Skateboarding is an Art with Ryan Ashburn

K+P: Please introduce yourself.

RA: My name is Ryan Ashburn. I’m from San Bernardino, CA. The things I like to do are skateboarding, fine art, illustration, and graphic design for now. I started skateboarding because of my brother. He found a skateboard in our garage and asked me if I wanted to try it out. Started off with an old Walmart board with no grip tape. From there it was who could do the first ollie. My brother continued to motivate me to stick with it and never stop. Here I am now… crazy.

K+P: What was intriguing to you about skateboarding and what pushed you to keep pursuing it?

RA: The thing that kept me intrigued and motivated to keep pursuing skateboarding was the challenges that came with it and certain friends that motivated me to keep trying a trick, not give up. I’ve taken all those lessons I’ve learned from skateboarding and applied them to real life. Sometimes you don’t get it first try. The challenges were what lead me to keep pursuing it. I love the feeling of landing a trick. You try over and over again and the moment you land it, the reward is everything.

K+P: When did you first get interested in art?

RA: After High School I started to ask myself the question, what interests me? My brother and sister were both artists and I decided to follow their lead and give it a try. Having a mentor like my brother helped me find my ropes and see what areas I was good at. I studied design in college and during those times I learned what I was best at. From there I just combined skateboarding, art and design. So interesting to see how things play out.

K+P: Could you describe your style of art?

RA: I was always into pop art and German expressionism. Whether it was vibrant or mellow colors; I felt the need to bounce around. Depending on which art form I’m working with, for example digital illustration or video editing, these experiments continue to help me find new waters in design and art. I’d like to say my style is where commercial art merges with fine art. It is really hard for me to settle to one particular style. With skateboarding you don’t necessarily need to have a style, why limit yourself to one style? You are encouraged to try new things and jump into something you may not even know existed. I see it as a privilege to try new things and new ideas. It is such a blessing. If you can think it, you can do it.

K+P: What is a source of inspiration for you to keep creating everyday?

RA: Sometimes it’s boredom. Relaxing and being bored motivates me to create something fresh and out of the ordinary. I respect other artists styles but sometimes you need to stick to your own bubble and create your own styles. Your own type of feel, technique etc. To invent something fresh and cool, it’s interesting, it’s something that keeps me going. For me, creating is a way to release something into a world that is not reality, you know. That is how I see it right now.

K+P: How do you see skateboarding and art working together? Are they different or one in the same?

RA: They are one in the same in my eyes. The skateboard industry is now realizing it’s not all about anarchy, rebellion and punk rock s@$t. As time progressed, people started to appreciate and love skateboarding. People have always loved art, connecting the two just makes sense. We’re all brothers out here. If you’re a skateboarder there’s a good chance you’re an artist too. Sometimes, you are creating tricks that have never been done. The bar has been raised so high you are probably asking yourself, what’s next? It’s only a matter of time.

If you’re a skateboarder, there’s a good chance you’re an artist too. Sometimes you are creating tricks that have never been done. The bar has been raised so high you are probably asking yourself, what’s next?

K+P: Do you see skateboarding gravitating more towards individual expression and creativity?

RA: What you guys are doing with Kick + Push came out of nowhere. I see potential in it, you are never alone and you need to stay positive. It’s rad seeing new artists and designers coming out, it’s awesome. In the past no one had the opportunity to do this. Now that it’s here, it is challenging but not impossible. You just have to adapt and stay humble. That’s it and that’s how I see it.

K+P: How do see a skateboard as a medium to connect with the fans of your artwork?

RA: Some people see it as entertainment and some see it as self expression. Through my skateboarding, I feel like I’m expressing some type of performance art with motion graphics haha. One style of skating is a hesh skateboarder: jumping off huge handrails, stairs, ditches, bowls, you name it. Then you have those technical skaters that stick to ledges, manual pads and flat ground wizardry. But then you have the skaters that merge both techniques and styles. It’s like woah, what is going on here!

(A local skater spots our cameras and stops to check us out)

RA: What’s up man? How you doing dude?

Local: Chillin.

RA: Yeah we’re just doing a little interview. My name is Ryan, nice to meet you. You skating the park?

Local: Nick. Nice to meet you. Yeah.

RA: Cool, I’ll be over there in a little while. It’s all good man, nice seeing you. Take it easy dude.

RA: This is just how it is out here. You get locals interested and you just gotta respect them and keep trouble from escalating. Growing up in the ghetto, there are little pockets that are amazing and there are people that actually want to do good and improve. Outsiders sometimes get blinded by the bad stuff and negativity. Everybody out here just wants to live and feel respected.

RA: Back to connecting with your following as an artist. I think it’s about finding the right medium with yourself and connecting it with other mediums that are outside your comfort zone. Collaborating with other artists, skateboarders and designers can be important too. Backing each other up is a win, win for us all… if anything.

K+P: Where can people learn more about you and your work.

The best place to keep tabs on me is on Instagram (@ryan.ashburn) or my website. Its a record of what I’m up to with my art and skateboarding. Thanks, guys! God bless.

Help us crowdfund the creation of “Gumball” designed by Ryan Ashburn! Only available on www.kickandpush.com . Campaign ends April 2nd.