STEEZ MAGAZINE® – Snow, Skate, Culture

The Twenty Three opening reception went down last night at Front Street Coffeehouse in Salem, MA. It was a huge success thanks to all the fans and friends who came out. We had beats, brew and plenty of free stuff to keep everyone happy while browsing through our favorite shots and quotes from the past 23 issues of Steez. The show was packed with new and familiar faces and after we turned out the lights, we took to the streets to finish off the night with a bang. Don’t remember much after that, and that’s about the most we could expect for our first art show. Thank you all again and we’ll see you all at the next one!
Photos: Calvin Leung

Almost 6 years and 23 issues later, it’s time to highlight some of our favorite works and put on our first art show. We’ll be featuring works from deep in the past to current issues as well as some behind the scenes, never before seen stories, photos and more. Come by Front Street Coffeehouse on May 10th from 7-10pm to check out the show. The first hundred people will receive limited edition signed and numbered photos from two of our favorite shots. Also, we’ll be giving out a limited number of the rest of the unpublished Lucas Magoon interview to attendees. Refreshments and shenanigans for sure.

Issue 6.3 is here! Simon Chamberlain drops by for a feature interview, Sweden Checked In, Sean Sullivan put work in The Gallery, Pat Abramson rode in for an interview, we took an urban trip to Berlin and The Ducky Boys made noise in Now Playing. Read it now online, Buy the hardcopy for $5 or Subscribe to the Union for the whole year.

2012 Vans Wängl Tängl Art Exhibition – hosted by Looking Sideways from Vans Europe on Vimeo.

Steve Cote is an aspiring artist from central New Jersey who is getting his work done early. Asides from painting gallery worthy work, designing for his clothing brand, and selling his original photography. Steve also manages to find the time to be a full time student. He’s got the ambition and “Hustle” to speak for a generation that he thinks, is a little too busy drinking and playing with their I-phones instead of working hard and dreaming. I recently stopped by his crib after meeting him at a local art show to get a few words about his projects, cats, stitches, vision and most importantly; his opinion on our generation.

You got a pretty cozy crib, those 2 cats really make the atmosphere.
They’re always getting into shit, you hear a weird noise around here it’s them fucking around somewhere beating each other up. Ones always in the sink too, he loves that tap water! (laughs) but they’re chill they help me relax and get focused on getting inspired and making crazy new shit.

Finding inspiration in the small places, besides who doesn’t love tap water? Last time I saw you was at the gallery in Asbury Park with your work on display. What have you been up to since then?
Doing MAD things. the painting has been coming along dope. it’s a great time to be an artist and to be inspired by the little things around. I’ve been in a few more shows since then, different gallery, selling new shit. Getting my name out. HONEST CHAOS is making moves as always, I dropped a crew neck line during the WINTER 2012 collection for the cold motherfucks. I’m focusing mainly on the clothing at this point and time. Designing everyday coming up with new, raw ways to take peoples attention and when they’re released people will be taken back. No one has this hustle and ambition.

Yeah man, I bought one of your shirts at your first art show, the hand made tags are a pretty personal touch to all of your clothing. Must’ve taken a lot of hustle to hand make all those tags! Where did you get the idea to hand make them like that?
I’ve seen other companies make certain parts of the purchase personal so I took that idea and put my fingerprints on it. I really like when I buy something and don’t realize a detail of it until I get home or something. All the tags all have a message on them along with a sketch on the other side, by reading the tags the people will realize they were supposed to buy that shirt at that exact moment. and that feeling will be with them forever. Mark my words man, I’ll always do something like that as long as honest chaos is around.

That’s exactly what happened to me! I didn’t even notice it until I got home. It’s been a few months since I picked up any Honest Chaos. What has been going on with the brand since then?
SO MUCH. Like in the summer it was all about the introduction, and it didn’t have half of the vision it does now. I’m all about the big picture now. The early shirts were all hand painted which is a good way in my opinion to have started a movement like this, it’s raw and they say “fuck your dress code I’m not going anywhere.” Now, designs are looking much more clean and fresh but still one of a kind. It’s way more complex to keep that originality, but so much more legit and dope. My designs are going in the best direction and that’s up. Logos are in the game now as well, killing them with shit that’s way over the average persons head. This has turned into a movement it’s so much more than making clothes, I’m trying to teach people not to be so fucking uptight and focused on unimportant shit. Some people need to sit back and realize there’s more shit going on than what’s on the screen of your I-phone or how strong you stupid Wi-Fi connection is.

Damn man, I think a lot of people need to let their I-phones die and start living. You obviously are conscious of the street wear fashion scene, and all the trends. What companies do you think you’re going to be competing with in a few years?
DIAMOND, BLACK SCALE, INSIGHT, RVCA, STUSSY, SUPREME. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN I’M COMING FOR YOU ALL! (laughs) when street-wear fiends know about honest chaos my arsenal of garments is going to be SO diverse.

