Crispy Skateboards: Fusing Art and Skate Culture Through Collaborations
In an interview with Kaelik Dullaart , co-founder of Crispy Skateboards, we delve into how Crispy Skateboards has gained widespread recognition for its unique collaborations with renowned South African artists like Mary Sibande and Conrad Botes. Through these partnerships, Crispy not only highlights the vibrant art scene in South Africa but also bridges the gap between the worlds of skateboarding and fine art.
Artist Collaborations:
Crispy Skateboards has gained recognition for its collaborations with renowned South African artists like Mary Sibande and Conrad Botes. How do these partnerships come about, and what makes a particular artist a good fit for your brand?
We have a background in the arts, and usually we just take a chance and ask. Most artists are excited to explore working on a new canvas. The artists we work with are always people we’ve been fond of for some time, and most intersects skate culture with art.
Could you walk us through the process of turning a skateboard into a piece of art? How much creative freedom do the artists have when designing for The Art Deck Collection?
Usually we encourage any kind of interpretation of the object, as abstract as it may become. Ultimately embodying the style and visual language of the artist. It starts with making our boards in our Johannesburg workshop. Once the board is pressed, shaped, sanded and sealed it is given to the artist. At this point they're given the option to work directly on the board or apply a digital print.
The Art Deck Collection seems to offer a unique blend of visual and functional appeal. Can you share some of the most memorable or iconic designs that have been part of this collection?
It’s difficult to choose but Mary Sibande’s board was definitely a favourite of ours. Francesco Mbele’s triptych “Chloe” was photographed and shared by Little Simz during House of Vans which was a surreal moment for us. Roger Ballen's entire collection with us from his “The Theatre of Apparitions” series is also a favourite.
How do you ensure the integrity and craftsmanship of the boards remain intact while incorporating intricate artwork or custom designs?
We take great care in the preparation of the boards, as a lot of the steps in the manufacturing process are done by hand. Canadian maple veneer, premium glue, 48 hour curing time, several layers of wood sealant all ensure no chance of cracking, warping and delamination over time.
Your decks have found a place in both street skating and the art world. What impact do you think skateboards can have in bridging the gap between these two cultures?
Art on Skateboards has existed since the inception of skateboards. We hope to incorporate local art into more of the commercial ventures with Crispy, giving artists a new platform to display their work. A lot of skateboarders are artists, many claim skateboarding is a form of art and expression in itself. One artist we love is Ed Templeton, who founded Toy Machine.
Outreach and Inclusivity:
Crispy’s commitment to inclusivity, through partnerships with organizations like Girl Skate South Africa and Skatistan, is commendable. How did these collaborations come about, and why are they important to the brand’s mission?
Since Crispy’s inception we’ve wanted to contribute to the growth of skateboarding as a whole in South Africa. Both Girls Skate South Africa and Skateistan are very prominent, well established initiatives. And anyone seeking to become more involved in the skate scene in Johannesburg/South Africa will come across these entities eventually. The amount of female skaters has gone up exponentially in recent years, helping to form communities such as Girls Skate and Island Gals Shred.
What role do you believe skateboarding plays in empowering youth, particularly within underserved or marginalized communities, and how do you see Crispy’s work contributing to that movement?
Skateboarding teaches persistence, confidence, and creativity while providing a positive outlet in areas where opportunities are limited. Skaters form tight-knit, inclusive communities that offer mentorship and belonging. It also promotes mental well being and helps reclaim urban spaces. We embrace this by running workshops and community initiatives that give young skaters the tools to grow.
How has your involvement in events like the RMB Latitudes Art Fair and House of Vans helped elevate the brand’s outreach efforts, and what do you hope the broader public takes away from these collaborations?
House of Vans and RMB Latitudes Art Fair were pivotal moments for us. Having a physical space to showcase our boards in an art fair, and an event centred around skating was honestly the most specifically effective exposure we could have asked for.
Looking ahead, what are some of the future outreach projects or initiatives Crispy Skateboards is excited about? How do you plan to expand your support for the skating community in Johannesburg and beyond?
Moving forward, we have a huge new show opening on the 6th of March titled “Board Culture” with Origin Art in Keyes Art Mile, which will soon become its own skate event. As well as our own retail space with Play Braamfontein some time this year. We will also be running initiatives and workshops with both Play Braamfontein and Skateistan.
What message would you like to share with young skaters and aspiring artists who are inspired by your boards and collaborations?
Skateboarding and art are both about expression and persistence; you’ll fall, you’ll fail, but every attempt gets you closer to something great. Don’t be afraid to experiment, whether it’s on a board or with your art.
Crispy Skateboards continues to push the boundaries of both the skate and art worlds by blending functional designs with powerful visual statements. Their commitment to supporting local artists, fostering inclusivity, and creating spaces for artistic expression in skate culture reflects a vision that extends beyond just the products they create.