Skateboarding has at all times been an instrument of self-expression for Christopher Hiett. Rising up in a small city in Indiana, Hiett admittedly felt just like the an outsider in his group, which was rooted in traditional Midwest customs and restricted publicity to different tradition. Hiett is difficult to overlook, and never simply because he is likely one of the most compelling new skaters within the circuit at present, however as a result of he presents himself authentically. At first look, Hiett radiates a way of inventive freedom, whether or not that’s by dyed hair, make-up and different vogue or together with his penchant for retro-classic ’80s-style skate decks which can be stark contrasts to the trade commonplace.
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After transferring to LA when he was solely 18 years outdated, Hiett has since grown his following and connections by the skateboarding trade immensely over the course of three years. From high-profile sponsorships with the well-known Powell-Peralta skateboard group to co-signs from trade legends Steve Caballero and Danny Means, Hiett is about to be one in every of skateboarding’s greatest stars.
All through each era of skateboarding, there at all times has been a couple of key individuals who appear very musically linked or influenced. Am I off base to imagine you might be a type of individuals?
I have a look at skateboarding the identical method musicians have a look at their craft. It’s all an artwork piece, one massive composition, and everybody has their very own method of doing it. For me, the individuals I hearken to and look as much as not solely mould the best way that I skateboard however the best way that I current myself. I like listening to music. I’m not nice at enjoying music, however I do love the signing side of music.
What music influences you?
The bands that I’m listening to probably the most proper now are Palaye Royale, Carry Me The Horizon, Kim Dracula and the Plot In You. I additionally hearken to older stuff like Avril Lavigne, who has at all times been the sickest to me, and naturally My Chemical Romance. The checklist goes on and on. These artists are additionally simply good and kind-hearted individuals exterior of the music.
Do you see lots of older skating figures reaching out to you extra so currently?
It’s a bizarre space as a result of the best way I’m as an individual, who’s somewhat bit youthful, I relate to the youthful era but additionally love and admire the older era a lot too. The skateboards that I experience are ’80s-shaped skateboards, and actually I prefer to tie collectively each era, and I need to begin blurring the traces between them.
Do youthful youngsters who’re aspiring skaters attain out to you now that you’re rising in recognition?
Yeah, particularly within the sense of being themselves in sure environments. I’m from Indiana within the Midwest, and rising up there, it was fairly seemed down upon to put on make-up and coloration your hair. In actual fact, in my college, you couldn’t have coloured hair or piercings. Arising from there and having the ability to lastly be myself, I’ve lots of conversations with youngsters who’re in that world and atmosphere the place they really feel like they’ll’t be themselves as a consequence of their space. I’ll at all times discuss to somebody, whether or not it’s a remark or DM, and clarify that it’s necessary to maintain the values of being your self and never let different individuals tear you down. What’s most necessary is your happiness.
How did you ultimately make it out to LA from Indiana?
I by no means actually felt like I slot in the place I grew up in Indiana. I wouldn’t go to events or hang around with buddies exterior of faculty as a result of what I did daily was skateboarding. I at all times dreamed about doing this and at all times since I used to be in sixth grade was writing essays about transferring to California to observe my dream. Once I was graduating highschool, my mother and father separated, and I knew that there was nothing left for me in Indiana, and I wished to start out my “actual” life.
I used to be sponsored by Powell-Peralta since I used to be 14, and I got here out to California for one week to resolve if this might work out. The group supervisor Deville Nunes on the finish of the week supplied me to come back to reside with him, basically in his closet, and I knew I needed to do it. I bought on a airplane with my garments and lived in a closet for a couple of months till I discovered locations to go, and I began to make connections with individuals who had been extra like me. As quickly as I got here out right here, it was a lot extra accepting, and I’ve by no means seemed again since. I wouldn’t need anything on the planet than to be out right here with all of those wonderful individuals.
It feels like your instinct was appropriate. How has your profession flourished since making the transfer? I really feel like you might be undoubtedly up subsequent by way of turning into a family title in skateboarding and past.
I’ve been right here for 3 years now. I’d really feel very grateful if I used to be up subsequent. That will merely imply extra buddies and individuals who I can discuss to and assist me as a lot as I may also help them as effectively.
Who’re your greatest inspirations in skateboarding?
Clearly, Steve Caballero is one in every of my favorites. Tony Hawk can be an enormous inspiration, and he’s an unimaginable individual, not solely an incredible skateboarder. Dylan Rieder, who sadly handed away, was one in every of my greatest inspirations rising up as a result of he confirmed that there’s a lot extra to skateboarding than simply methods. He confirmed skateboarding as his canvas and his portfolio of artwork, and each trick that he did was so fluid and resembled a masterpiece of artwork. That’s at all times been so inspiring to me.
Do you could have any objectives by way of your profession, by way of sponsorships or tasks?
I’d love to have the ability to drop my very own private skateboard, for the principle truth of getting my title on the skateboard, to be an incentive for youths to go up to one another and have a dialog, not really feel omitted and let the board turn out to be extra than simply me and turn out to be a logo of acceptance and who you might be as an individual.
[Photo by Nicolas Delvalle]
[Photo by Nicolas Delvalle]
[Photo by Nicolas Delvalle]
[Photo by Nicolas Delvalle]
[Photo by Nicolas Delvalle]
[Photo by Nicolas Delvalle]
[Photo by Nicolas Delvalle]
This story appeared in challenge #407, obtainable under.
