Tom Kirkman
IDOL introduces you to Tom Kirkman, one of the top mountain boarders in the world. Hailing from Cornwall, a town synonymous with surfing, Kirkman really is a cut above the rest. Having won two championship titles in 2010 alone, we find out what makes mountain boarding so appealing, and what it takes to be such a success story.


CORNWALL IS WELL-KNOWN HOTSPOT FOR SURFERS, SKATEBOARDERS AND BMX-ERS, WHAT DRIVES YOU TO MOUNTAIN BOARDING RATHER THAN THE SLIGHTLY MORE POPULAR OPTIONS?
I love to skate and surf but mountain boarding gives me something I don’t get from either of those sports, the freedom to ride wherever I want and whenever I want, to be creative with my terrain and riding.


YOU STARTED MOUNTAIN BOARDING IN EARLY TEENAGE YEARS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST THING ABOUT MOUNTAIN BOARDING? 
For me it’s the friends I’ve met along the way, the places I’ve been and the way the sport has progressed, mountain boarding is a relatively new sport which means new  tricks and styles are happening every day, it takes a bit of so many sports an rolls them all into one.


HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR STYLE OF RIDING?
I don’t know, I like to think I don’t huck much, I favour a floaty trick over a dirty spin any day. I just enjoy myself and hope that comes across In my riding.


YOU HAVE BEEN OUT FOR THE COMPETITIONS FOR A WHILE DUE TO AN INJURY, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK?
It sucks to be injured; when I can’t ride all I want to do is ride, especially when I see my friends having fun doing what I love. The competitions are the last thing on my list at the moment, mountain boarding is too fun to take it, and yourself, too seriously, but it feels great to be back on a board and having fun with my friends.


IF YOU COULD CHOOSE A PLACE IN THE WORLD TO RIDE WHERE WOULD IT BE?
I’m in Brazil right now, this place has it all, great people, great free-riding, a few great parks, and it is one of the most beautiful place on earth, other than that anywhere with my friends be it the local park, a dirt track, or through some woods.


YOU ARE TRAVELLING A LOT AND HELPING TO PROMOTE MOUNTAIN BOARDING. HOW HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN SO FAR? WHERE WOULD YOU REALLY LIKE TO TAKE THE SPORT?
Travelling is my true love, meeting new friends, tasting new cultures, and finding new spots to ride. Mountain boarding gets a great response everywhere we go.


YOU HAVE STARTED YOU OWN COMPANY ATC PRODUCTION WHERE YOU PUBLISH MOUNTAIN BOARDING VIDEOS, HOW IS THAT GOING?
The site ATC Productions (www.atcproductions.co.uk) is going great; we’ve been making videos for years now and this gives us a way to show the world what we’re doing, we also produce clothing, and our shop will be up soon. We’re not really a company, just a bunch of mates who have got time to try and show our sport to people in a way that would get us excited if we’d never seen mountain boarding before. As for creative director, that’s just a word we made up, I don’t even know what it really means.


YOU WON THE WORLD DOWNHILL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN FRANCE AND THE WORLD FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN AUGUST; IT SEEMS YOUR SUCCESS IS NOT GOING TO STOP ANYTIME SOON, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2011? 
Travel, ride and have even more fun than last year.


WHAT ARE YOU THINKING WHEN YOU ARE MOUNTAIN BOARDING DOWNHILL WITH NO BRAKES?
Not much, it sounds a bit strange but it’s a bit like meditation for me, I don’t hear anything, I don’t think about anything, just pure pleasure.


IN YOUR OWN OPINION, WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DO THIS SPORT?
Mountain boarding is one of the most accessible sports there is, you don’t have to be hitting big jumps or flying down a mountain to enjoy it, my mum rides, anyone can do it you just need to start small and work your way up. Being able to stand up is a bonus too.

WHO OR WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN YOUR NEXT LIFE?

Me again, I haven’t got any complaints, I’m having a great life!

YOU WON 3 TIMES THE WORLD CHAMPION AND UK ELITE CHAMPION AND YOU ARE CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST MOUNTAIN RIDERS IN THE WORLD, DID YOU EXPECT THIS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?

Yes, it sounds really cocky, but the only reason I got to where I am with my sport is because I have self belief, when I’m in the start gates, no part of me thinks I’m going to pull out second; or, when I’m dropping into a jump, I know I’m going to land the trick I’m trying otherwise I wouldn’t make it.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU FELL SCARED?

The other day when I was standing with my hands on the boot of my friend’s car two pistols and a rifle pointed at my back and three cops screaming at me in a language I couldn’t understand.

