Subjective: Sebo Walker

Special AB artwork by Sebo Walker.

In this ‘Subjective’ interview we chat with Sebo Walker, a professional skater and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon.

What up Sebo! Run me through some basics. Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Salem, OR!

What was it like growing up in Salem?

It was nice you know my parents gave us a beautiful, average, active & full childhood. Like mostly everywhere in Oregon you get the full 4 seasons, there is so much to do outdoors when it’s nice. I have two older brothers and we are close in age so I was lucky to just have built in friends to constantly play with and aspire to be like.

Nice. I have 3 older brothers myself. When and what got you into skating? 

I didn’t get into skating until I was around 13. I played every sport, and did or tried almost every activity or action sport. Not until some friends started skating as well as my brothers, did I myself give it a go.

Photo by Noah Smith

I started at 12 or 13 as well. Tell us about those early years? 

I remember vividly just being incredibly active. Falling all the time, trying to be the best at everything I did, especially trying to be better than my brothers. In school I definitely thrived in most creative subjects and sports, but felt confined in a certain way as well. Most joy was found outside of the school walls I mean.

For real! Now most folks reading this probably know you, but for those that don't know, you have been a professional skater for many years now. You've accomplished a ton within skating and you're one of the more prolific NW skaters with lots of dope video parts, sponsors, pro boards with Krooked, etc etc. I don't want to spend too much time on the skate stuff because you just detailed your skate career pretty extensively on the Nine Club (Go watch if you haven't yet), but I would love to get into art with you. How and when did you get started creating art? 

Thank you! I started drawing and painting quite young maybe around 10. Encouraged by my parents and specifically my mother. My mom Delight, worked with stained glass and was also a painter as well. I was lucky to be exposed to that and found it beautiful and intriguing. She would let me help her with the stained glass projects, every single one she did. At an early age I got to see the process of ideas, hard work, patience, focus, etc combining through the rewarding but extensively long process to completion.. From all of that I learned valuable lessons. I was immediately hooked and have been creative in so many ways ever since.

What types of art were you drawn to at first? 

Personally I loved drawing & painting at the early stages. 

Photo by Noah Smith

And how has art evolved for you over time?

In high school I took every art elective and learned a lot. I became the student teacher in those classes as well. Basically laser focused on learning as much as possible about all different types of art.  

It’s interesting how well we can focus on stuff we’re actually interested in haha! When you were young and skating, did you visualize a path into art? Or were even thinking about that shit?

I didn’t really at all. So much is changing during high school years ya know. It’s a very transitional time in life. I just found peace and enjoyment in the difficult but rewarding process of both skateboarding and art. As well as the freedom within both.

The only person I knew who did anything with art professionally was my cousin, and she got an art degree and worked for some cell phone company making ads. It didn’t seem very inspiring to me to be honest. Did you know anyone growing up who "made it" in skating or art of any kind from your zone?

There were a few guys from Portland, Jayme Fortune Matt Beach, that I maybe saw once or twice but no I didn’t know anyone close to me in the early years, in Salem, that had made it.. seemed almost unattainable to be honest at the time.

I can relate. We had heard that Steve Olson, Aaron Artis, Dan Heassler, were all from Tacoma but they had all left to CA when I was young and skating so I didn’t see any of them back then. Who were your favorite artists growing up?

My favorite artist was MC Escher

Dude, I was hyped on him as a kid too! His perspectives were so crazy. I know it's kind of a silly question, but in what ways does skating influence your style and direction as an artist? 

I find that it’s mostly just experimental and therapeutic. I’m definitely my own worst critic and always have been. In skateboarding and art I can’t shake the feeling of I can do better, no matter how hard I try.. but this also pushes me to keep trying to innovate. I find the movement of skating, the culture, people and music intertwined in skating often influences my art. 

That makes sense. What are you doing currently in respect to making art? 

I still paint a lot for fun. I do a lot of painting with my kids Louis and Poppy. I still try and have art shows periodically and am currently working on a really exciting innovative way of combining my skateboarding and artwork like nobody has ever seen before. It comes in waves for me but I also do skate and art camps and in general, kids, whether it’s my kids or any others, are maybe the most inspiring to me at this point in my life. Their freedom, perspective, joy, and more, it’s palpable and so electric and fun to see, work with, and inspire.

Photo by Noah Smith

The kids got the juice for sure. They don’t fear judgement or what people think, they just make stuff and create because it’s fun, and when they’re done, it’s done. Something to be learned there. How are you dividing your time between skating and art? 

I am more so dividing my time between being a good parent and everything else! I find I am still working on a good balance. But I skate and paint slightly less, but try to make it worth it and intentional when I do.

Sounds like you have the right priorities. What does it look like day to day for you?

Early wake, adventures with the kids. My wife and I do our best to juggle work and kids together. I find time to skate or paint at night, and we start all over!

And how is the fam doing overall?

Our family is rapidly growing and changing, so many fun stages. But it’s also difficult. Adjusting your life from no kids to kids. I feel lucky my wife and I are best friends and we are doing our best. We feel blessed to have two healthy kids!

Indeed! I know most skaters want to be pro skaters like you when they grow up, but realistically it's pretty tough and there's not a ton of money in it for most. That said, there is some room it seems for skaters to work within a lot of these skate brands and companies. How could these brands, companies, etc make more room or be more accommodating for skaters in creative positions? 

I like to think that there is more and more room for skaters in creative positions. But I dunno, I think it boils down to connections and finding your way in authentically.

Keep it authentic. Noted. Can you share a few of your favorite projects you have done?

New framed canvas work! 

New board series 

And my sons artwork (he’s 2)

As well as something NEW AND UNRELEASED. But you will have to stay tuned for it!!

Sick. We will keep an eye out. Any helpful wisdom or wise words for the young skaters/artists?

Believe in yourself and surround yourself with positive creative people. Find a way to have fun and innovate simultaneously. Stay positive and patient!

Amen Sebo. Any shout outs or anything?

Shoutout my wife Elle she’s my best friend and greatest support. Louis & Poppy you’re everything for us. Thank you to my sponsors Krooked, Spitfire, Independent, Mob & Bones Swiss.

Love it, thanks for being down man.

Cheers.

You can keep up with Sebo on IG. Follow his skating IG here and with his art IG here.