Features

So what’s been the concept behind Seven?

The idea behind Refill Seven came about several years back in 07 when we first had our Sydney show. it came about when Rostarr had his luggage lost on the way to his Sydney show and we had to quickly produced some art to accompany some new pieces he produced in Sydney. We had access to a laser machine so we though we would take advantage of it for the show. The artwork translated really well being lasered onto plywood. I then had the idea to do skateboards it was triggered by the plywood really. I liked the fact that if the laser burnt through one layer of ply it would reveal the layer underneath which was a different colour... usually darker. At the time no one had really experimented with the medium, so through our Refill contacts and artists we reached out and the rest is history.

How much experimenting with production methods did you have to undertake to finally achieve the desired result?

There was a bit of playing around trying to get a deep enough burn as well as getting the machine in focus over the surface of the deck as it curved as the laser usually only likes flat surfaces. We developed a see/saw type jig to tilt the skateboard so that we could burn the ends of the deck. We were trying to make the technology do things it didn't really like. Sometimes they wouldn't align as the graphics are usually chopped in 3 so lots of teething errors. But we ended up acheiving full deck graphics which is what we wanted. Because the decks are curved and the wood reacts differently on each deck we also would stain the decks if needed to get more contrast and an even tone through the graphics.

Why skateboards? Is there a personal connection to the medium?

I grew up drawing and a lot of the graphics I copied and drew for mates as a kid used to be Powell Peralta skulls or the screaming hand by Jim Phillips. I guess skate graphics appealed so much because they looked so cool. So I guess in my subconscience skate graphics and skateboards were something I felt a connection with.

You recently ran another exhibition titled Record Time, in which artists had their work laser etched onto vinyl records. How did this come about and how much did you have to modify the technique for this new medium?

Yes another passion of my is logo design and logo graphics. A medium which has an abundant resource of beautifully crafted logos and graphics is old vinyl. Therefore it felt natural to do something with the medium as I have a large collection of old vinyl. I thought the mix of the beautiful old labels along with artists work would make a nice decorative piece, adding the clock movement also makes it functional. The technology and principle is much the same, the settings have to be reduced alot for a lighter burn. The downside is getting the black lung... the fumes that the old vinyl lets off are quite toxic... so face protection is nice... just to stay healthy.

Now you’ve etched on skateboards and records, what’s next?

Haha.. nothing is safe ;)

Actually me and my partner Bianca have put together a small site thegoodfolk.com we aim to release new lasered items on a regular basis. Mainly simple and aestheticaly pleasing products to make the house look nice. I also used the laser though for my own artwork and typographic experiments, it seems quite common nowdays online to laser onto everything but not everything has been thought about or looks nice. We are hoping to take the time and release products customers will want to own. Time will tell.

You got an extensive selection of co-conspirators, what were the selection criteria for picking artists to work with?

I guess each artist was chosen mainly because I like and respect their work, and they also had styles which were diverse and i knew would help showcase what the technology could do.

Are there any desires to expand on the list of artists involved in the Seven exhibition?

Yes I think over time adding artists to the list, and showcasing their work. Also releasing new lower priced decks which are more accessible by the general public.

Is there a piece that was produced in the collection that really surprised you in its final outcome?

Yes I think Rostarr's came out great. it was a combination of etching in 3d and with halftones which really made the graphic pop.

Is there a particular work in the collection that you feel really pushes what the technique is capable of?

See above.

If you were to create a skate team to represent Seven, who would it consist of and why?

Andy Howell, Tony Hawk, Mark Gonzales, Steve Caballero, Damon Way, Brett Chan, Lee Ralph

Because they are all skaters whose names I grew up with, and skate videos I saw at some point in my life. Andy Howell in particular has been a true friend who has helped me out alot so Andy would def be on top of the list.

Is the exhibition currently touring at all?

For Seven at the moment we don't have any immediate shows planned, we are working on launching a beefier new site.

The next exhibition of Record Time will be taking place in Melbourne at Gorker Gallery on Thurday the 23rd of July starting at 7pm.

The magazine you run these exhibitions through is called Refill, which was a limited edition compendium of some of the world’s best artists, designers and streetwear labels, we haven’t seen one in quite a while, where is this project for you?

Refill started out as a magazine. For me now Refill is a name under which we can curate various projects. Its aim is to still be a platform to promote local and international talent. Refill as a medium will keep transforming, the name will remain.

Any shout outs or final words?

Shout out to my fam and friends who have supported our vision, look forward to making good things happen.

Luca's own personal work can be found on his site luca.com.au and Seven can be found at refillseven.com, stay posted for this site to be revised soon! Finally for more information on Refill you can visit refillmag.com For more info on where to purchase the works from Record Time visit thegoodfolk.com.


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