Skateboarding's visual identity has humble, almost homemade origins. Early boards in the 1950s were simple wooden planks with roller-skate wheels, often personalized with nothing more than a name carved into the wood. But as the sport exploded in the 1970s and '80s, the deck became a canvas. With the rise of companies like Santa Cruz and Powell-Peralta, skateboard art evolved into a bold, aggressive, and often surreal form of expression. Artists pushed the boundaries of graphic design with dynamic characters, punk-inspired themes, and mind-bending colors. As one observer noted, "Other than comic books, skateboards were my first intro into seeing art and art that was nontraditional." This was an art form that was accessible, rebellious, and completely new.
"Surf, Skate, and Rock Art of Jim Phillips: 40 Years of Surf, Skate, and Rock Art" is a 208-page retrospective documenting the career of the influential Santa Cruz graphic artist through over 937 color illustrations. The book covers Phillips' pivotal role as art director for Santa Cruz Skateboards, showcasing iconic designs like the Screaming Hand, along with his extensive rock poster and surf art portfolio. Explore the collection at Fulkit Skateshop . Share public link With the rise of companies like Santa Cruz
The book begins by diving into his surf art, where his love for the ocean is palpable. As a local Santa Cruz surfer himself, Phillips didn't just depict the sport from an outside perspective; he captured the feeling of gliding across a wave, the sun beating down, and the laid-back, yet rebellious, attitude of the beach culture that defined California in the 60s and 70s. "Surf, Skate, and Rock Art of Jim Phillips:
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In the years since the book’s publication, Phillips’ star has only continued to rise. In 2017, he was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Icon Awards, a well-deserved recognition of his profound impact on the sport. He continues to create new fine art, and his licensing agreements with NHS Inc. have led to wild collaborations with pop culture giants like "The Simpsons," "SpongeBob SquarePants," and "Star Wars," introducing his iconic hand to new generations.
Born in 1956, Jim Phillips grew up in Southern California, surrounded by the surf, skate, and music scenes that would later become the foundation of his artistic career. As a young boy, Phillips was fascinated by the emerging surf and skate cultures, spending hours watching surfers ride the waves and skaters perform tricks at local skate parks. He was also heavily influenced by the burgeoning punk rock movement, which emphasized creativity, rebellion, and nonconformity.
Jim Phillips' artistic style is instantly recognizable, thanks to his innovative use of color, composition, and technique. He has mastered a range of mediums, including painting, drawing, and screenprinting, often combining these techniques to create complex and visually striking artworks.
