Interview: Travis Rice On His New Art Gallery Asymbol
- Author: Faith-Ann Young
- Posted on: Thursday March 11, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- Filed under: exclusive, sports, art, art gallery, mike parillo, travis rice, asymbol, claire johnson, tim zimmerman
Travis in air. (Photo: Scott Serfas)
Boarder Travis Rice is the type of dude who can make linebacker-sized men pee themselves and/or scream like girls. After all, the US Open/X-Games/Icer Air medal-winning snowboarder is commonly known for doing jaw-dropping stuff like this........and making it look easy:
What fans may not (yet) know about the Jackson Hole Wyoming native is that Travis is also an avid artist and patron. For years, he's supported local artists who hand-paint boards; more recently, he co-produced an epic film about snowboarding, That's It That's All.
This year, Travis has decided to take the it to the next level, opening an online and roving art gallery Asymbol. The focus is on high-quality prints and carefully curated art peices and photography by fellow riders and adventurers. Plus, "since we owe the environment we take from while we reap the rewards of its bounty," part of the gallery's profits are donated to environmental non-profits "working to raise environmental and social awareness and accountability in the action-sports world." A pretty perfect package eh?
We shared words with the legend below:
INTERVIEW WITH TRAVIS RICE:
JT.COM: You’ve called yourself the “ultimate appreciator’” of snowboard art. What’s the first epic board art you owned?
TR: Nothing empowers the ride like being proud about what you have beneath your feet.
The first epic board I owned was a Lib Tech Jamie Lynn, the 96/97 Corn Husk. I was actually just a part owner; I went in 50-50 with a friend and we changed up every couple days.
JT.com: The rider community (both snowboarders and surfers) seems to a very active creative, artistic community - from the gear, magazines, HD films, painting, documentaries. Why is that?
TR: Everything within the lifestyle stems from free thinking outside of the pre-set mold. It's still young so there are not a lot of rules, guidelines or prerequisites. It's fresh, so to speak. so creativity and experimentation are met with open arms.
JT.com: You have personally used art as an outlet to share the joy/passion/fear that you feel for the sport with others- through feature films, graphic designs for jackets, etc… Why go to this next level and open a gallery?
TR: For as long as I can remember rocking the shoes I wear, I've been infatuated with the work of so many talented people who pass through my life.
(Photo: Heather Erson Photography)
In recent years, I began to notice a disconnect between the creators and appreciators in regards to art and photography within the alternative lifestyle of board-sports. I really felt that boards and action magazines were an unworthy end game for that dedicated few’s life work.
The platform that has become Asymbol is the solution to that predicament. I think I just really felt like it was necessary to give credit due to the imagery, and hopefully inspire others to go out and find that bit of wanderlust for themselves… first person..
JT.com: Unfortunately, a recession is a tough time to convince people (especially the younger generation) to invest in art. How does Asymbol combat that?
TR: Ya! Great idea: Hmmm, recession, everyone’s cutting back.. Why not start a Fine art and Photography gallery! Ya! That's the ongoing joke here...
But the work we represent is timeless. The OCD quality control we run here leaves value of which I am proud. Our goal was to always keep the body of work attainable and use it to help promote and fund some great non-profits at the same time.
(Photo: Scott Serfas)
JT.com: The benefit of an online gallery is that it can be as large as you like. Do you plan to grow or keep it small & hand-picked?
TR: We of course aspire to grow but more like a Yvon Chouinard sort of way: Slowly, keeping it in house and hand picked. Quality is our priority. The quote "If you want it done right than you have to do it yourself" has never felt so true.
(Editor's Note: Yvon Chouinard is the super smart, environmentally cognizant founder of the clothing company, Patagonia. And if you're an aspiring or new entreprenuer, you may consider carrying his biography "Let My People Go Surfing" in your glove compartment; it's just that good...)
TR: We have a tight crew of people working here for the right reasons. I mean, Mike Parillo is our artist liaison and print technician, while the brainiac photographer Tim Zimmerman overseas our photo department. We do all of our Giclee printing in house in Jackson Hole.
JT.com: How can people keep in touch with Asymbol? Can other artists submit their own works for consideration?
JT.com You can track us both on Facebook and Twitter. The best way to keep your finger on the pulse though is to sign up for our E-Alerter to get the first heads up on new works, projects and collections.
As far as submissions... I love looking at new work! I think we all do here. Feel free to send it over. One of our biggest criteria is the story and significance behind each piece.
Bonus Q: Has anyone ever done an art piece for you inspired by your double backside Rodeo 1080?
Ha, .. I did have a Chilean guy paint some scenes from a film we did called That's It That's All.
Photos From Asymbol's Launch in Aspen in Feb 2010:
The work of Travis Rice's gallery partner, artist Mike Parillo, Blessing and Confrontations at the Circus Contradiction.
A photo collage of the various artist peices represented....
Travis showing the way...
Red Tetons
Mike Parillo, For Jamil
Front Left: Tim Zimmerman, The Perfect Track
Back right (in blue): Trent Mitchell Kirra
Artist Mike Parillo (in black knit cap) surrounded by friends and fans.
(Photos By Stickeen)
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COMMENTS
“ I like the Mike Parillo, For Jamil, piece. It hits home for me... ”
“ I meant to say: anthonybarsoumian.com, I missed an "i" last time... btw. photos on facebook are up. I threw in some modeling photos along with the ones from the museum. Hope that you enjoy! ”
“ Your server reprinted my post three times. I kid you not. Campfire kid's honor. No joke. Talk to your peeps. ;P ”
“ After my ex french ski-pro boyfriend, I must say I'm over the whole skiing thing, well at least with young french men, that's for sure. As for art, I like art. Check out anthonybarsoumin.com... He's an LA based artist who's worked for the likes of Versace,etc. His work is about childhood trauma. Nice guy, wouldn't think his art would be about that from the looks of it. Also Julie Heffernan is a woman's artist after her own heart. Lovely work. ”
“ After my ex french ski-pro boyfriend, I must say I'm over the whole skiing thing, well at least with young french men, that's for sure. As for art, I like art. Check out anthonybarsoumin.com... He's an LA based artist who's worked for the likes of Versace,etc. His work is about childhood trauma. Nice guy, wouldn't think his art would be about that from the looks of it. Also Julie Heffernan is a woman's artist after her own heart. Lovely work. ”
“ After my ex french ski-pro boyfriend, I must say I'm over the whole skiing thing, well at least with young french men, that's for sure. As for art, I like art. Check out anthonybarsoumin.com... He's an LA based artist who's worked for the likes of Versace,etc. His work is about childhood trauma. Nice guy, wouldn't think his art would be about that from the looks of it. Also Julie Heffernan is a woman's artist after her own heart. Lovely work. ”
“ Great idea! Love seeing a creative mind work and gain success!!!!!! Hope it continues to grow! regards. http://www.cooperburns.co.uk ”
“ my best friend is you ... ”
“ cool ”
“ wow! awesome! ”
