https://tankinz.com/k518j0pqn2b Art and board sports are an inseparable duo. Whether surfing on snow or concrete, without the influence of art, riders would turn into robots, deprived of any sense of style and creativity. In the Swiss community, there are a few snowboarders who, besides being known for their solid tricks on the slopes, stand out for their hidden creative talents. Elena Köenz is one of those riders. Her name is usually related to snowboarding and freestyle, but she also rocks at both skateboarding and being artsy. We sat down to discuss her biggest passions and how they have influenced her career.

Evening chat with Elena

https://tankinz.com/0sfcoxv https://giannifava.org/941uldd9yl Every artist eventually finds his inner passion. What was your first love and when it did it begin?
My first love is painting, and drawing on paper in general. I don’t even remember when it all began. I started drawing as a really young kid. Our parents pushed us into painting. In our family, there have been several artists, like both of my grandfather’s brothers, and my aunt. My father has always been good at drawing portraits and photography, and that inspired me to learn about the art world. I still remember sitting for hours in my room, painting. I was obsessed with recreating images as minutely as I could.

https://www.mominleggings.com/xzbcnuiq5 https://ncmm.org/boksoffxfm Why did you suddenly switch to the snowboarding career?
All my school works where about photography ore art. During that time I was going snowboarding as much as possible: during winter holidays, weekends…
The time spent on the snow gave me sponsors who gave me boards and clothes. That was cool for me but I never sincerely thought I could make a living out of it. Around the end of my studies, I did well in some competitions, so once I was done with school, I felt really motivated to go snowboarding and traveling. I launched myself into it without really knowing if things would work out or not. But I am still doing it!

https://worthcompare.com/3v2nkmkrrmi How does your artistic mind affect your riding?
We grew up in a small town and we spent a lot of time outside. When my older brother started snowboarding, I wanted to snowboard really bad as well. My time was basically split between playing outside and staying home for painting, and I really liked to join him and his friends on building kickers or just looking for fun tracks. Once I was done with snowboarding, I went home and shut my brain off and started drawing. In the end, I was able to find a good balance between the two things, which enabled me to both be around people and spend time alone with my thoughts.

Tramadol Online Nc https://asperformance.com/uncategorized/vv2xlcjtm9m Describe both your artistic and riding styles:
Generally, I like to try out every challenge, and that applies in both fields.
I always want to try different or new stuff. For example, I was really interested in doing animation, because it is a mixture of sketching and moving. But I also wanted to cut movies and take photos. And I forgot to mention that I was interested in sculpture as well. I just wanted to do everything. Because I was into so many different things, I ended up not being that precise and perfect at any of them. Maybe that is why I really like to combine different things, mixing them all together. The same desire to do everything I am able to is reflected in snowboarding. That is why I really enjoy slopestyle. It gets me motivated and allows me to mix jumps and rails, which is always fun. What gets me really stoked is the variety of tricks.

https://www.lcclub.co.uk/ube865owy How are they connected?
I think that in the freestyle industry, especially snowboarding and skateboarding, there is a strong connection with art.
When we do a trick, we don’t just try to spin as many times as possible, or to go as fast as we can. On the contrary, we try to create pleasant images, focusing on every little detail. For example, if I go on a video shoot and the photographer or filmmaker is able to create a good shot, one that really fascinates me, I feel accomplished because I scored my visual challenge.

https://www.mominleggings.com/uaqmqp8p What does one influence the other?
When I’m painting, I am mainly influenced by what I see. It depends on the surroundings, like what I see snowboarding, new places and different cultures. But my eyes are not the main means of inspiration. The different materials I use when I paint boards inspire me a lot. When it comes to snowboarding, I am not directly influenced by art only, but in particular by its creativity. When I am out shooting video, I always try to create the most interesting scenarios for my shots, including how I fit into them.

http://countocram.com/2024/03/07/rfir404j0 Would you consider them more like hobbies or a job?
Actually, both were hobbies, and still are. Although sometimes with snowboarding I do things I’d never try if it were strictly a hobby. For example, typing out my own interview and constantly training (laughing). What I consider a job is what allows me to earn a living. On the other hand, hobbies are the activities I would still do even if I were hired for a full-time job. Like snowboarding and skateboarding, etc.

Tramadol Tablets Online What messages are you trying to send with your art pieces, in both snowboarding and painting?
If possible, I would like to encourage people to chase unusual paths. Not what they are supposed to do, just doing something because they think it is considered normal or realistic. As an artist, I would like to broaden people’s views and help them realise they can see things through different eyes. Maybe something like: “Hey, yours isn’t the only reality out there!”

Are you happier now chasing the snow dream or do you miss art?
I think it was a good idea to get some distance from the art thing. When you are focused on something too much, it easier to lose the point of it. So if you take a step outside, you are able to see it from another angle. When I went snowboarding, I was able to drive art out of my mind. Since then, I have met new people, and seen new kinds of art, and new things that inspire me. I think sometimes you need a break to develop. Now I’m still doing more snowboarding than art but it feels like I have a new motivation to do art again.

https://asperformance.com/uncategorized/tmzg9kl Tramadol Online Prices Underline your choice between:
Beer or wine?
Games of thrones or a day in the woods?
Artsy BoyFriend or sporty BF?
Falling on concrete or on ice?
Sketchiest bail on the deck or on board?
One week without showering/no bathing or one week with no sports?
Deep pow day, perfect skate day or inspirating painting day?
Park or pow?
Bowl or steet?
Paint or tag?

https://fotballsonen.com/2024/03/07/514b1w6w2f Thanks to Elena for sharing with us her creative insights.
Looking forward to seeing more of your artworks.
Love, Nicki

https://www.worldhumorawards.org/uncategorized/4p2105r Pictures: Nicki Antognini
Words: Alessandro Pellanda
Location: Linz, Austria & Brunau skatepark, Zurich, Switzerland