OLMEC
OLMEC
By Jose Francisco Villa Govea
My parents and their siblings came from a small rancho in Jalisco called Los Tazumbos. They departed their homeland at a tender age, driven by the aspiration to offer my siblings, cousins, and me a life far removed from the poverty they endured. During my childhood, I often visited Los Tazumbos, immersing myself in the duality of living in a bustling city and returning to the dirt roads my family traversed. This experience was a profound culture shock, yet equally astonishing. Returning to the homeland where my family's surnames commanded respect and where people resembled me was a profoundly grounding experience.
The Indigenous Olmec face adorning an 8.5-sized skateboard deck is painted with acrylics, serving as an homage to my indigenous and Mulato heritage. When I gaze in the mirror, the traces and features of my ancestors are indelible. These physical attributes are notably evident in both my parents, particularly on my mother's side. Her family is characterized by tightly coiled, bushy hair, dark brown skin, and prominent facial features, including full lips and broad noses. As a child, I felt embarrassed by these features, but as I've grown, I've developed a profound appreciation for the traits passed down to me. Recognizing that Mexicas, Africans, and various other cultures coexisted and intermingled allows me to embrace and cherish my reflection with newfound understanding.
“When I gaze in the mirror, the traces and features of my ancestors are indelible. These physical attributes are notably evident in both my parents, particularly on my mother’s side. ”
The fusion of indigeneity and skateboarding holds immense significance for many San José Chicanos, myself included. Skateboarding became a passion my eldest brother Hugo instilled in me and fostered by the friends I made during my formative years at Hellyer Elementary. I can't recall my first ride because my brother had me on a board from a young age, but I vividly remember him taking me to the iconic Sylvandale Middle School ledges in the early 2000s. Sylvandale was a hub for skaters of all ages and skill levels, from little mokosos like myself to seasoned professionals, who would gather to grind and slide on the ledges. I witnessed many talented skaters making their mark at Sylvandale.
Painting skateboards has been a hobby of mine since my teenage years, but recently, I've approached it with more intentionality. It began with applying a single color coat with spray cans to enhance the appearance of my board, but now I use my old boards as canvases for my artwork. I aspire to eventually produce legitimate prints on various boards, further intertwining my love for skateboarding with my artistic expression.
Growing up in San José, Chicanos and Latinos have always been deeply ingrained in the skateboarding culture. While magazines and YouTube videos often portrayed images of white individuals skating within my community of Seven Trees and among my brother's and friends' circles, I consistently witnessed Chicano kids like myself embracing skateboarding.
“Painting skateboards has been a hobby of mine since my teenage years, but recently, I’ve approached it with more intentionality.”
The unforgettable moment of this particular skateboard deck resonates on multiple levels. At first, I struggled with determining the main focus after creating a background with black and gold stripes. Then, I recalled the advice of my art mentor, Bay Area muralist Carlos Rodriguez. He once told me that one should revisit their sketchbook for inspiration during creative blockage. In the summer of 2023, I dedicated myself to participating in Danza Azteca alongside Carlos' family and my wife, immersing myself in the art of painting with intention. During this time, I sketched various Olmec-inspired faces, one of which I chose as the centerpiece for this deck.
Painting this deck became a form of prayer, a tribute to the cherished memories I shared with my mentor and wife, and a celebration of the knowledge we acquired together along the journey. Each brushstroke reflected our collective experiences and the profound impact they had on my artistic expression.
“Painting this deck became a form of prayer, a tribute to the cherished memories I shared with my mentor and wife, and a celebration of the knowledge we acquired together along the journey.”