DESCRIBE A REGULAR DAY

Wake up, eat something, play a bit of guitar, either go to work or call some mates and see what’s up; go for a ride or a skate, get unhealthily drunk and try and talk to a girl then carry a friend home. Or just drink loads of tea and have an early night.

WHAT WOULD BE DOING IF YOU NEVER FOUND MOUNTAIN BOARDING?

Drugs and booze in the bus stop.

AND FINALLY, WHO IS YOUR IDOL?
I really don’t have one, my parents maybe, they’re amazing; or my little brother, he’s the most natural smooth mountain boarder ever.

Interview by Katre Laan
Pictures courtesy of Tom K.

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

Dan Witz 
Dan Witz is a US street artist that has recently been described as one of the greatest artists of his generation…not that he appears to be completely aware of it; he’s far too nice for that. One of the pioneers of street art, he has been doodling away since the 1970s, and shows no sign of slowing down. His work is all about being realistic, with every piece different from the last, and always hoping to shock and provoke emotion in those that see it. His work is designed not only to shock, but also confuse, with a lot of his work looking so realistic, it’s hard to tell the difference between art and reality: it’s really no surprise he’s had his work shown throughout the US and Europe. But he’s more than a street artist; he’s done 18 books, taken part in several films, and is a self-confessed rebel, taking inspiration from punk rock. There’s a lot coming up for Dan Witz, including his 18th solo show at Jonathon Levine in a mere five months. It’s time for Mr Witz to meet IDOL, don’t you think?


"SEEING, THE CLASH, THE RAMONES, PUNKS AND GRAFFITI BOMBED TRAINS ART SCHOOL SEEMED KINDA OUT OF TOUCH." HOW DID YOUR STUDIES AT THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ART SCHOOLS IN THE U.S. SHAPE YOUR VIEWPOINT ON EMERGING GRAFFITI SCENE AT THE TIME?
As an art student, right out of the gate, rebellion was my default setting. The idea was, if the world was a fucked up place that desperately needed changing, and contemporary art (and art schooling) had failed us in this respect, then it became necessary to subvert current art practices—to, yes, destroy our idols. Taking my cue from punk rock and graffiti I abandoned conventional art making and took to the streets.


WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN STREET ART SCENE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
I was attracted to doing street art back then because hardly anyone else was doing it. Originality was important to me. Also I didn’t want to spend my life making objects for rich people to decorate their homes with.


AFTER YEARS IN THE SCENE, HOW HAS YOUR ROLE AS A STREET ARTIST CHANGED OVER THE TIME? DO YOU DO IT BECAUSE YOU WANT TO OR BECAUSE YOU FEEL OBLIGATED?
It’s never been a strategy to get ahead for me. I still believe in anonymous, not-for-sale art as a meaningful rebellion—a genuine game changer. And I still enjoy doing it, everything about it, especially the adrenalin. Interviews like this are an uneasy obligation for me, but I understand it’s a privilege, and sometimes I end up finding out stuff even I didn’t know about myself. I’d much rather be painting though.


THE LAST 10 YEARS HAS SEEN A BOOM IN STREET ART. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR SKILL AND INNOVATION. IF IN THE EARLY YEARS THE MAIN PURPOSE OF GRAFFITI WAS RESISTANCE, THEN CURRENTLY IT MIGHT SEEM THAT MANY AMATEURS ARE SIMPLY DECORATING CITIES. WOULD YOU SAY THE PURPOSE OF GRAFFITI HAS CHANGED?
Probably. But I’m really not too involved with the “scene”, and try not to pontificate about the politics of street art if possible. Vestigial rebellion I guess…On the whole though, I’d say the energy I encounter is pretty healthy, strong enough to withstand all the inevitable bullshit and corruption.


YOUR FIRST BOOK PUBLISHED IS CALLED “THE BIRDS OF MANHATTAN”. AT 2010 "HUMMINGBIRDS, 2011" WAS PUBLISHED. WHAT ROLE DO YOUR SIGNATURE HUMMINGBIRDS DEPICT IN THE SOCIETY? DOES IT SYMBOLIZE ANYTHING FOR YOU?

It’s a personal symbol. I will say that the meme idea--reducing the same imagery in new contexts- can be more interesting than it sounds. It’s incredible how an outside force like time can completely alter the meaning of an image.

For the most part though, it’s unfortunate (for the sake of my so-called career), but I have a difficult time repeating myself. If I’m known for anything it’s that I’m known for not doing the same thing.

