Legendary Skateboarder Switches to Surf for a Collaboration with Shinola
The handcrafted boards pay homage to SoCal surf culture.
-
CategoryArtisans, Makers + Entrepreneurs, Small Businesses
Growing up in Santa Monica, Natas Kaupas took naturally to both skateboarding and surfing. And while he steered toward skating for most of his life, his new collaboration with Detroit-based Shinola reveals the influence surf culture had on his aesthetic sensibilities.
According to The Journal, “His latest creations are limited-edition surfboards and beach towels. The two share a similar design—two Ws that pay homage to West Washington Boulevard, the previous name of what is now Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the location of the Shinola Venice store. Natas describes the style as a bit looser, drawing inspiration from traditional 1960s boards with a resin tint and acid splashes.
“These sports are very expressive, and a lot of people consider it an artform. There’s a lot of creative people involved in surfing and skateboarding. And you have this perfect canvas,” Natas says. “You have this tradition of silk screening and adding graphics to skateboards and colors on surfboards. I find it inspiring.”
Read more about his process here.
Female Cannabis Entrepreneurs Are Combining “Commerce with Caring”
These California women are putting their own stamp on the industry.
A New App Offers an Early Warning for Earthquakes in the Los Angeles Area
Shake, rattle and scroll.
California-Based MacArthur Fellow Reimagines Spaces in Underserved Neighborhoods
Gathering spaces in unexpected places.
