Skart

On By ResaIn Graffiti Alley

Skateboard & art = Skart

I was almost out of Graffiti Alley..

.. when I noticed these small bits of art.

Faces over abstract, on what appeared to be the toe end of skateboards,

were screwed to poles and posts.

It was in the Grarten! Graffiti & Art & Garden = Grarten.

Love it in the Grarten, where art grows like wild flowers, so I went back and found more.

The Silver Lining


Clad in dirty shoes and shorts
his face streaked with dirt,
he swoops past like a bird in flight
thrilled with disaster to flirt.
***
Like nothing you’ve ever seen before
the skateboard on which he rides,
a platform piled high with recyclables
no one his wild recklessness chides.
***
A pair of dark eyes, wild and bright
glow beneath his unkempt crop,
he takes a sharp corner rather wide
there is no-one to make him stop.
***
We find our pleasures in different ways
it’s human nature to laugh and enjoy,
he’s found a way to make the most of life
treating his load like a favourite toy.

                            Roberta Eton Cheadle

Robbie, who wrote The Silver Lining is a fabulous writer, artist and photographer.

You can skateboard virtually to either of her 2 blog sites. ROBBIE’S INSPIRATION

OR ROBERTA WRITES

Some of the pieces had a cool red and white sticker on them.

I saved my fave piece for last. It was the only face on what looked like a … breadboard?

Now, I think- the heel end of a skateboard?

Pics taken by Resa – September 17, 2024

Toronto, Canada

The Artist: Chris Dyer

Click on pic! Go to website!

229 thoughts on “Skart”

  1. Hello Resa, I’ve lost track of who I have extended New Years’ best wishes to, so in case I haven’t sent you any I hope 2025 is a great year for you! You certainly started it off well with this collection. My brothers used to be into skateboarding and I remember there being a whole culture of “Deck Art” painting on the boards – so I’m not surprised that some has migrated into street “Skart”. Thanks as always.

            1. Ahh, it’s very tasty! Old… from my childhood, and still exists at those Candy Mountain stores.
              It tasted like we thought soap would taste, unless you lied or swore and mom washed your mouth with soap. Then one knew what soap tasted like.

    1. Thank you dear Shey!
      Yes, I love being in that alley. (those alleys)
      I will go back during the winter, off and on. One never knows when an artist decides to paint! xxxxxxxxx

    1. Yes, Merril, Skart’s the in thing. 🙄 🛹🎨
      This day was a thrill, and then to find Robbie had written a skateboard poem… life is fun!!

    1. Welcome Jean Marc!

      I love walking through that alley. The alley behind me – runs about 9 blocks is filled with graffiti and street art, but not as rich as this alley. I only walk on a street if there is no alley.

      I find even an alley wth no art is preferable, and usually there is some urban wildlife to keep me company. xx

      1. Yes alleys have a certain appeal, here in Montreal, as a youngster that is where you were living…alleys were not the same in Winnipeg, but still they had something interesting.

  8. This is super cool! Great Photos! I love it when you share this down-to-earth, natural, everyday art that is accessible to everybody. That breadboard is an excellent idea, and just goes to show that art knows no boundaries and can reach people on all levels. I almost feel like I’m passing by with you, admiring these creations. Thanks for sharing this, Resa. It’s so uplifting; art for the soul, so to speak! 💜🎨😊

    1. Hello Ada!

      Thank you, I love street art. I do go to the art gallery, but I prefer the alley gallery.

      I love it for the reason you say, accessible to all. It costs $$$ to go to art galleries. It costs $0.00 to go for a walk, and it’s healthy.

      I’m so happy you like this. Big mural coming up next. I found it in an alley, which is unusual. Murals are mostly in places of prominence.

      Uplifting … 1,000%!!!

      🌟💖🎨🤗

    1. Hello Frank,

      It is the best alley of its kind in Toronto. Although there are many others. I hope this art movement never ends.

      Robbie is a gem for letting me use her poem. I adore all of her writing and other arts. She’s a fabulous talent, and uses her ability to message.

    1. True, not on location. However, the screw in application is a nice touch.

      Robbie’s poem is perfect for this post! How convenient that she posted it a few days after I found the Skart.

