Skater Made’s Bart Saric

Tell us about your business or art! How you got into it? I attended the schools in Santa Monica as a youth and grew up skating and surfing the various spots of the then wide open Dogtown/Venice areas. Venice was simply an extension and final resting spot of my local inspiration. Between the Dogtown and Z-Boy skaters, the ripping local surf scenes, and abundance of talented and groundbreaking artists it was natural for me to gravitate toward the creative and expressive alternates to the norm. After years of dedication to the art / skateboarding / surfing worlds I found myself confronted with a constant request from the underground for my own brand. Aside from my commissioned work locally and abroad, it was never a dream of mine to own and run my own skateboarding brand. But, when the signs pointed in that direction it seemed like divine intervention was speaking to me. At that time, I had over two and half decades of experience in those 3 fields I only thought it natural to pursue this as a quest for truth and tradition. The rest is what you see, ‘Skater Made’ skateboards and t’ings. We specialize in quality custom culture and our voice is one that honors the roots, at the same time keeping up with the evolution of the youth true to the cause. Skateboarding as a religious celebration of life. My involvement with this movement is all inclusive.

What projects are you working on now, and what are your goals for the future? Presently, I am working on a new skateboarding film short with the ‘Skater Made’ skateboarding team. We should have something NEW to share by the end of this summer. Limited runs of custom gear is a constant, so please check into to the website and our facebook and instagram pages to see what exactly is poppin’ the ‘PH’ OFF’ with us! Future goal is to have a full-on ‘Skater Made’ dojo up and running.. I am also, finishing a collection of paintings for my 1st solo art show TBA. Hoping to find the right location to showcase these original works by the time I finish the last painting! Anyone have a great Art Gallery to recommend, I’m all ears.. Plus, take a look at the worldartcollective.com site in a month to get a load of visual stimuli on another level.

Any achievements or accomplishments that you want to share? Being alive today. Being a good person. Doing what I can in the community a little everyday. It’s only up to us as individuals to make the place we live in better. So, I strive to be a better version of myself each day, whether I achieve it or not my energy is invested there. It’s like the movie ‘Ground Hog’s Day’ with Bill Murray, you get each day given to get it right. To make yourself and your contributions better. I feel we are all works in progress that way..

What/who inspires you? Life. The Universe, Earth. Nature, the Ocean. Venice, of course. I am truly inspired by that which is real. The Beauty, The Grit, The Power of Living, in general. Regarding individuals the list is too long and deep to type here. But to name a few from present and past, here’s a quick name drop of Legends: Akira Kurosawa, Dali, Bowie, Frazetta, Hokusai, Rick Griffin, Devo, Black Sabbath, Bruce Lee, Dogtown/Z-Boy Skateboarding Culture and History, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Sade, Ghandi, Bethany Hamilton, John Cardiel, David Lynch, Lightning and Thunder. You!

Favorite affirmation, mantra, or quote: “Stay Stoked 4 Life!”

Favorite book, band or movie? Too many to name.. no just one favorite. Here are a few thoughts: • Writers – Hunter S. Thompson, J.R.R. Tolkien, Yukio Mushima, Stan Sakai, Clive Barker, Matt Wagner, Dr. Seuss, Michael Moorcock, .. • Bands – Bad Brains, Black Sabbath, DUB, King Crimson, Black Uhuru, Jazz, Eric B. & Rakim, David Bowie, Zappa .. • Movies – Blade Runner, Akira Kurosawa films, The Shawshank Redemption, Enter The Dragon, Rumble Fish, The Sorcerer, Alien, Blazing Saddles, Half-Baked, Big Wednesday, Friday, etc.

What causes do you support? Over the years I’ve joined the local forces that be to support the skaters, artists, surfers. Member of the former VSA that pushed to get the skate park built, DTS 4 life. Locally, I work with individuals from the area with their various talents and skill sets to enrich the area. Local businesses, at least the ones that are left now, which is near to none in comparison to the days of old. The music scene. Local skateboarding events. Skateboarding and art, in general.

What’s one thing we can do to make the world a better place? Consciousness. Clarity of thought and then act on it right.

Finish off the statement “Life is… a Blessing.

What do you do on your days off? How do you treat yourself? When I’m lucky to get a day off, it usually entails a ride of some kind. Strictly riding for fun. Often, the beach is my favorite downtime spot. Eat good food and share laughs and story with friends and family. Treat myself to a massage maybe. Sleep in.

Anything else you want to share about yourself to the world? Not really. If you see me in the neighborhood, say ‘Hi”.

.Describe Venice: Unlike anywhere you’ve ever been to. Unique and full of color, culture, art and intense energy. Venice Italy after the apocalypse.. Anything and everything. A place where time stands still, but you don’t. Venice, is where you can be someone and no one all at the same time.

Describe your perfect day in Venice: (start from morning to night, Dawn patrol surf. Followed by a mid-morning nap. Late Breakfast. Chill on the beach. Skateboard the late afternoon. Bocce ball on a low tide at sunset, with friends. Happy hour. Dinner at Hama Sushi, Canal Club or Kifune. Howl at the moon until I fall asleep. Wake up and do it again.

What are some interesting destinations/activities in Venice that even locals might not be aware of? Hidden Venice treasures? I love the old cuts and last minute neighborhood parties with local bands playing. Hoagies on Superba after such a day. Afraid to say anymore.. : )

Favorite Venice food items, and from where? Over the years it’s been various spots such as Hama Sushi, or the Canal Club. C & O. Many a good spots have come and gone too soon. These days I’d venture to say : Kifune, Mercedes, Hinanos and .. Hoagies Sub on Lincoln.