One of the purposes for this blog is to seek and sometimes, rediscover, my inspiration for creating art.

Last week, I received a catalogue from CCS—-a skateboarding mail-order company.

I first learned about this magazine when I was in sixth grade, at Hynes Elementary.

(Back in those days) I had to call them so I could be added to their mailing list.

The cool kids who skated, created mini, cardboard skateboards that they would play with during class—simulating tricks with their fore and middle fingers.

They would cut out the photos of skateboard decks from this catalog and glue them to their carefully crafted cardboard skateboards.

I did the same.

This magazine was my entry into the world of skateboarding; a world I admired from afar.

It’s been a long time since I’ve ordered something from CCS and I was pleasantly surprised to see the catalog pop up in my mailbox recently.

It brought me back down memory lane, reminding me of my first, earliest influences as an artist.

I loved the logos, the decks, t-shirt and hoodie designs. And I loved the fashion—the particular style of skaters.

My style of drawing is very similar to the images I admired in the magazine, then and still today.

Flipping through the pages unlocked a gateway to my inner self—one that was covert for many, many years when I was young.

I’m proud to see these influences resurface in my artwork, and in my art uniform (my paint clothes) when I create.

I didn’t let “her” down—the young girl who wore her Dad’s pants to replicate the baggy jeans and cargo pants when she skated up and down the sidewalk on the weekends.

Pursuing art, honors “her” today, and “she” nods in gratitude.

CCS has made 40 years this year; and so have I.

I wish another 40 more, for CCS and for myself, remaining rooted in our reason for being, staying inspired with the best yet to come.

CCS Mail Order - A Trip Down Memory Lane