      I’ll start working seriously on our post after the weekend. I’ve already selected too many pics. Let me know if you make any changes to the song, that I haven’t found out about! 🌟

      1. I do love the paintings and they are unique, just a little different from how I imagine street artists working.
        Yes, the poem fits very well. Robbie is multi-talented 🙂
        No changes to the song, but let me know if you are going to post lyrics – there is a mistake (“walk and crawl on” not “walk upon”). I have been spending all of my musical energy on the guitar 🙂

  12. Wonderful pieces of art.. What a unique way to use old skateboards and display them Resa…
    And I love Robbie’s wonderful poetry too.. Perfect description

    Keep flying down that artistic Alley Resa…

    And many more happy hour in 2025 of snapping up those fabulous pieces of Graffiti Art xx ❤ ✨💖

    1. Truly unique canvases for sure. I love the implementing of trash into art.

      I also love Robbie’s poetry.

      I will ride my pony down that alley as much as possible. We have other fab alleys in Toronto, but this is my fave.

      However, I leave no alley un-walked!
      🤍🕊🌟💖

  14. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    Wonderful finds with a lot of cyan and magenta,with a smidgeon of yellow. Lots of great expressions from contemplative to sultry to mean. Robbie’s poem is perfect for the post.

    1. You have described the art beautifully, Tim. It was exciting to find all of these pieces in the theme of Skart.

      Yes, Robbie’s poem works brilliantly. All in all, this is a lot of fun! xx

    1. Unusual and fabulous! Thanks Jo.
      This is where I walk, as much as I can get there.
      Robbie’s poetry is always a delight, or intriguing, or teaching et al!

  16. You have a knack for finding the coolest stuff, Sorceress! Skart indeed!

    And perfect addition with Robbie’s poem.

    Wonderful all ’round xoxoxoxo

      1. You are the best person to know this! And lucky for us, to share it.

        Absolutely. Such a perfect pairing, lovely Sorceress!

        xoxo🧚🏼‍♀️🌟xoxo

  18. I agree with M. Dope Skart art and how fun to have a vibrant grarten where so much creativity flourishes. And what a great poem by Robbie and the perfect pairing. Thanks for sharing so much fun art Resa!

    1. I agree with M. too.
      Just glancing – M. Dope Skart – stands out like a name.
      M. Dope Skart, how cool if that was someone’s name?

      I digress. Thanks Brad! This post is a whole lot of fun, and Robbie’s poem ups the funness.

      I love sharing this type of art, so I am thrilled to have you enjoying it.
      Be well!

  19. These are incredible art pieces, though they are subject to the eyes of the beholder. Fortunately, we have one there in Canada! Thank you, my lovely friend; and also greetings to Robbie.

    🥰💖

    1. I am soooo happy to behold all this art!
      It is most fortunate for me that I live in a city with property owners that love and allow it to flourish.
      Thank you, Aladin!
      Robbie’s poem is perfect for this art. 🤍🕊🌟💖

      1. And we are sooooo happy to have you here, feeding us with such fulfilling soul food. Thank you, dear Resa. Robbie’s poem perfectly matches your treasure.
        🤙🙏💖🌹🌟

  20. You found a lot of skateboard pieces with portraits. What a treasure hunt. And Robbie’s poem is such a fun (skateboard) ride. I could just picture it and feel the joy. Fabulous post – both of you!

    1. Thank you Diana!
      Yeah, love Robbie’s poem and the treasures I find on the hunts.
      It feels amazing to have passion energy for art(s). This is a fabulous aspect of life.

    2. HI Diana, the ‘Skart’ is fantastic. I love seeing what artists do to create interesting pieces. I’m delighted Resa included my poem here and it is a good fit. I have finished your beautiful book and posted my review to Goodreads and Amazon US. Hugs.

  22. Art really grows like wild flowers in Grarten. Brilliant Skart, dahlin and I love Robbie’s Silver Lining.

    Hugs flying over and get ready for slobberies!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    2. Dahling!

      Thank goodness It grows like wildflowers. It truly makes living in the old part of a big city a Grarten. It takes the cement & steel & dirt and shows “The Silver LinIng!

