Ramp It Up *

Ramp it Up is a fascinating photography exihibit following the development of the skate board culture from the early Hawaiin natives to Native American teens who live on reservations.

A majority of Native Americans, particulary teens, are lively in a daily void of their Native culture with no knowledge of their ancestors, language or cultural traditions. Their lives are primarily ones of uneducated poverty with no foreseeable escape. It was especially fascinating to learn that one of the founders of a Native American skateboard company was a highly decorated master of Native North American tribal dancing. He had the foresight to recognize that powwows and other traditional Native social events were not bringing in younger Natives. In their world, these powwows and dances were part of the older and unknown tradition which held no attraction for them. He was able to not only begin designing skate decks and distributing them free of charge to young Natives but eventually combine the events of the powwow and skate competition in order to bring the two worlds together. He successfully brought elements of their culture into a format which held meaning to the teens.

The artwork which prevails on the decks of the skateboards these teens use are full of symbolism and meaning. One elder even distributed free sets of wheels in the color combination of the traditional Indian medicine wheel. The decks show everything from significant events in Native culture to figurative representations. Especially interesting is how they use symbolism in such a way that its significance is not readily apparent, they successfully blend typical popular graphics, like skulls, so that the viewer is not hit over the head with the meaning behind the designs.

What is particularly heartening is how many teens have found a way out of the restrictive poverty and dismal futures through skateboarding. They have created a modern culture that mimics the ideals of their traditional Native culture. Many of the same qualities are recognized in the skate culture, such as courage, skill and pride in their group. Hopefully this will, continue to affect the younger members of the tribes and educate them about the ways, and meanings of their ancestors.