Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace, 23, is one of Europe’s top BMXers, having invented his own tricks, thrashing through countless competitions and holding a Guinness World Record, he is determined to be the top of his game. IDOL caught up with him to talk about embracing fear, the thrills of extreme sports and how it has changed his life.


HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN BMX RIDING?
I started riding BMX after being introduced to it by friends at school. Going to the skate park with my mates got me started, and I just never stopped unlike them when they found other things to entertain them.


WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE FOR BMX (INSTEAD OF OTHER EXTREME SPORT)?
I used to be a championship go-karter, but due to financial reasons I couldn't further that hobby and as I said, I just found BMX instead and haven't really looked back. I found that I got more of an adrenaline buzz out of BMX than the other sports - I could go faster!


YOU ARE KNOWN FOR YOUR UNIQUE TRICKS. (HE INVENTED THE BARREL ROLL, THE DOUBLE DOWNSIDE TAIL WHIP AND PULLED A TRIPLE TAIL WHIP). WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GO FURTHER?
The motivation you get is from other riders. The sport is consistently progressing and to be on top of your game you have always got to be one step ahead.


WHERE IN THE WORLD IS YOUR FAVOURITE RAMP FOR RIDING?
There are too many ramps in the world to pick a favorite, but the skate parks out in America are possibly the best due to their size and unique builds. They are all top quality materials and designs making riding more fun.


HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOU JOINED TEAM EXTREME?
Team Extreme has allowed me to travel the world including the SMP skate park in China, which I had never visited before. However thanks to Team Extreme I now hold a Guinness World record for highest back flip on a BMX and am returning to Beijing next week to re-break my record!


YOU HAD FEW INJURIES AT 2009. HOW HAS 2010 BEEN TREATING YOU?
2010 hasn't exactly been smooth sailing as early in the year I broke my heal in Germany at a dirt contest. That has given me a bit of hassle throughout the season however I never let it get in the way too much and have continued to compete internationally during 2010.


WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR?
Other than my Guinness World Record, this year I placed 1st at a dirt comp in France called Lords of Dirt. I was competing against the world’s best dirt riders and was pumped that I won. Also completing the Dew Tour in America, as previous years I had to retire due to injury.


WHO IS YOUR IDOL?
BMX legend Dave Mirra, he influenced me to ride and made a career out of something that he loved.


HAVE YOU EVER BEEN REALLY SCARED?
I cant really say I have been scared riding my bike, but certainly traveling at 38,000 feet in a plane to America in a storm shook me up a bit.


WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
My biggest fear would be having it all taken away from me. I have seen some bad accidents throughout my career which have happened to pro friends. It just goes to show that no matter how dialed you think you are, the tiniest mishap can change your life forever. Big shout-outs to TJ Lavin, Stephen Murray and Mike Aitkin who have all suffered a terrible mishap, but stay strong and fight for the love to ride their BMX again!


NAME SOMEONE FEARLESS AND WHY?
I think everyone has fear in them, if they don't they're stupid. Fear is what sparks your adrenaline and gets your body pumped. To be honest if there was a fearless person in the world I would feel bad for him or her because there is nothing better than the buzz you get before doing something daring no matter how big or small.


WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING NOW IF YOU HAD HAVE NEVER DISCOVERED BMX?
I would more than likely be in a 9-5 job with no stamps on my passport.


WHAT ARE YOU PLANS FOR 2011?
My plans are to continue riding, traveling the world, partying with friends and living the dream.


WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?
In five years I hope to have made the move to America, settled with a family, epic skate park in my back garden and still shredding on my bike. 


Interview by Katre Laan

Pictures courtesy of Ben Wallace

Published in IDOL magazine online version:
http://idolmag.co.uk/art-culture-interview/ben-wallance

“Coming In From The Outside” by Michael De Feo @ Orange Dot Gallery

8th - 15th of March 2011

Current street art scene is diverse and exciting, plunged in immediacy. Characteristic to artist Michael De Feo is the simple flower, which adds sparkle to bustling urban city streets. This solo exhibition is his first in UK showcasing works in collaboration with already legendary printmaker Gary Lichtenstein at Orange Dot Gallery.

The exhibition is called ‘Coming in From The Outside’ showcasing Feo’s flower screen prints and recent portraits against graphic and lively surroundings. However, the current show draws emphasis on the use of colour, which is very much a key embedded in Lichtenstein’s artwork. Michael De Feo has worked with Lichtenstein before, previously in 2008 on a project Artists’ Editions series to benefit Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum as part of it. Currently Lichtenstein is working with Robert Indiana on his HOPE series.

Feo’s iconic flower is represented on illustrative surfaces with a pop art touch. His style is very down-to-earth and even childlike, but the concept has been positive and spontaneous since early 90s. His portraits are unique the continuous line makes the profile even more figurative and sensational. A self-portrait against silk-screen inked geographical map stands out for its style and spider web structure.

His artwork reminds me my experiences as a child in art school. Creativity does not have boundaries. Feo has let it go and followed the thread. His paintings, street art and drawings might seem primitive in technique but the vision embedded in them is noble and minimal as his style. Feo’s agenda on streets is set on liveliness, a positive and aspiring message.

Feo is also well known for his prominent children book Alphabet City. Currently he is in town, rather than keeping up with newsletters watch out on streets, for the iconic flower.