      AHA!

      xoxoxo☔️xoxoxo☔️xoxoxo☔️xoxoxo☔️

  23. Skateboards and art just seem to go together. If I had a skateboard I know I would have to cover it in flowers or a bunch of tinny fishes 🐟🐠I really love the garten of lovelies. Love the faces too.
    Especially love Robbie’s wonderful poem. This is a winner dear Resa. Let’s go skateboarding!🛹🎈🛹🎈

    xoxoxoxo

    1. Meece!

      Yes, skateboards are cool with art on them.
      In my early graffiti collecting days, I found a Bunny Kitty in an alley by the famous graffiti artist Dave Persue. https://www.davepersue.com/

      At that point he was making lot$ of $ doing skateboard art for a major company. He was doing Bunny Kitty on skateboards, now Bunny Kitty is a big deal.

      Anyway, I think our Motorcycle Meece colours (in development) would be so cool on a skateboard.

      Lol… okay I’ll go skateboarding with you!
      I will require a full compliment of safety gear: helmet, gloves with hard knuckle things, wrist guards, hard elbow guards, safety goggles, hard knee guards, sneaks with ankle support and insurance coverage.

      Let’s go!
      xoxoxoxoxo

      PS. I have my blog set to 1 link per comment, so let me know if you want to see my old Bunny Kitty post!

    1. Thank you! I had lots of fun finding the art, then making the post! I adore Robbie’s poem.

      May the New Year be good to you and yours!

    1. Robbie’s poem is perfect for this post.

      We have a lot of art alleys in Toronto, but this is the main one.
      Actually, the next post is an all out fabulous mural I found in a different alley. It has lots of art, too!
      Thanks John!

    2. Hi John, thank you for your wonderful comment. I am simply delighted to be a small part of Resa’s latest artistic endeavor. We don’t have much street art in South Africa so I revel in the photographs Resa shares.

  26. Firstly, happy new year, Resa!! 🎆 May 2025 bring you joy, peace, good health… and more stunning art of course! ❦ ♡ ♥

    I love these and thanks for showing us the ‘Grarten’ alley itself where you found the stunning art on skateboards. Did you come up with that term yourself? Grarten where art grows like wild flowers… I love that! 🌹 🌻 🌷

    Great choice of poetry by Roberta Eton Cheadle, too! 🌟

    1. Happy New Year, Ruth!
      I wish you all good things, too!
      Hey, are you 100% health now?
      Yes, I made up Grarten where art grows like wild flowers.
      Portmanteau!
      Love Robbie’s poetry. Have you seen her nature photos?
      xoxoxo

      1. Hey Resa!! I’m coughing less and less but the scratchy throat is still there. It’s ok though, glad I’m able to sleep well now.

        I love that word Grarten, man you are so creative!! Now I learned what portmanteau means too 😀

        I’m checking out Robbie’s nature photos now!

        1. Robbie has videos of African animals on Youtube, as well. Awesome!

          Hey, I’m thinking of doing an Emmy quiz during nomination season. Last year Emmy magazine ran a timeline from the very first Emmys to present date.
          There s some ultra cool info in there.What do you think?

          1. An Emmy quiz sounds cool!! I’m not sure what that would look like as I haven’t done a quiz post but I’d say go for it!! Are you thinking of doing another colab? That would be awesome. I’ll send you an email next week 😉

    1. Ahh, Teagan, art friend extraordinaire!
      I love this art, and this alley.
      It’s a magic thing that Robbie had a poem that works so well.
      HUGS!

  28. Thank you for the introduction to skart!! A good way to recyle skateboards that have seen better days? Several of the faces look familiar, but I can’t quite place them. The one on the purple background may be Gloria Estefan? I remember Robbie’s South African skateboarder poem very clearly. It made a vivid impression on me when I first read it.

    1. Welcome Liz, and welcome to the world of all portmanteau art forms!

      Interesting. Now that you mention it, perhaps they are faces we know.
      Gloria.. could be.
      Robbie’s poem appeared at the perfect time. I had recently found this art, and wanted a compliment for it!

  32. Hear Hear!

    Or is it Here Here!?

    I’ll go with Hear Here for this one since you have to take a tour with Resa to find this artistic triumph of paint and pen. Love these works of art and with a poem to boot? Or to toe? Not sure which one but you know what I mean.

  34. What a fantastic find of faces Resa. I can’t get over the amount of art you find scavenging the streets of our city. The faces on skateboards are incredible and Robbie’s poem summed up art beautifully. ❤

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