OCD Skate Shop in Mordialloc: looking at skateboard art

A skateboard can catch your eye before you know anything about the rider or brand. A strange character, a strong colour combination or a few bold lines can make you stop and look. That is a good starting point for anyone coming to skateboarding through art.

OCD Skate Shop in Mordialloc is an independent, family-owned shop that has been part of Australian skateboarding since 2012. No Comply’s website credits OCD as our host, so this is a local connection that sits close to what we do.

Look beyond the logo

Next time you look at a deck wall, choose one graphic and give it a minute. What caught your attention first? Is the image built around a character, lettering or an abstract shape? Does the wood show through? How does the artwork use the narrow space between the nose and tail?

You do not need to know art terminology to have an opinion. Comparing two boards you like can help you work out whether you are drawn to a particular colour palette, sense of humour or drawing style. Look for the artist’s credit where it is available, too. Following the person behind a graphic can lead you to work you would never find by searching for the board alone.

Buying to skate or buying to display?

Be clear about what you want the board to do. If you plan to ride it, the graphic is one part of the choice. OCD’s skateboard deck guide and range explain that size, shape, concave and construction affect how a board feels. Take your questions to the shop before choosing a setup.

If the artwork is your main interest, consider where you will display it and whether you prefer a single piece or a small collection. You can enjoy skateboard art without building a collection around resale value or chasing every release.

From the deck wall to the gallery wall

That overlap between everyday objects and artwork is part of No Comply’s world. Our previous events archive includes painted decks alongside framed work. For more about the community behind the shows, visit Our Purpose.