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Shut Skateboards - The Rodney Smith Interview

Monday, 09 October 2006
Walking the halls of ASR we were more than astonished by the the shapes and dramatic stylings of the sticks on the walls of the SHUT booth. With his finger truly on the pulse, yet again Rodney Smith brings SHUT to the forefront of skateboarding. Rodney gave the 'fish a bit of time and shares, his views, a skatepark fantasy and the best slice of pie in NYC. Read on while the teacher speaks. SF: We’ve read a number of tales of your first board. Legend has it your brother caught you taking his deck out and on one fateful day he caught you riding it. As the story is told you proved your worth by showing him how well you were in command of the board by riding it. What skills did you display that one fine day that convinced him to relinquish the deck. RS: Well… up to this point I had only had the opportunity to " catch a ride " from locals who where not "bound by the hip" to there skateboards. Limited skills but with ability to bomb the short Henry street sidewalk, with cracks about 1 1/2 inches wide. You had to carve every crack to not get a wheel lodged and get thrown to your face. So... I displayed a sketchy carving technique for my Bro and he thought I had skill's. Seeing as he sucked and could barely stand on a board ( while it wasn't rolling) I was in like flynn. Finished SHUT "One Off" Series Decks SF: At what point in your experience did you realize you were going to head off and return to the roots with SHUT, what was the impetus in your life for the return ? RS: From the beginnings of Zoo York 92'/93' I always had this desire to someday bring the infamous SHUT SKATES back. Weather it be with my ex business partner( Bruno Musso) and I or it be a division of Zoo York....inevitable feelings have always been in my sub conscience. It was when things became foggy ( while partnered with Ecko )... I realized uncontrollable deeds started getting the best of my partners and I..things needed to change. I knew if I needed to once again journey off and start from scratch in skateboarding, it would and could only be SHUT. SF: With the market undeniably changing returning to the roots is to some a call to keep skateboarding what it was in a specific epoch in time or a broader ethos. Where do you feel the roots of skateboarding lay for you. RS: The roots of skateboarding for me lay within all and everyone who participates. Skateboarding is one of the most freedom filled activities on this planet. This freedom can never be taken away weather it be the exploitation or demise of skateboarding nothing can kill that freedom. Skateboarding doesn't need skateparks, X-games or the publics perception. That is the coolest thing about it all.....a patch of semi smooth pavement or hard solid dirt for that matter and your off. Now ..don't get me wrong I am down for everything positive for skateboarding and skateboarders. Because the root of skateboarding is so strong everything else thrown at it is a bonus or positive step for growth in all different areas of skating. The people are the roots so ...if people desire more out of there freedom then so be it. Monetarily or out of pure necessity for personal gain or world wide support, the skateboarding Root Ball can never be killed. Rodney cutting stencils at Oxford Maine mill SF: In a Transworld Business article you were quoted as saying “I not only want to educate the kids about the past, but also my fellow industry allies, all in the name of keeping skateboarding alive and well.” No one is going to argue that skateboarding has a fine retainer in you. However can you explain in greater detail what those words mean in both your life and your work with SHUT. RS: As we all know Education comes in many different forms and delivered in many different ways. When I speak of educating I am simply speaking of awakening the minds through the eyes of the SHUT. Sort of like visual sub conscience Jedi tactics. Meaning if people see something positive or different, they might learn something that could benefit them personally or business wise. It is all based on coming from an Under Dog mentallity and being able to see things from the " Other side of the tracks" so to speak that lends a hand through creativity or rebellion. Shut had no choice but to come this way naturally. I want people to learn and benefit from what we are doing , so if I can achieve positive influence through originality and our experiences...then we are more then halfway to our goal. Our ethics lie very close to the way things once where and plan on preserving the aspects of skateboarding that has kept it rooted all these years. SF: What do you think skaters can do