Interview
Koda Lame
Koda (a.k.a. Skate) is a unisex designer and skateboarding brand.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My name is Koda or people call me Skate. I started with skate art photography and learned the tools to make Lamesk8 where it is today.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My art tells a story. With the art I make to the clothes I want to see and I learned the tools like sewing and graphic design along the way to perfect my skate art and I would describe my art as avant guard with the lifestyle I’ve created with the family I’ve made I like to put that into my art. We are homeschooled and we love to travel and learning is a large focus point I believe in living beyond the social norm.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I tend to work on a few workpieces at a time while making one the main focus and the other a side quest. I call them ‘can be added or scrapped’ to make the project look cohesive.”
Are there any art world trends are you following?
“As controversial as it is - AI artists have a lot of potential- I’ve been able to bring back projects I’ve scrapped due to lack of skill and level to produce and hiring hasn't been easy so I’ve used a few AI apps like Glamapp AI.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“Personally, I'm mixed with old school and new school techniques - I wouldn't say I'm tech savvy but I'm constantly taking courses to learn the tools to better my graphic design and photography skills and the fashion side. I’d say I'm more picky with sourcing fabrics and materials I still like to shop in person and be hands on sourcing and keeping out ethical.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“Right now, I'm working on a book with Palmetto publishing called ‘Incase The Internet Deletes Me’ and its about the creation of Lamesk8 and navigating in the industry that has changed so much since the internet started.”
Website: www.lamesk8collection.com
Instagram: @lamesk8
