Element AV Awards Winners Announced - Caleb Jacks piece "Clarence Portrait To Penny" was the clear selection for Best Fine Art. Caleb sent the actual piece to the Element offices, and we have to admit that seeing it in person solidified it as the winning
Element AV Awards Winners Announced
Art: Best Fine Art, Best Graphic Art
Caleb Jacks piece "Clarence Portrait To Penny" was the clear selection for Best Fine Art. Caleb sent the actual piece to the Element offices, and we have to admit that seeing it in person solidified it as the winning entry. The piece is done in pen & ink on a cross section of wood. The craftsmanship and illustration also earned him the AV Gold award, which was chosen by Element President/Founder Johnny Schillereff as best overall entry. Congrats Caleb! Also congrats to Simon Morris, Jeremy Blake and Yogi Proctor for their submissions.
The Graphic Art category was the most submitted into category, making it tough to judge. Element Artist Todd Francis and the AV staff ultimately crowned Jeffrey Bowman, of Nottingham, UK as the winner. What put Jeffrey's art above the rest was his added effort, as he supplied photos of his process including applying the graphic to actual boards. Jeffrey also included a graphics package of icons, stickers and more. We left this category guidelines vague, in hopes that artists would step up and take their art to the next level, and Jeffrey did just that, congrats! Also props to Anais F and Calvin Marcus who placed as Runners Up!
Art: Best Photo, Best Skate Photo
When Jason Rothmeyer's photo of the Northern Lights sky arrived, we weren't sure if it would be beat, and it wasn't. Jason has been a friendly face over the years, as a pro for Foundation to currently working for Fallen. What we didn't know was his abilities with the camera as well! Congrats Jason.
Best Skate Photo came from Gorm, who shot his friend Stu doing a wallride under the London Bridge train station in their hometown of London, UK. The lighting and style embody the historically rough and aged British architecture, which caught the eye of judge Brian Gaberman and the AV Staff, thus taking top honors.
Video: Best Skate Shop Video, Best Skate Video Part
Have you heard of West Jordon or Draper, UT? No, well put them and the rest of the Salt Lake City suburbs on your list, because Technique Skate Shop has enlisted some rippers who are sure to make an impact on the skate scene worldwide. Filmed and edited by the talented Kyle Wilcox, "SK801" has amazing skating from Sam Hubble, Alex Whipp, Morgan Cope and many more. We watched a lot of real good videos sent in, all with different styles of skating, filming and editing. But one stood out amongst the crowd, Brian Price's raw, barely edited video. Although living in the skate haven of Long Beach, CA, Brian rarely skates a spot you've seen, and puts together lines that seem more like a video game than reality. From tech to gnar, Price skates it all, We crown Brian Price champion, while also welcoming him to the flow team, where we hope to see his skating flourish to greater and mystic heights.
Video: Best Full Length Film, Best Short Film
When we created this category, we invited all types of films, encouraging non-skate related projects, and they poured in. When the dust settled it was Sébastien n Abes "Indonesia Anagram Tour" that told a great story, was beautifully shot, and coincidentally encompassed skateboarding. Skateboarding can be used to tell a intimate story of a region, culture, and people, this film does just that. This film is directed by Sébastien Abes in conjunction with Lonesomestar Films.
The Best Short Film category submissions were often comedic in nature and a joy to watch. Maciek Salamon's "The Walk" is just that, creative, imaginative, funny, and just enough bizarre to leave you wondering. We watched it once, and had to watch it again, and thats one valuable trait we believe short films should have, thus crowning Maciek and his fanciful mind victorious.
Music: Best Group/Band, Best Male Musician, Best Female Musician
One of the toughest categories to judge, Best Group/Band received entries from all over the world, with all styles of music imaginable. Our team of judges, with a wide variety tastes, all agreed that ((sounder)) was the best out of the bunch. These inviting tunes constructed by Steve Stratton and Mike Aho have a distinct sound, probably best classified as "Indie," and only because that term is as non-descript as they come. Whatever you want to call it ((sounder)) is great music, have a listen and get hooked.
While going through selections with judge Ray Barbee, Kid 4077 came on and he spurted out, "Now THAT sounds like a winner!" Nile Marr, recording under the name Kid 4077, is a Manchester, UK native living in Portland, OR, who has soaked up the melodies of fellow Northwest artists and developed a style beyond his years. Visit his MySpace, listen to some feel good tunes, and keep your ears out for more of his music sure to speak to large audiences in the future.
Julia Reeser's guitar and soft voice was enough take top honors with just one song submitted. We hope to hear more of Julia's sweet sounds online, or in a nightclub close to her Hollywood residence.
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