Nick Bailey a.k.a. Resit Creative - Artist Statement

Previous Resit projects include ‘The Shed’ and ‘What Could You Change’ Zine, amongst other weird and wonderful creations, all with the common aim to be creative but create less waste. This project, ‘SKATE OF MIND’, combines this on-going ethos using locally sourced and found wood, metal etc. but brings this together in the form of digital output, a ‘SKATE OF MIND’ Zine, which also incorporates graphic design, sound and video.

Over the duration of lockdown, in true Resit style, I have created skate-inspired artworks with a DIY aesthetic, using locally sourced and found materials, applying my skills to show the therapeutic benefits of skateboarding. I am interested in both the sport itself and the DIY culture behind it, which dates back to skateboarding’s origins. Zines were often circulated among the community to advertise Jams and local Happenings, one example of this being the SM5D series from Bristol. During my journey, I have noticed there is a deep-rooted ethos among the skate community that allows for participatory and creative arts e.g. workshops, graffiti art, clothing etc. This, in turn, forms a solid base for people quite often marginalised by society’s “isms and schisms”, to feel accepted among their peers.  It can promote wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

The idea for this project is that, in the wake of the Covid-19 Lockdown, the ‘SKATE OF MIND’ Zine will explain why the community is in dire need of a space that provides a place to explore skate culture, such as an empty shop in Pontypridd, and a space in Ynysangharad Park. It is important that our community, and especially our younger generation, have choice in what they do and where they go to upskill themselves, get some exercise, be creative, and socialise, potentially opening up new opportunities for them. Particularly considering the rate of male suicide, making it the #1 killer of men aged 18-45, I would like to see having a purpose-made spot at the head of the valleys supporting that figure to drop.

This project contains: 1 x DIY Backyard Bowl, 1 ‘SKATE OF MIND’ 36-page zine including interviews and articles, hand-drawn (UV reactive) deck graphics, series of DIY VIDeos that have a wider application outside of skateboarding, and sticker based business cards promoting future workshops.