Neil Blender exhibition on June 5th

Written on Monday 31.05.2010 12:00 PM By: Red Bull Illume

Limited edition artwork by Neil Blender and photography by J. Grant Brittain and Dave Swift will be on show on Saturday June 5th at Hensley's in the skateboard mecca of Carlsbad, California.

Known as much for his art as well as his tricks, Neil Blender was a trail blazer for skateboard-artists in the 1980s alongside Chris Miller and Mark Gonzalez. He created individual designs for G&S skateboards before starting up the Alien Workshop company in 1990 which introduced more individualistic riders, graphic art and products to the skateboard community. Blender has also designed collector's edition Nike Dunks, originally a basketball shoe which has long been popular with skateboarders.

Blender's two most known tricks, the "Lien Air" grab and the "No Comply" were influential as they were relatively straightforward to imitate but inspired countless variations and became standard moves in skateboarding.

The "Lien Air", Neil's name spelt backwards, involves the boarder grabbing the front or back edge of the board with their leading hand in mid-air. The "No Comply", a street trick, is where the boarder pops the board while keeping their front foot on the ground for a split-second.

Blender's art will be co-exhibited with photography from Red Bull Illume judge J. Grant Brittain and Dave Swift who helped to found the Skateboard Mag in 2003.

Hensley’s is owned and run by the former professional skateboarder and accordionist for Flogging Molly, Matthew Hensley.

www.hensleyspub.com