This skateboard deck series is inspired by three iconic paintings of women. Much of the existing representation of women in skateboard art tends to be objectifying and over-sexualized, so I wanted to create something that begins to shift the narrative about the presence of women in skate culture.

The series begins with a self portrait by Frida Kahlo, a female artist from Mexico in the early 20th Century. Frida Kahlo’s work has served as an inspiration to women through her honest depiction of the female form and experience. Frida challenged cultural machismo and patriarchal traditions through her life and work. The second board features The Birth of Venus because this painting depicts a symbol of femininity and beauty emerging into the world. She may be most commonly known for her connection to sexual love, but the design of the Venus Board aims to highlight that this is only one small piece of all that feminine beauty encompasses. As women are emerging and beginning to claim an important place within the skate scene right now, this deck celebrates all they bring to the table through an illustrated re Birth of Venus as she emerges into the world, bringing with her all the beauty and value of femininity. The final board features one of the most recognizable female faces in Western Art, “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”