As Denver continues to grow with iconic architectural structures, so too does the reflection of these in local culture. The Bridge Deck Series produced by Emage is one example. The series of limited edition skateboard decks was recently released and depicts collaged photo images of The Highland Bridge (Carter & Burgess) and The Millenium Bridge (Steve Chucovich/ Architecture Denver) which connect the Lower Highlands neighborhood to Lower Downtown.
.jpg)
The artist and his muse. Millenium Bridge (Architecture Denver).
The Highland Bridge (Carter & Burgess) crosses I-25. photo: Melissa Belongea
The Highland Bridge can be seen from the front of Emage where the east base, made up of a smooth concrete spiral, spills out near the shop’s entrance. The bridge provides an easy corridor as well as quick access to the Riverfront Park and surrounding areas. The concept for the Bridge Deck Series was a collaborative effort between Emage owner, Branden Peak and Jon Strieby, Emage’s resident artist and designer. Strieby has designed previous deck series’ using his distinct style of portraiture found in many of his paintings. This time, though, Strieby chose the medium of photography to assemble a strong graphic look.
The full series. image: Jon Strieby
Only recently has Strieby begun venturing into graphic arts after working predominantly as a studio artist in sculpture and painting. He says creating this latest series has literally helped him bridge his old and new styles. Taking the photographs himself and relating to the bridge as a large sculpture or installation piece are aspects more on par with his studio work, while the collaged effect Strieby has created for the series definitely employ his newer understanding of graphic design. In addition to each skateboard deck maintaining its own specific narrative, placed together the series also tells a story of interesting line composition.
Decks for sale. Get them while you can. photo: Melissa Belongea
Strieby says in both his studio and graphic work, minimalism is an important element. For example, one of the ways he plays with this idea is to limit the use of his tools, to see what can come of the simplest palette. In creating the Bridge Deck Series, Strieby chose to limit his color options and to rely solely on the photographic medium, which is a departure from what he is used to. He says resisting the temptation to incorporate hand drawn details into the design defined a new approach for him. Strieby also emphasizes line and negative space in his work. In his paintings, Strieby is drawn to the human form and in creating stripped down portraiture. He aims to convey as much meaning in this style with the least amount of lines.
Strieby's signature line work, 'Curlers' photo: Jamie Craig
Since lines and minimalism are central to the work that Strieby produces, the concept of turning the bridge into a graphic icon seems natural. He says the bridge, as a subject, has a lot to offer in terms of interesting architectural angles and in the way it represents urban Denver. Furthermore, because of the proximity of the bridge to the shop and that the bridge is specifically designed to include those on wheeled apparatuses, there is a clear appreciation for the structure and its place among the active neighborhood.
DVLP shirts with bridge graphic inside. photo: Melissa Belongea
In conjunction with the release of the decks, Emage included another collaboration with local clothing company, DVLP. The company produced their first line of long sleeve, cut and sew shirts with a large print of the bridge graphic placed on the inside back. Taken together, the items and the people behind them represent a well-rounded collaboration in modern Denver skateboard culture.
The Bridge Deck Series and DVLP Bridge Shirts can be purchased online www.emage.tv or in person at Emage (1620 Platte St.). Jon Strieby will be showing brand new work this Friday, July 3 from 6-9p at Icelantic Gallery (948 W. 8th Ave).
Words: Melissa Belongea
