Patrick O'Dell

Why we like: Allow me to enunciate my dream man; choco brown shag, dark wash Matix jeans, dirty Stüssy tee (off the floor preferably), és kicks and a scrumptiously bent Crooks and Castles cap. He might even have the latest edition of Color magazine in his WeSC backpack if he so chooses. This may sound like a lethal case of label fetishism – but I’ve got a skater itch that just won’t quit! To my dismay, I’ve never dated ‘the type’ longer than a week. Skateboard culture is beyond alluring to me (and I know I’m not alone) – yet the electric draw that pulls me in, is completely one-sided. Every “inconvenient” stroll past Adrift feels as painfully rejecting as the last. Those scrupulous dudes haven’t an appetite for a gal like myself. Think an Iron Chef judge is particular? Think again – a skater’s palette is even more finicky! So imagine my delight upon an invitation to Patrick O’Dell’s To All My Friends gallery opening at STUDIO Gallery.   

What you’ll find there: A wholehearted uninhibited jolt into skateboard culture. Whether it’s gore, sex or completely aesthetic – the footage is raw and intimate. Without O’Dell, I never would have gotten so close.  

Where in the world: N.Y.C. 

In a nutshell: Besides reading issues of Thrasher – it’s my only chance to get close to my ramp roaring prey. As lackluster as the site is, O’Dell’s photography is captivating and genuine. It reels you in to the clandestine places and privileged places that he’s been. Lacking a board, I’ll have to find out how he became so enmeshed in a world that I’d die to be a part of. 

www.patrickodell.com 

Roll in to Studio Gallery with your compadres for a closer look.  Runs till July 22.
http://www.studio.to/patrickodell.html