What about collaborations, you ever think of working together with anyone? I mean, you seem to be handling your shit on your own but there’s gotta be someone you’re trying to work with?
If it had to be an artist to do an installation, probably RETNA or David Choe. They both have real captivating styles but they’re so raw. I feel my style resembles both those things. I would also like to collab with Kanye West (laughs) YEEZZYY design an album cover and artwork, just go all out ya know? Brainstorm mad with him and chill with the devil in a Chrysler LeBeron ya know, do big things.

What about in the way future, I’m talking after Honest Chaos has got a following?
It’s not going to stop! There’s so much that I want to do in my life. Once I have peoples attention away from their damn facebook newsfeed and on what really matters I want to get my hands all kinds of dirty. I want to experiment with music and illustrate this novel my best friend has been working on. I just want people to focus on the hard work of others and really take that shit to heart ya know? Too many people, kids my age especially are just too fuckin’ focused on shit that doesn’t matter.

You got some big shit and goals going on for someone so young. Do you think your age helps you out with getting your name out there?
Hell yea! My age speaks volumes, most people never reach this hunger and ambition for something in their entire lives. I’m a youngin’ so that in itself is a threat because no one knows what to expect, and those who do expect, expect to not be impressed. I like that element of surprise. I feel my age will catch other peoples attention, so much shit going on, so young, that’s ambition and hustle.

Don’t you get tired of the hustle man? Ever feel like you’d rather be out getting hammered and shit like everyone else who’s 19?
Yes, very often. But, you see they’re living their glory days now. I on the other hand am losing sleep and people to chill with so that my glory days are in like 5 years and for the rest of my life. I’m gonna roll by to visit my haters while they’re working at a pizzeria in a few years. They were too busy getting wasted, takin’ days off and laughing at my vision and that’s where they’re going to end up.

I guess they’ll see who’s laughing then. What’s the deal with the photography in your designs? The images are pretty fresh, you take all those yourself?
Yea the photos are all mine. I’ve done photography for years and sell photos as well. I hate when people use other peoples photos and shit to make something “original” you didn’t change anything. I believe that if you create something, EVERYTHING should be original and made by your hand because you had the vision to create it yourself.

Yo what’s the story with those stitches? It looks like you messed that finger up pretty bad! (laughs) My dumbass. get this : Friday the 13th, just got home from court. No day is good when you just get home from court. It’s like 9:00 a.m. I’m cutting a damn piece of bread, my hand was the cutting board and I sliced it wide open, no mercy at all! I fucking got stitches and it took like 20 minutes to find a parking spot at the hospital. it wasn’t as painful as it was annoying.

So you’re doing ALL of this while going to school full time, do you get any sleep at night?
Indeed, full time is pretty wack, but i gotta do what i gotta do to make momma proud. Sleep is rare my body clock is sideways and I usually go to bed when my mom gets up to make coffee but that’s just a part of the territory, it’s comforting in a way.

I can feel that man, gotta make the parents proud. You think schools helped you out with all your projects?
Not really, (laughs) a lot of my shit isn’t in anyway formal. It’s my attitude in the form of paint. I grew up having a dad that was in a hardcore band back in 1982 so I was introduced to a “fuck you” style and mentality at a young age. Listening to other great musicians that just have 0 regard for boundaries are the people that have influenced me most. Like black flag, Jimi Hendrix and Kanye West. Sure, all sound completely different but they all have one thing in common, they don’t give a fuck, about anything, the norm, boundaries and most importantly, anyone’s opinion. Its embedded in my head to act this way and I’m getting it through creations with paint and fabric.

What about skating? What kinda role did that play for you?
It has told me to do whatever. I also gave me drive to become what I have today. Skateboarding started it all for me. I’ve been doing that shit since I could basically walk. I’ll always skate. I’d be a coward if I stopped that.

Hell yeah man, gotta keep your first love close. What’s the word to all your haters? Got anything to say to them?
(laughs) I swear, they don’t take a day off. “I made myself so easy to love” in the words of Jay-Z. They’re the worst breed, some of my haters are actually old friends, people I thought had my back, it sucks but I’m just working harder and not trusting anyone. Mad hipsters in art school have shit to say, I think its because they’re stuck in school in like Philly or some shit and there’s too much dub-step and Polaroid camera flashes for them to concentrate on creating. So instead they upload shitty artwork that they think is deep to their tumblr and they don’t create anything original. They love to bitch! (laughs) but there’s mad local hate as well I feel like there’s mad tension from scums I went to high school with, they love the keystone.

Keystone, dub-step, and a jay-z quote. That’s how more people should talk about their haters. Alright man, what are the last words to the homies, here’s your shot for the shout outs.
Respect to those who truly back me, I got you in like 5 years ‘cause you’re all going to know who I am. You may look down at me but your kids will look up to me. Realize the mistakes you’ve made and grow from them. Shout to the whole fam, shout out to the folks, best people on the planet, my amazing sister, always has my back, her and my niece are getting spoiled! (laughs) shout to Jersey, killin’ it for days. SHOUT TO THE G-CODE!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ALL ARE! We’re over your heads!