to help you with your goal of education in the name of keeping skateboarding alive and well? RS: Stay opened minded and never stop absorbing knowledge. Spread your knowledge and history of skateboarding to all that will listen. I feel Knowing history of things only keeps the worlds Freedom Riders( surfers, skaters, moto etc...)smarter then the rest. It's easy to gather current events but without history it all amounts to confusion and doubt. Surf 40 x 9.25 ~ Shield 32.187 x 9.75 ~ Razzo 32.125 x 8.5 SF: Many companies are out there starting out with a great idea and passion to match, what advice do you have for them as they get involved in the skateboarding industry. What words can help them remain, sustain and evolve? RS: If your going in a direction of a Hobby or for personal gratification via smiles and approval from others then enjoy and have fun! On the other hand if you are attempting to make a Business out of these desires, then beware! Big bad business can bring people to the brink of destruction. You will never be able to escape the practice of business, so pre pair to live with it. There are very little ways to manipulate standard business practice... so be ready to visit hell if it comes your way and hope you make it back. If you can get by the potential business craze (you may or may not encounter ) then stick to your guns and never let anyone tell you, you won't make it. SF: What is it that makes the leading skateboarding companies so determined to maintain a decisive control over the market as a whole. With innovations stunted and the primary coverage only based on a small sector of all riders what benefit. Supposed or otherwise would this have for those that would rule? RS: It's like anything in this world...people feel threatened if there lively hood is threatened. So..with that being said it is kind of always an integrate part of the business to stay in a top seat position. We to are always looking out for the company's best interest in turn looking out for the people we employ , to the people who buy as well as ourselves. It's tuff to maintain all of these things and more. I know where these guys are coming from only I don't stress about it like they do. It all depends on what you've been through that determines the level of concern people have. I personally have had great success and failure that would make people think your crazy to continue on in business...so my level of fear and panic have been tamed over my 20 years in the game. Sufi 33 x 9.75 at SHUT booth at ASR SF: In the CW interview with Mike Valley you touch on the above subject and also touch on a statement that caught my attention. You mention the re-categorization of skateboarding. Defining styles with terms, it’s a growing trend but do you see a differentiation between longboarders and skaters? RS: Longboarders and skaters are the same thing. For one individual to step on a skate and roll classifies him or her as skater. It is the way longboarding is used and categorized. It is almost like people are finding new Ways of separatism or new ways to call people kooks. Once again humans have found a way to confuse things in a negative way. 4 wheels 2 trucks and a deck are a skateboard. I don't care if it is some space age craft or the shit they called skateboards back in the 60's it is a skateboard. This goes back to the freedom aspect I spoke of before. This country has always been about the right to pick and choose and not be labeled for it. SF: Your booth at ASR is where we really stopped in our tracks. What does SHUT have in store for us. RS: Shut has an assortment of things we are bringing to the table. Shut is a platform for diversity. We are going to continue our movement that started back in the early 80's. Hot Rod 40 x 9.5 ~ Assault Vehicle 35.875 x 10.625 ~ Sufi 33 x 9.75 SF: It’s becoming more common, similar to the roots theme for people to rock the retro label in regards to re-releases and such. Whats the SHUT stance on it’s retro re-releases. RS: To kick off the SHUT 20 years and out of Hibernation Jump off, I Hand sprayed ( old traditional Shut style) 150 Retro 1980's Shut blanks. My idea was to hook up our retailers with product that represented Shut's early years. Limited addition collectors series called The One Offs .Back from 86' to early 88' most to all Shut decks where "one of a kind" can sprayed graphics. The first batch of decks we cut, sanded and sprayed where done on Aly Moore's roof in Bedford Stuyvasant , Brooklyn. Aly was one of the original heads who helped start the Shut Skates movement as well as playing a big role as an young NYC mover shaker type. We will be doing a lot of special projects like that. Limited artist series, collaborations, Retro modified Shut