For the latest group exhibition, For the Deckade, organized by Fort Heart, Australian artist Ruler Key created an incredible board in homage to Japanese culture. Who better than the artist himself to talk about it:
“For this piece I carved directly into an old skateboard deck using traditional woodblock printing techniques, using etching tools, then rolling block printing ink onto the surface by hand. The wear and grain of this deck stays visible, showing it’s past.
I’ve always been curious and drawn to the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese art and Irezumi tattooing. This piece “Gamez You Play” is inspired by Namakubi, meaning “freshly severed head”. Traditionally a severed head was a trophy, a sign of mortality and honour. Whoever owns this board gets to take the heads with them. “
To see more of the artist’s work, check out his Instagram @rulerkey.
