Redefine Reality
Have you ever wondered if something could be more than it appears? Have you ever thought that a chair is only a chair because we sit on it? What if that chair could be more than a place to rest our our bodies? What if you could redefine what that chair could be? The redefinition of reality begins when you see something from a new light, a new angle, a new perspective. This is why skateboarding is so important to me. Before skating the world was a flat space to be walked on. Through skateboarding the world becomes a playground. Everyday objects and places become renewed because of a new perspective. Below is a Killian Martin video that epitomizes how one can begin to see the world in fantastic new ways.
Did you ever think that the dessert was a place to skateboard? What about the salt flats? Killian redefines these places through an openness, keen eye and creative approach to the world. Another skater that redefines reality is Gyo Miyagi.
Gyo’s irreverent approach to skating is unique. The way he thinks about the physical structure of the world is vastly different from most skaters. Can I run up this? Can I slide down this? Can I spin over that? Again everyday places and things become new because of a willingness to see it for more than its pre prescribed value. A final example of a skater who uses creativity to redefine reality is Richie Jackson.
Richie’s playful use of objects and small “un-skateable” things is a key example of how creativity can unleash somethings potential. Can a wet floor sign be fun? Can you think of a more fun use of a wet floor sign? These kinds of questions that skaters ask themselves everyday could be used as a thought model for the cognitive revolution. How can we use technology to redefine reality? How can we change existing systems in a creative way that benefits our community?
Technology has forever changed how we see, use and interact with the world. Like skateboarding it has redefined reality for a large portion of humanity. However, also like skateboarding there is always more to be done, the next step to be taken. To me that next step in technology will be utilizing user centered design to make our world “smart” i.e. connecting everything from couches to umbrellas through the internet.
I see direct correlations between skating and technology. From the inherent failure, iterative mindset and creative use of what people have already done, these are two sides to the same coin. If we view the world from this mindset that everything is open to interpretation and change, we can make that change. It’s like how the ollie and the first Mac redefined what was possible in the world. Once we see something is possible, that something is within our reach, we seek it and make it our own. Fast forward to the laser flip and the Chromebook. These communities thrive on taking what has been done before, blowing it wide open and then making it better. That is my goal in life. To redefine reality.
