Jerry Hsu: From Skateboarding Pro to Photographer's Lens
Jerry Hsu, a former professional skateboarder, has successfully transitioned into a prolific photographer, channeling his unique perspective on the world into his latest work, "How About Never." This collection delves into the often-overlooked facets of Los Angeles, a city he has called home since 2011, revealing a profound blend of the strange, humorous, and melancholic. Hsu's journey from skateboarding at 16 to becoming a photographer highlights a life dedicated to observing and capturing the extraordinary in the mundane, demonstrating how a sport rooted in unconventional thinking can foster a deep artistic sensibility.
Hsu's early life as a professional skateboarder, starting at the age of 16, instilled in him a distinct way of perceiving his surroundings. Skateboarding demands an ability to see potential in elements that others might disregard, transforming ordinary urban landscapes into opportunities for creative expression. This perspective naturally extended to his photographic practice, which he cultivated alongside his two-decade-long career in professional skating. In 2017, Hsu "fake retired" from professional skateboarding and its associated sponsorships, subsequently founding Sci-Fi Fantasy, initially an art project that gradually evolved into a functioning business.
Throughout these transitions, Hsu maintained his passion for photography, often stating, "I cannot be in the world without a camera." His photographs are characterized by an acute sensitivity to the peculiar and emotionally resonant details hidden in plain sight, such as a misspelled sign or an unexpected visual gag. However, his work also embraces more dramatic subjects, including plumes of smoke, buildings engulfed in flames, and poignant scenes like a blood-stained mattress in a field. This democratic approach to his subjects is reminiscent of Robert Rauschenberg's philosophy, which emphasizes gaining insights from fleeting glances, much like a casual observer in motion.
His recent publication, "How About Never," is a photographic exploration of Los Angeles, a city he has extensively documented over several years. Hsu's editing process for the book, which he described as "very long and confusing," ultimately unveiled a deeper, more personal narrative. The photographs, taken during a period that encompassed his marriage and its eventual dissolution, unexpectedly mirrored his emotional state. Images of barriers, destruction, and transformation acquired new layers of meaning, revealing to Hsu that his photography had served as a subconscious dialogue, a way to process his experiences and emotions.
Hsu elaborates on his artistic process, explaining that he is drawn to smaller, more intimate moments rather than grand events. He finds profound meaning in accidental visual triggers, such as a misspelling that evokes an emotional memory, or the poignant, often humorous, messages found in unexpected places. He views these seemingly mundane observations as "small romantic moments" that are crucial to his work. Even photographs depicting disasters carry a sense of romance for him, symbolizing themes of transformation and the inherent pain involved in growth, drawing a parallel to the challenges faced in relationships.
Regarding Los Angeles, Hsu describes it not as a conventional city but as a sprawling region with diverse environments. This vastness, often criticized for its disconnectedness, paradoxically allows him to uncover hidden secrets and a unique "noir darkness" beneath its glamorous facade. He emphasizes that despite the city's stereotypes, it holds a melancholy that deeply resonates with his artistic vision, continually inspiring his explorations and providing rich subject matter for his lens.
Hsu reflects on the difference between his spontaneous iPhone photography, which often captures humor, and his more profound film work, which tends to be deeper and more personal. He recounts the challenging but ultimately revealing process of editing "How About Never," wherein the narrative of his emotional journey through marriage and separation gradually emerged. He recognized how recurring themes like barriers, destruction, and rebirth in his photographs implicitly represented the complexities of his relationship. This introspective realization underscored the unconscious nature of his artistic expression, where his camera became a medium for his subconscious to communicate with him.
Hsu's background in professional skateboarding significantly influenced his creative development. He highlights how skateboarders possess a unique ability to challenge conventional forms and question established norms, fostering a rebellious and disobedient attitude toward creation. This mindset granted him the freedom to pursue his artistic impulses without predefined rules, a lesson he attributes to skateboarding's unstructured nature. He believes this is why many skateboarders successfully transition into various creative fields, equipped with an intuitive understanding of how to interact with and utilize their environment.
Balancing his roles as a photographer and the owner of Sci-Fi Fantasy, Hsu acknowledges the constant struggle and the immense dedication required for both. Despite the demands of running a business, he consistently carries cameras, emphasizing that his photography is an "exercise in hope." He embraces the uncertainty of not knowing what each day will bring, relying on curiosity and faith, much like in skateboarding, where immense failure is tolerated. He finds parallels in the spontaneity of both disciplines, noting that showing up and trusting the process are key to capturing extraordinary moments.
Hsu's artistic journey exemplifies a profound connection between his past as a skateboarder and his present as a photographer. His ability to perceive the world differently, combined with a deep introspection, has enabled him to create a body of work that not only captures the essence of Los Angeles but also reflects his personal evolution. "How About Never" stands as a testament to the power of art in processing life's complexities and finding meaning in unexpected places.