IN 2010 YOU ALSO RELEASED A BOOK OF YOUR RETROSPECTIVE COLLECTION, DAN WITZ: IN PLAIN VIEW — 30 YEARS OF ARTWORKS ILLEGAL AND OTHERWISE. WHILE PUTTING THE CONTEXT TOGETHER, WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT SURPRISED OR INSPIRED YOU IN THE PROCESS?

Yes. I had the good fortune to work with an awesome publisher: Gingko Press. To be honest I was expecting the publisher to try and keep the book small and manageable, to make creative decisions based on practical considerations. But it was actually the opposite. Those guys are in it for the love of making books, not money. It was a very cool experience.

YOUR WORK WAS A COMPLETE SURPRISE AT THE TIME AND STILL IS NOW, HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH IDEAS?

Usually it’s an evolution from the last thing I did. With new ideas I try and amend the failures and shortcomings of the preceding project. Every time I begin a new series, I don’t consider it successful until my previous year’s work looks painfully obsolete, which can be hard. Part of me envies artists (and writers, and musicians) that have found something they’re successful at and repeat it: it must be nice and relaxing, especially if there’s a regular paycheck involved. Unfortunately (or fortunately) most of me is horrified at living that way. 

OPPOSITE TO OTHER ARTISTS, YOU TRY TO DO YOUR PIECES AS REALISTIC AS POSSIBLE. 

My goal these days is to make it seem as if a real person (or whatever) is lurking there behind the grate. To this end I use digital sampling and all the techniques of illusionistic painting I’ve learned over the years. When people encounter my stuff I’m hoping they’ll respond to the scenario, to what’s going on--I want their initial response to be shock and WHAT THE %$#@? rather than first wondering who the artist is. 

IN THE WHAT THE #@%$? (WTF) AND TRUE LOVE SERIES, THE IMAGES ARE EVOCATIVE, SURREAL AND SLIGHTLY CREEPY. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MEANING OF THESE PARTICULAR PROJECTS?

Primarily the intent is to give pause. On a deeper level, like many artists, I’m trying to question and supplant the nature of what we know--of what we take for granted as reality. It’s been my experience that reality, on close examination, is in fact mostly a sham, a façade. Puncture the surface and all sorts of instructive weirdness are fulminating down there. Some of it is alarming and repulsive but there is also great beauty and grace, a creative intelligence that’s busily trying to signal what’s missing from our lives. Every day we get momentary glimpses behind the veil but our brains are programmed to filter them out so we can survive (work), and not go mad with self-doubt. But, in my opinion, the current climate of complacency is a much more alarming condition. Witness George Bush.


IS THERE A CITY/COUNTRY, YOU HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO GO BUT ARE STILL EAGER TO GO?

Many. I’ll go pretty much anywhere I’m invited (and sponsored). I really need to visit Russia and see The Hermitage and their other great old master museums. Anyone want to go?


WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE THE WORLD WITH YOUR STREET ARTWORK?
Wake up.


WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU NEXT?
I just got home from a big street art and show event in San Francisco so I’ve been drawing to get me grounded again. This summer I plan to look for new and improved paintings and street art. There’s gonna be a solo show at Jonathan Levine in July—mosh pit paintings. And there’s definitely gonna be more films. That’s been an interesting new development. 


WHAT IS THE MOST FEARLESS THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
If fearless means, “Absence of fear”, then there’s nothing dangerous I’ve ever done fearlessly, except maybe when I was stupid drunk. And take my word for it: none of that’s worth bragging about.


WHO DO YOU LOOK UP AS YOUR IDOL?
I probably shouldn’t say—because then I’d be obligated to destroy them.

Interview by Katre Laan
Pictures: Courtesy of the artist

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

Phillip Soven
Having turned professional at the tender age of 11 wakeboarder Phillip Soven can already boast 10 years of experience. At just 21, the Florida native has won nearly every contest he’s competed in and made history as the first rider to win the Pro Tour title, the King of Wake crown and the WWA World Series in the same year. Achieving things that competitors double his age could only dream of, Phillip is showing no signs of stopping. He chats to IDOL about being fearless, competing against his brother and what he wants to do before he dies.


HOW DID YOU GET RECOGNIZED AS FEARLESS WAKEBOARDER?
A fearless wakeboarder huh? To be honest I really don't know how to answer that. I guess it must have something to do with the fact that I have the mindset of always going for it all. I am not happy with second place so I will always go for the win and risk it all rather than play it safe for an easy podium spot.


