Ok...so not quite...BUT...he will be represented.

Here are my loose (probably incorrect in some aspects) understanding of what is going on around the Olympics. Bob Haro has designed the US Olympic uniforms.

As a side note, he commissioned a number of artists (I heard 30) that are in some way related to BMX/Freestyle to paint a replica Haro number plate for a related charity auction.

Nor-Cal's own Norman Chuck was one of the chosen artists & here's what he turned in.








I'm proud to call both these guys friends, Dave & Norman...

cool as hell right there.........

Norman Chuck! Wow, that is a name I have not heard in 20 years.

When Karl Rothe and I were roomies, Norman came down for a few days (I think he was interviewing at art schools). Anyway, he brought his portfolio of awesome spray work and I sad "Man, I'd love to have one of THOSE (pointing to a coffee table book of Nagel artwork) on my bedroom wall."

He said "no problem." I think I paid him a hundo or two and he worked all night with a wet t-shirt tied over his face (to spray paint that mural, man, it looked like the painting line at a GM plant).

Here was the result:



The paint cloud was so thick it attracted the neighbors and, just as we were putting all the furniture back in my room, the landlord paid us a visit. I lost my security deposit on the spot.

Props to Norman for his great work, and for choosing a righteous dude for his Olympic piece.

Best,

M

thats one of the raddest plates ive ever seen.

I used to be into the Nagels myself, MC...still got a print hangin' in the garage.

Cool plates!

That plate is indeed awesome. His nickname Vogue instantly reminded me of this image:

To top off this Art contest Nike is sending Blyther, Fiola, Ron Wilkerson, Mat Hoffman and Bob H to China in a couple of weeks to Bejing. Lew, Andy and Spike are also supposed to be there. Its a big party including one huge night at a Oakley Party. Its so cool to see that Bob is representing the Olympics and that Nike is supporting it 100%. I cant wait to see some photos of this road trip. I think there will pictures of this in the new Edition of Freestylin which should hit the news stands in June or July.

Xavier

Mike, great story about Norm & your house...he's truly an incredible painter...I've got a pic or 2 that he did with spray paint that in a photo, it looks like something done with the finest brush...the detail work is amazing...

Timo, that's a dope pic...with Drob on the newer Street Beat & Aaron with 48's on his bike...he rode Tuff's FOREVER...

On the Olympic topic, this was published today on msnbc:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24384790/

I will be in Beijing for the swimming competition. I'm hoping to extend my stay a few extra days to see at least the prelim competition of the BMX races. It's gonna be tough, though. Housing is limited and costs are through the roof! (Like $1,000 a night through-the-roof). At the very least, maybe I'll catch them practicing. I've seen pics of that track -- it's insane!

I know gOrk did a plate too. Anyone have a pic of it?

Do you think they will let me tag along and do live webcast??

I posted some images of my haro number plate piece here: http://www.meisai.co.uk
There are 30 artists taking part, some amazing people among them who really influenced me, i'm honored to be connected with the whole exhibition.

There's going to be an exhibition in Beijing where the artworks are going to be auctioned with proceeds going to charity.

Leeb...that is really cool looking...dope.

FYI.... I just spoke to Mat Hoffman and the boys out in China and they are all OK. Except it sounded like they were Partying Very Hard!!!! The earth quake (7.8) hit about 1000 miles from them they felt it pretty good but are all ok. Blyther told me he would be taking lots of pictures, hopefully ones that can be put on the web site?

Xavier