Two years, eight issues, many photographs, countless words (and probably a handful of typos we’ll pretend didn’t sneak through), Closer Skateboarding celebrated its second anniversary with a party, photo and art show on Saturday August 10th supported by Converse Cons.
Closer Skateboarding covers for issues 1 to 8. From left to right: Guy Mariano by Spike Jonze, Kevin “Spanky” Long by Matt Price, Louie Lopez by Price, Ryan Lay by Kyle Seidler, Rick Howard by Jaime Owens reworked by Benny Hughes, Jake Johnson by Jaime Owens, Emile Laurent by Matt Price, Tom Karangelov by Jaime Owens • Gallery photo by Kyle Seidler
On Saturday August 10th, Closer Skateboarding celebrated its second anniversary with a photo and art show in Los Angeles. Blown up covers from Issue 1 to Issue 8 (our most recent) adorned the walls, surrounded by photography from Matt Price, J. Grant Brittain, Jaime Owens alongside artwork by Tom Karangelov and Jason Adams. We had contributing photographer Kyle Seidler on hand to document the evening, who had a little assistance from Issue 3’s cover star, Louie Lopez a trash can kitted out as a photo booth. Take a look through the evening’s events below and we’ll see you at the next one!
Photography by Kyle Seidler
Tom Karangelov and Kevin “Spanky” Long: heartthrobs and cover stars (Issue 8 and Issue 2, respectively)
“Louie and the trash can? Nah it’s this guy to the left you want to see,” — is something we’re sure would never leave Spanky’s humble lips.
In ten years’ time, Matt Price is going to be your favorite photographer’s favorite photographer. We’re glad to have him on board. Here he is alongside his wife, Suzy and a selection of his greatest hits for Closer since our first issue.
Meanwhile, Eric Swisher — “Chops” of The Chrome Ball Incident — refamiliarizes himself with the work of J. Grant Brittain (who may well be your favorite photographer’s favourite photographer).
Speaking again of favorite’s favorites, here’s Heath Kirchart joined by Closer founder, Jaime Owens.
You’ve gotta keep up appearances and tough around Heath but he’s a sweetheart the rest of the time. Jaime and the Owens clan backdropped by two years of covers.
A big Jim Greco backside three from the reverse cover of Issue 7 and the original Rick Howard cover photo from Issue 5.
Jaime Owens and John Lucero, the subject of the first Closer endorsed Chrome Ball interview, alongside a bunch of Jaime’s photography.
Speaking of Black Label, an onlooker enjoys a preview screening of Jason Adams’ ’50 Years to Life’ video part, coming soon to Closer.
Mr Adams himself and a selection of his artwork.
The other artist on show for the night was Tom Karangelov with an installation themed around his Issue 8 cover story, ‘The Search for The Origami Unicorn’.
Tom’s accountant is going to be in for a shock when twenty rolls of industrial tinfoil gets filed as a “work expense” this year.
Tom’s boss, Grant Yansura, is enamoured his extra circulars.
Tanner Burzinski completes the circle to the delight of his boss, Grant Yansura who is joined by photographer, Matt Price.
A couple of more fellas from the WKND camp, Jordan Taylor and Alex Schmidt.
Matt Price explaining the intricacies of breaking rules of photography for the better.
The man who makes the mag look great. Closer art director, Sammy Spiteri takes a minute away from talking layouts with Jaime.
The night’s main event: a trash can kitted out as a photo booth in a nod to Matt Price’s cover of Louie Lopez for Closer Issue 3.
Matt salutes his photographic contraption. Check out the full recap from the photo booth here. A big thank you to Converse Cons for their support, Open Beer for the beverages, and Chrome Digital for assistant on photo installation.
Favorites from the print edition of Closer
- Ariana Spencer — One Rad Mom
- Topography: Wallrides with Silas Baxter-Neal
- The Long Play with Mason Silva: Early 2000s Skate Video Soundtracks
- Louie Lopez on AVE’s Green Bench
- A Static Retrospective with Josh Stewart: Part I: Pilot Light — the Original Static Trilogy • Part II: Closing Doors — Static IV and V • Part III: End of the Line — Josh Stewart on Static VI
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