models as well as silk screened graphics ( as opposed to only heat transfers). Just trying to keep it all interesting and never boring. I think it's cool that other companies re-issue past models. I have a couple Powell re-issue's Alan Gelfand , Steve Steadham and a Cabellero. SF: The lineup at ASR carried deck with graphics that really popped, just jumped right off the deck and and left our face holes bleeding. Where does the vivid nature of the graphic come from and how did you manage to take a classic style and make it so visually relevant? RS: We take a lot of pride in all the graphics we put out. I think a lot of it has to do with everything jumping out at you here in N.Y.C . There are so many influences via all the layers coming at you. Daily basis bombardment with stuff right in your face 24 hours...even when asleep stuff continues to fly around your brain. The Shut style always Jumped even if it was one color graphic work, it has to be strong. Each and every artist we work with has to have a sense of what Shut is about and how the graphics must represent the brand properly. All of the graphics are visually relevant due to our perception of what will Speak to the customer and translate information without words. We are big on word play and statements for translation. Javier Nunez 32 x 7.5 SHUT booth at ASR SF: So you are stuck on a deserted island with enough materials to terraform it into any type of skater’s paradise. What would it end up looking like and what decks would you want on hand? RS: Skater's paradise for me would have all the fix'ins attached. I wouldn't leave out anything. For starters it would have a large flat land area which would then lead to a small to medium hill. Then at the bottom of the hill the transitions would start small and tight( bank style) with extensions and transfers coming and going in all directions....Mini ramps, Bowl's, 1/4 pipe spines... leading to more free riding runs ( banked slalom ,curbs, slants etc.....) It would be called Crazy park ! Every style of set-up would be ideal....Long sticks, medium 80's style street stick, short popsickle, slalom, freestyle, wide pool monster board, skinny 70's cruiser and even an ill luge board....which the park would accommodate aspects of a roller coaster ride course. How nuts would that be! SF: In doing research for this interview someone spoke of you as saying “the method to the man's madness is a mystery.” Any way you can help us out and demystify your madness for us? RS: To give my idea of what "The Man" is in my book just might not be the same as everyone else's idea. The Man to me is any person ( man/Women ,any race, religion, color) who are whole heartedly willing to follow every word and or direction that this country's seat holders deliver... with a smile. The frozen in time folk are the ones who wish not to use there brains but to keep it on autopilot. People that are afraid of "thinking out of the box" even the slightest bit, in order to see this world for what it really is and that there might not be much time left. Just knowing your whole survival lay's in the hands of people you'll never know or people that have a one way ticket for a Shuttle ride to the space station, when the shit hits the fan for real. Think up people. Skateboarders are some of the most “Out of the box" humans this planet has. To be a participant of wild, free expression activities puts you in the category of out of the box. Thinking out of the box is the same as skateboarding in a sense that it is all risky, depending on how far you take it. I feel its better to be balanced. Learn from all and everything you encounter on a daily basis. Listen to what is being said on the news, break it down to whatever makes sense to you and not just what was said or shown. I feel you have to be life/street/history smart before any book smarts can be applied in your life. This way you are well rounded and it can only work in your favor for everyday life. The fact that people still don't see what's going on is a mystery. Tai Sequoia and Kiernan Vann Smith. Next generations to rep. SHUT SF: As far as your priorities and perspectives go, what degree of change do you think your son has had in your life, if you don’t mind can you tell us how that changed the game? RS: Back when Zoo York was in it's infancy stage my son Tai was born. This was the third life awakening thing to happen to me. My views on everything in life changed for the better. The drive to succeed changed hands from, if this doesn't work to this has got to work. People have the tendency to freak out when something as big as this happens. I was mentally and physically ready yet the finance dept. was not in check. Up until this point I prided myself on being