revival kicked the night off...

Phelan , Luca, and Zach on fire.

Patrick's 30 minute skate video drew the biggest crowd...

Skate Video Still: Eric on the 180 Stair Leap

Skate Video: Brandon Grabs Stalefish at Brooks ParkThe Byzantines: Jon Manning, Daniel Bachman, Alden Newcomb

Scarlett as the MONO Queen with Janet rockin' beer goggles

The man of the evening Mark Eyestone with his wife Lane and host G. Pons (aka Mr. Monkey)

On behalf of the PONSHOP, Magic Bullet Records, and Fredericksburg Skateboards, we'd like to thank all the people that made the party such a success: Dan Finnegan and the LibertyTown Staff, The Eyestone Family, The Suhy and Pons Families, The Byzantines, Rocky's Revival, The Harvey Family, Patrick and Mr. Paul Brastrom, Janet and Charlie Hahn, Rob Landeck and family, Rachael Taylor, Shelley Richards, Daniel Bachman and family, Phelan O'Connor, Zac Childers, Chris Hupman, Adam of the Fredericksburg All Ages Shows, The Skaters of Fredericksburg, and to all the parents that continue to support and encourage their kids in doing what they love, however crazy it may be.