Garden Skateboards in Barcelona as seen in Issue 39.
Words by: Kieron Forbes
Artwork by: Kieron Forbes
Photography by: Gerard Riera
I didn’t go on this trip, I was meant to or rather I wanted to but I didn’t. I wish I had. It’s been a while since l’ve been in Barcelona. I can remember the first time I went vividly, I think for all European skateboarders it holds a special place. That’s why going back is so easy. It’s an excuse to revisit a time when skateboarding was maybe a bit more exciting or at least a lot more new.
Barcelona may seem like the obvious choice or the simplest but with so many friends there, Ben Dixon and Michael Tarry to name two, it made perfect sense. This was the first outing for the team as it currently stands – Ellis Gardiner, Billy Wells, Cameron Lenton and Jakob Fuchs Laird – and an opportunity for George Horler to take over management duties.
Ellis Gardiner ~ Dirt Ride
Since I wasn’t there I can’t say much about it, the usual in-jokes, hugs, new friendships, injuries and beers probably and definitely happened. So, rather than say, “On day one we went here and we had coffee and then this guy tried a trick then we went to another spot,” here’s some really good films and books that have come up in conversation lately and that I think are worth your time.
Billy Wells ~ Tail Drop To Gap To Frontside 50-50 Grind
“Last Life in the Universe” Dir: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang 2003
Essentially a really depressive librarian is forced to interact with a woman and despite being exact opposites they give each other a reason to live. It seems sweet and lovely but also has a dark edge. Christopher Doyle was the DOP who did “ChungKing Express” (also worth a watch) so it’s shot insanely well.
“Together” Dir: Lukas Moodysson 2000
I’d be loath to say much more about this film, other than that a wife leaves her husband and finds a new life and the husband realises how much he’s lost. It’s set in the 70s so the costume is really great and the soundtrack is recognisable. It takes the piss out of socialism in a decent way that doesn’t mock it.
Crew
“French Connection” Dir: William Friedkin 1971
This is probably Gene Hackman at his very best as a NYPD cop who investigates French heroin smugglers. It has an incredible ending and some really wild dialogue alongside a car chase that nearly killed a few people in real life. Despite being so early in the 70s it really helped define police thrillers, David Fincher claimed it was huge influence on his film “Seven”.
“Our Man in Havana” Writer: Graham Greene 1958
Greene is easy to overlook as a pulpy writer and this book sort of has a silly plot; a vacuum salesman becomes a spy. However the story predates the Cuban Missile Crisis and in alot of ways predicts it, even to the extent of highlighting the absurdity of each country’s propaganda. Greene is also famous for his short story “The Destructors” which featured in the film “Donnie Darko”.
Ellis Gardiner ~ Boardslide to 50-50 Grind
“The Stranger / The Outsider” Writer: Albert Camus 1942
People might roll their eyes at this but the first time I read this book I’d never encountered a character like Meursault, an indifferent and irreverent antagonist who welcomes death. The song “Killing an Arab” by The Cure is about this book. Camus also famously said “Everything I know about morality and the obligations of men, I owe it to football.”
Michael Tarry ~ Ride-On 50-50 Grind
Also just as an aside here is everything / everyone we’ve referenced on our boards, clothing and video output.
Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, Karate Priest, Nick Dow, Serpico, David Byrne, Talking Heads, Sigourney Weaver and the film Alien, Built to Spill, Elton John, The Simpsons on multiple occasions, Adam Curtis, DUFC, Fall Out Boy, Face/Off, Radiohead, Big Boi, MF Doom, Space Raiders crisps, J.D. Salinger, Bronski Beat, Terence McKenna, Susan Sarandon, Pavement on multiple occasions, Sonic Youth and various computer games.
Filmed by: Ben Dixon
Edited by: Kieron Forbes