WHAT IS THE STORY WITH YOUR NICKNAME 'THE ICEMAN'?
Well mostly it has to do with the announcers on tour having too much time on their hands! Just kidding. I am pretty sure, and again I am just guessing from what I hear, I am always focused and I never crush under pressure. In fact I do better under pressure and I don't ever get rattled.


ALSO YOUR BROTHER, BOB SOVEN, IS A PRO WAKEBOARDER, DO YOU SEE HIM AS COMPETITION AS WELL OR DID YOU HELP HIM OUT AS A GOOD BIG BROTHER?
It's a little bit of both. He and I ride together and train at home all year long and at the contest we will help each other with our runs. At the end of the day only one of us can come out on top so there is definitely some competitiveness and it is "what we do" but when its all said and done I guess you could consider us teammates that compete with and against each other.


WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT BEFORE YOU DISCOVERED WAKEBOARDING?
I grew up playing sports so its hard to pick one. I played Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Motocross, Skateboarding, Snowboarding (when I had a chance to get out on the mountain.), and a little bit of - I hate to admit it - but I did the whole inline skating thing, in my defence it was cool back then. Anyway if I guess I would have to say Baseball just because I played it for so many years. I still ride motocross pretty regularly during the off-season and get out the rink and play some pickup games of Hockey.


WHAT ENCOURAGES YOU TO FURTHER AND GIVE YOUR BEST?
I always want more. As soon as I achieve something I celebrate and say "Awesome I did it...What's next?"


SOME OF YOUR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS ARE FROM COMPETITIONS LIKE THE KING OF WAKE, AND THE PRO WAKEBOARD. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT SO FAR.
There have been so many of them every accomplishment is a stepping stone to the next one. Having the first ever undefeated Pro Tour season was a big one for me. But my third King of Wake title this year has had the most impact because of just how competitive and difficult it was to get. This year on tour the smallest mistake could have cost me the title.


WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?
"No one mentions the guy who did just enough to get by...But the guy who risked it all and came out on top will be remembered forever."


IF YOU WERE TO DISCOVER YOURSELF IN A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD DO?
Probably try to figure out what happened the night before must have been one hell of a party!


SOMETHING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT.
My iPhone.


WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS TIME?
Hopefully (knock on wood) still competing and at the top of the ranks in 5 years I will still only be 26. After I am done wakeboarding though I am really interested in starting my own company but that's all I am going to tell you about that you'll just have to wait and see.


WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE DYING?
Visit space, also take a ride in a Blue Angels jet (see question 14)


WHO IS THE PERSON YOU HAVE LEARNT THE MOST AND WHY?
My dad. Although throughout my childhood and career there have been literally 100s maybe 1,000s of people that have impacted me and shaped what I am today.


WHO/WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN YOUR NEXT LIFE?
ME. I have been given an amazing life and to ever ask for anything more in this or a next life is just selfish. For now I'm just gonna keep living this one....or maybe a fighter pilot because let’s be honest what's more bad ass than a fighter pilot...

Interview by Katre Laan 
Intro & edited by Emma Hurwitz

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

The Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2011

Acclaimed as one of the world’s most prestigious awards, The Deutsche Börse Photography Prize is celebrating its 15^th year. Its aim to acknowledge today’s international photography talent has established a foundation to photography’s wider role in the society. Organised by The Photographers’ Gallery, the exhibition will be displayed at Westminster University’s gallery space Ambika P3 until 1^st May.

This year’s four finalists are Thomas Demand, Roe Ethridge, Jim Goldberg and Elad Lassry. Their work stood out in the field of reportage and originality. The artists’ work varies from commercial photography to conceptual fiction. American Jim Goldberg was already part of Magnum’s photographic agency when he photographed refugee groups in Greece at 2004. His project titled ‘Open See’ focuses on people’s suffering and illustrates individual storylines through text and imagery. Goldberg’s great selection of photographs documents the location and draws emphasis on people’s scars, emotions, and how some of the immigrants from … have been tortured.

In contrast, German born Thomas Demand is fascinated by embodying fiction in photography. He is a sculptor by education and works with architects’ and designers creating 3D installations and props for his interior display. The theme draws emphasis on exploring Germany’s social and political life. He stages carefully composed life-size constructions and captures very precise photographs of the models as the end result.

There is a remarkable dialogue taking place between Roe Ethridge’s fine art and commercial projects. The American photographer’s images can be magnetic to see with their thematic and conceptual approach. Each picture invites the viewer to experience the photograph as one. He is playing in the imagery, even storytelling. Without a doubt Ethridge’s work delivers a stunning mixture of editorial and commissioned assignments with a fine art touch.