Mr. Independent and all of a sudden I needed support. So after nine months of growth, hopes for a solution didn't fall into my lap before he was born and moving back to my parents ( age 29) was the only option. All I can say is that I was like a man of steel after it all settled in on the brain. Nothing could stop my mission and it all became about the baby. I have three boys now and it is still all about them. SF: What is up with the Lance Benson deck and how is the ‘fish local Brian Petrie from Earthwing Skateboards involved? RS: Lance Benson is this amazing cat from Florida. He has been skating since he was a kid. He races Marathons for sport and does well. He is currently racing the New York marathon coming up. Shut and Earthwing have sponsored him and we will hopefully be putting out a Lance Benson model.The lance model will be all laminated 5 ply maple. Shut and Earthwing recently collaborated on a Carbon/wood race deck for Lances up and coming Marathon. The deck came out sick! Brian has some serious Carbon fiber skills....he knows his shit. At some point Shut would like to do some limited High end decks with Earthwing. We'll see. First trade show booth... walls of historic skate photos. No Product, just lessons. Not to mention some of the original Shut crew members that attended the show. From right to left: Rodney Smith, Felix, harold Hunter, Barker Barrett,Chris (aka DUNE)Pastras, Derek Renaldi, Christian, Jefferson Pang, Eli Gesner, Adam Schatz SF: How is your skating doing, any recent sessions you want to mention? Where are you finding your local pockets of stoke these days? RS: This summer offered up a couple jams...one in North Carolina at the Barn. Reggie Barnes of Eastern Skateboard Supply had an open house and a couple park sessions. Crazy snake session at that spot...Mad fun! I got to skate with some of my industry crew like Keith Cocrane, Greg Carrol, Reggie and others. I also got to skate one of the infamous Wally Holliday pools in Montuak, N.Y. Had the pool all to myself damn Fun! Its times like that you feel like a kid again... even though my kids bring that out of me on regular basis. I also have some sick hills for bombing near my house..always a rush.I get regular street fixes twice a day. Skate from the train station to the office ( 34th st. to 17 st ) as fast as I can. I do it in like 3 to 4 minutes. Keeps you on your toes for traffic skating speeds...the way your supposed to do it. If your not bombing then you'd better be pushing and gyrating like your bombing. SF: Next time I am in NYC and I have just finished off a session where can I get a killer slice of pie and what should I get? RS: You'll need to go to Lombardi's. It is in Little Italy and the pizza is mental. You better go with someone or prepare to eat a whole pie...they don't sell by the slice. Just get plain for the first outing, try something different on the next trip. I'm down to hit it with you...let me know. SF: Where do you see yourself in five years? RS: I see myself smiling and paying thanks for accomplishing most to all of my goals in life. My wife and kids ( blood and adopted kids) are well and taken care of. It has started to play itself out already..cats that have been apart of my crews throughout the years are living well. We owe it all to ourselves for banning together and building our lives in a manner that has stability and growth. It's one of the coolest things to see kids grow into men as well as following in my foot steps...not to mention taking the business route to make a living. In 5 years time I hope to be able to pay Skaters a fine salary and pass on the knowledge that I have learned and taught. Most of all just be happy with what I have... weather or not I am digging ditches or still in business I have had a balanced life. The Good and the bad. Frost Pink 33.125 x 9.375 ~ Forest Green 33.5 x 9.75 ~ Freedom 31.5 x 7.75 SF: Is it good to be back? RS: It is the best feeling to be "back in the grind"again for the third time. It amazes me how re-starting in the field I have been in for 20 years, still brings so much conformation to your life. I wake up feeling familiar instead of feeling low and out my mind. I feel like I'm back from vacation on a cruise ship for 2 1/2 years. SF: Rodney, thanks for your time man. Anything you would like to add? RS: I want to give a Thanks! to everyone that has helped shape/direct me into who and what I am and have all these years. Special thanks to my Mom & Dad my wife Shea and sons Tai, Kiernon and Roan. Super special thanks to Mr. Fausto Vitello ...always looking out and Harold Hunter always making heads laugh R.I.P Brothers. Peace can always make things right. Check it all out at SHUT
Last Updated ( Friday, 13 October 2006 )