WeCanFly Vienna 2017
After the success of the London Launch of the WeCanFly project we were thrilled to be invited to show the film and artists work at AdHocPad Creative hub in Vienna. The trip gave us an amazing opportunity to showcase the project in Europe and to a completely new audience. It also gave me the chance to do some further filming with some Austrian skater artists.
First up was Alex Gasteiger, AKA Sqrl. Alex is a trained Goldsmith, woodwork and Jewellry Designer. After getting into skateboarding at 29 years old, she turned her hand to using 'the wooden toy' as the focal point of her designs. Alex’s work is high end and beautiful. We went to her work shop whilst we were there and she showed us an amazing range of hand made products including domino sets, furnishings and Jewellery. Her predominant material is the skateboard but she also up cycles old coins within her designs. Alex’s work featured in the exhibition at AdHocPad alongside the original artist Mat, Barry, Eloise and Ben (who unfortunately couldn't come to Vienna, but we did take some of his work over).
Work by Sqrl exhibited at our event. Photo by Lilo Krebernik
Also, featuring in the exhibition was Jorg Volgger, a Architect and designer who has created an unusual chair design using skateboards.
a SitFlip chair by Jorg Volgger (image from http://www.sitflip.com/screen/overview/language/en)
Jorg, a skater himself has a passion for understanding the opportunities of skate able architecture and also exhibited at the show a Zine that he had created to show the evolution of the Skate Bowl.
Of course, whilst we were in Vienna, we had to check out the local skate spots. The scene in Vienna is very much centred around the DIY aspect of skateboarding. We met the one of the architects of some of these spaces Matthew Collins. The ex teacher turned ‘Concrete Artist’ (because there is no such thing as a skate park designer in Austria) designed and help build the park featured in this video with his crew/ company ‘Spoff Parks’.
Matthew Collins Skating his design. Photo by Kelli Watson
Our host for the event was the owner of AdhocPad gallery space Lilo Krebernik. The building itself is a work of art and the contents a hub of creativity. The space is the workplace for a group of resident artists, illustrators and designers including Lilo and his wife. It is also their family home, including their 3 (soon to be 4) children. There is a half pipe in the garden and the most amazing collection of skateboards and paraphernalia above the ramp.
Our event was a success and was attended by many of the local skaters and artists. Mat Lloyd performed at the event, followed by a screening of the film. Our experience in Vienna was invaluable and definitely spurred on the potential for WeCanFly 2.
Mat Lloyd performing at the event and me filming it. Photo by Lilo Krebernik
We left Vienna on the 8th October, narrowly missing an amazing skater / art event at the AdHocPad featuring the work of skate film maker Brett Novack. Novak was there to show a short film that he created a few years ago, featuring the work of Austrian artist Kay Walkowiak. Altered Route features one of Novack’s regular featured skaters Killian Martin and is a beautiful example of skateboarding, art and media united.