Interviewed By: Frank Lopes

As of January 1st Red Alert Skate Shop in Dover, NH has been under new ownership. With a list of changes and improvements throughout the pro shop and indoor skatepark. John Gallagher, the new owner and Ralph Murphy, store manager are looking to give a little back to not only the skaters but to artists and the community. Last night was the first of many planned gallery shows that Red Alert will be hosting on a monthly basis. With a skate sesh from 9pm – 12am for $5, a wall of art that included work by Jolly Boring, Tom Dupere, and James Faggiano , and free beer to boot ( 21+ for the beer ) what more could you want.
The next show is planned for February 25th. Checkout their blog for more info. as the date gets closer. If you are interested in showing at Red Alert contact Ralph Murphy at raphaelmurphy3@gmail.com for more info.

Issue 6.2 is here and super sick as usual! Read up about Danny Toumarkines remarkable recovery over the past year. Japan Checked In, Kellie Talbot drops by The Gallery and Evidence and David Mayfield sounded off in Now Playing. Buy it now for $5 or subscribe to the Union for the whole year.

Ah…back to good ol Ragging Buffalo. We’ve been coming here sooo long it feels like home. Honestly, the Ragging crew kills it, the park is on point, and they always take great care of us. Best part about this place is you can run some serious hot laps all day. This is an EXCELLENT place to hone your skills. Find that feature you like, run tons of quick laps on it, and get your tricks dialed. Here are the Day one pics courtesy of Chris Garrison.

Stop 2 of the So-Gnar Mighty Midwest Tour at Buck Hill started Saturday, December 17th. The temps were warm, the campers were stoked, and the park set up was insane thanks to the So-Gnar crew, Jason and his park crew who were building it until 4a.m the night before. First, the campers met inside the lodge to get a quick run-down of the camp and to meet up with their coaches. After that everyone rushed to the hill and were strapped in within seconds. The various groups took only a couple of warm up laps before heading to our irresistible private setup. After getting used to the setup and slowly starting to throw down and learn new tricks, it was time for the campers to refuel with the help of Evol Burritos. Lunch time allowed campers to talk about their day so far with others and relax their muscles they’ve been working so hard. After lunch and a couple of Red Bulls, the campers were anxious to get back out to our course. The rest of the day was spent in our private course aside from maybe a couple of rope/lift laps. The campers were used to the course by now and were learning new tricks along with throwing down hammers that no one even knew they could do. By the end of day 1, campers were exhausted from hiking all day but somehow still found energy to compete in the So-Gnar Shred Circuit Contest Series later that night. Luckily, they had a couple hours in-between to relax, eat, maybe even take a nap.

Coaches for stop 2 at Buck HIll included: Pat Milbery, Aaron Ezman, Austin Ezman, Jonas Michilot, Jordan Michilot, Josh Tranby, Louie Arrigoni, Alex Miller, Casey Rodriguez and Joe Mertes.
Thanks to all the good energy and effort from the campers, the Red Bull MXT entertaining us, and the beautiful weather from mother nature for making Day 1 of the Buck Hill stop such a fun day. Check out these awesome pictures taken by Ryan Taylor. Next stop Granite Peak, December 26th and 27th, click here to register.

When he’s not working on his 360 flip, Allenhurst New Jersey local, Steve Cote, is knuckle deep in paint. Taking local art to a whole new level, Steve believes that “following your dreams is much more than a lousy saying.” Constantly working on new paintings and his up coming clothing line “Honest Chaos” Steve is doing more than following dreams, he’s chasing them down.

With artwork that comes straight from the heart and a style that refuses to be over looked, Steves’ art does much more than catch your attention. The emotions you feel screaming from his canvas do more than “take your breath away” they suffocate you. Vivid jellyfish with phrases like “I Wish I Could Hold You In My Arms” poke at your sense of nostalgia while octopus trees keep your imagination running strong. Steve’s art landed him a weeklong gallery at Rebearth Art Supply (535 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park NJ) where you could see his hard work and sleepless nights proudly hang on the walls.

Asides from painting Steve works just as hard on his up and coming clothing line, Honest Chaos. “My main goal is for people of different backgrounds to appreciate art and raw ideas. The hard work people of all styles put in to be noticed.” With screenprinting quickly on its way, Steve’s working to get his hard work on the shelves of local stores. With words to live by including “When you’re patient, nothing takes too long” it’s clear that Steve has a lot to say with no signs of slowing down the chase for his dreams.

So before you go to the mall and pick up a few shirts, check out the Honest Chaos Fbook Page and support your local art scene. Expect big things from Steve in the future and don’t be too shocked when you see his work hanging on the walls or sitting on the shelves because Steve’s working to prove that “following your dreams is much more than a lousy saying.”
By – Frankie Lopes

It’s October and that means Artoberfest is here. October 7th at the Inferno Cantina in Salt Lake City, Artoberfest kicks off with live music, an art exhibit and a double feature for “Let It Be” and “Tilt” skate videos. Doors open at 5pm, open to all ages, just $4, tons of free swag. Bigger and better every year.

The illustration art of Tallboy will be on display at the Extension gallery at Orchard this Saturday in Allston Village. Looks like a sick show. 21+.