‘I am Solitary’ exhibition at Gift Vyner Street Gallery

3^rd March 2011 – 16^th April 2011

The latest group exhibition at Gift 10 Gallery showcases along with Beers. Lambert Contemporary Art an extended range of emerging artistic talent. The central theme is embodied in identity: artists express the journey in a representative way, as well as conceptually through various mediums.

Eleven international artists exploration over the notion of solidarity embeds diversity, imagination and self-exploration. All the artists have conveyed the notion with use of peculiar medium and techniques. The showcase is finely balanced with conceptual and installation artworks in relation to figurative visual art form.

Andrew Salgado’s figurative portraits on canvas are immersive, even engaging viewers to interpret the model’s mind. His thick scope of brushstroke technique adds likeness and energy. Among Salgado’s artwork, large scale it is also synonymous to current showcase. Grace Kim’s black and white archival pigment prints are simplistic yet profound. Its pureness is embodied in dreams explored through a journey of mediation and death. Imaginative abstract world by Jin Han Lee entrenches solidarity in communities.

A masterpiece that truly catches a sight is Adam Ball’s fine white hand cut pattern. Its calming and appealing composition draws viewers to his mesmerizing imagination. Similarly, Lindsey Bull traditional paintings on linen depict characters seen as ghost-like in a subtle and interesting form. Winston Chmielinski draws the importance on a gloomy shadow behind a reluctant profile.

Alvaro Sanchez-Montanes explores depth through photography, encountering an exit in his conceptual approach. Alternatively Joshua Bilton draws attention to his fascination with a notion of buckle in a staged set.

Series of installations exhibited are inspiring and evoke somber substance such as Sarah Pager’s ‘Hole’. Andrew Friend’s installation, device for disappearing (at sea), takes solitary into a level new, while a photography installment by Tom Lovelace derives its significance in profound concept.

The inspiring exhibition offers an insight to everyone interested in innovative and groundbreaking talents in contemporary art.

Pictures courtesy of Gift 10 VYNER ST & Beers.Lambert

Sarah Pager ‘Hole’

Andrew Salgado

Tom Lovelace

This week I discovered a new gallery whilst visiting Vyner Street district during the famous first Thursdays. Based in east London, The Vyner Studio has an alternative touch to contemporary art. The current group exhibition 'Untitled' is fabulous, bit of Terry Richardson, bit of evil Picasso perhaps even. Foremost it is vivid and intriguing.

Leandro Quintero

Vinicious Jayme Vallorani

Vinicious Jayme Vallorani

Vinicious Jayme Vallorani

Clemence de La TourduPin

Anna Laurini

For further information about the artists' check out

www.annalaurini.com

www.leandroquintero.com

www.vjvallorani.com

www.clemencedelatourdupin.blogspot.com/

Photography: Katre Laan

Advertorial

Kiaora resort kissing paradise

Published in Finance Monthly (Gourmet Travel)February 2011 

If a pure paradise is as tempting to you as Pandora’s Box then Kiaora, a luxury resort at Península de Mara is the place to be, says journalist Katre Laan. Located in the Bahia region, it’s one of Brazil’s isolated wonders. Endless white sandy beaches overlook Atlantic Ocean and tropical coconut groves and swinging palm trees set stunning scenes.

  

Balancing luxury with eco friendliness, simple Asian style adds to the resort's hidden luxury. The location is ideal for couples desiring exclusivity, relaxation and an enjoyable atmosphere. Rooms are beautifully surrounded by sunlight and there’s an emphasis on comfort. Loved-up couples desiring privacy can choose from various types of bungalows ranging from luxury to master. Largely the bungalows embrace an isolated getaway in a tropical scene: enormous space, private pools, king-size bed and a jacuzzi.

The soul of Kiaora resort is influenced by French Polynesia, embodying local culture, the scenery of a paradise with an that eco-friendly touch that’s so signature to five star Brazilian retreats. A peaceful setting of a temple at the resort's Armonia Spa offers range of massage types from delicate Watsu technique to Pindas delivering feelings of well-being to the most jaded of travellers.

Asian rituals embody an important role in the Armonia’s Spa where recommendations are outlined for people in love or for other romantic occasions. Ritualistic, rustic and slightly unreal, Mayrau is designed for a long healthy life and complemented with a spa menu that also includes Foot Spa, Pindas Massage, Milk Bath and Red Berry Cocktail.

Local Brazilian cuisine is strongly influenced by African and Portuguese cultures. Indulge yourself with wine from local vineyard’s and gastronomy with either an international and regional palette. The food menu is garnished with seafood, poultry and meats plus a platter of lighter options. There are also two bars in the tropical environment.

Apart from relaxation and romantic walks at peaceful local beach there are available several leisure activities for all type of vacationers. Península de Mara offers everything from volleyball to boat trips, jeep tours around the Peninsula and snorkeling in the ocean. Land tours for exploring natural reef are also popular as are walking and biking trips to Taipu de Fora. The water tours and boat trips to nearby tropical islands, deep-sea fishing and visits to the fascinating Tremembe waterfall all come highly recommended.

For passionate business people, Kiaora resort includes the Directory room, overlooking Atlantic Ocean, with the necessary technology available to occupy a meeting with 60 people.

I have reservations about sharing this remote paradise with Gourmet Travel, however enthusiastic to pass on my Insider knowledge and bring to light a hidden gem. For all who love to venture off the road less traveled, head to the tropical, comfortable climates of the Kiaora hotel.