One of the last finalists, Elad Lassry’s photography unfolds from a playful to uncanny practice. The Israeli artist’s imagery moves beyond photography playing with shapes and abstraction. He is also a filmmaker. At the exhibition he displays discourse between still and moving images of two of his short films. The colourful frames with a bold background emphasise the interesting subject matter.

Since year 2005 the prize awards a living photographer with £30 000 for a distinctive body of work from Europe. It includes projects showed within the last 12 months either in a publication or in an exhibition. Originally set up in London the high profile prize has attracted photographers from all over the world to compete, where some of the recognized previous winners are Robert Adams and Jurgen Teller. The curator of The Photographer’s Gallery Stefanie Braun shares confidently: “The Deutsche Börse Photography Prize gives you an overview of the best of contemporary photography that is around at the moment.” 

Favourite clothing

I bought my favourite fashion item, a white wool tuxedo in spring 2009. It was in a vintage shop in Aldgate, East London. The first inspiration came from my idol, photographer Helmut Newton’s shoots.  At the time I was a photography student at LCC (London College of Communication) searching for clothes for a street fashion themed photo shoot. I found out that strong shoulders were very much on trend in 2009. Even fashion magazine Vogue UK noted that in fall/winter season 2009 ‘it’s all about the shoulder’.

I love this white wool tuxedo so much that I have not had the courage to wear it anywhere yet. However, one day I do see myself wearing it. It may not be always a trend but it is a classical statement piece in my wardrobe. As a ‘tomboy’ I love wearing Converse trainers and jeans on daily basis. This is also one of the reasons why I was looking for a classical piece to enhance my sense of style and share it in my photo shoot. The tuxedo seemed like a missing piece in a puzzle in my photography shoot. Besides I very much liked how it enhanced the character’s feminine side and made the overall shoot look powerful and sexy.

The straight cut, strong shoulders, fine tailoring by Sag Harbor appealed to me for its authenticity in 70s vintage fashion.. Closer research revealed that it has a strong resemblance with Yves Saint Laurent’s tuxedo suit created in 1966. At the time I was very much interested in classical vintage clothing and doing styling for my own photography shoots. I particularly explored various fashion magazines, high street shops, vintage boutiques and weekend markets for my shoots as well as wardrobe. The idea came from looking year 2008 fashion magazines, like Vogue UK and Elle’s seasonal collections. Suits, military coats, the tuxedo jacket all came into fashion in fall/winter 2008 as seen on catwalks.

Further research into fashion history included some of the fashion trends that have been categorized as classical pieces, such as trench coats, white shirts, stilettos and  tuxedos. Previously fierce shoulders were last seen in recession times at 1940s and 1980s. These shoulders made a comeback in fall/winter 2009 fashion shows. I was fascinated to find out that classic black tuxedo first designed by Yves Saint Laurent was rated as an investment buy in the September issue 2010 Harper’s Bazaar UK. According to Harper’s Bazaar editor Lucy Yeomans in fall/winter collection 2010/11, “the emphasis was on simple cuts, quality fabrics and great investment pieces.” This year’s spring/summer 2011 extended tuxedo trend to a new level, simple masculine cut like seen in Stella McCartney’s collection, including Paul Smith’s more modern tailoring.

In history, tuxedo first emerged at late 1800s worn on informal dinner parties. At that time men wore it first but it wasn’t long when women adapted the cut. Military jackets were the first influence for designers in forming a tuxedo for women.  In Vogue UK’s supplement Glamour tuxedo has been illustrated finely: “Dreamt up in 1966 by Yves Saint Laurent, the tuxedo or Le Smoking is perhaps the most empowering item of clothing ever created for women. With its long, lean silhouette and androgynous style, it didn’t take long for what was originally seen as a radical statement to become a design classic, embraced by the most glamorous women and starring in some of the most iconic fashion photographs-most notably those by Helmut Newton. ” Since then, the rest is history. Women attending chic cocktail parties to prestigious charity events wear tuxedos as a fashion statement. It is also a popular wear at casual events when balanced with a vivid pair of leggings or a sexy fitted dress. While for formal and sophisticated look women in business consider more appropriate look pairing the tuxedo with a pencil skirt or a pair of fitted trousers over a loose blouse. Alternative mix seen with the tuxedo is a pair of jeans and a shirt on top on a casual day or night out.

It is my favourite because if fits well, it is warm, comfortable and versatile. At occasions the tuxedo looks stylish with a pair of heels as well converse trainers. It may not be always in trend but I am happy to have a classic statement piece in a wardrobe. I would imagine wearing it at a dinner party or for edgy club night out. Now I only need to convince myself wear it.