Omar (of Commonweath) breaks down the "Greater Good"
We recently got up with Omar of Commonwealth (and R&D) about the making of the "Greater Good"....
Which city in Va were you raised in?
Born in P-Town, raised in Windsor Woods, Va Beach
How important was the beach community in VA, (tourism, sun, beach, surf, skate, biking) back then?
Growing up it was big, being the largest strip of public beach on the east coast it was a huge attraction for tourists. It also helped to the surf and skate scenes to flourish. I think it helps to compliment the laid back lifestyles of the south as well.
How has the beach changed from when you were a child to now?
I moved away in '91, but when I'm visiting, I've noticed it become heavily policed and more culturally diverse.
What are some of the most memorable times being a teen in VA?
Man, theres alot, but I really remember skating and always being into art the most. Going on skate trips and trying to explore every neighborhood just trying to find something to skate; even if it was just a new curb that was in a diff neighborhood.
Who was Omar back then?
As a kid I think I got into just a little more mischievous activity than normal, but I just never got caught. Alot of people mistook me for being shy, when I was actually just observant. I was always okay hanging with a group of others or being by myself.
What would you say to him right now?
Save money and buy apple, yahoo and google stock. I'ld also tell myself "girls like it when you pay attention to them!"
what were some of your early childhood experiences that you feel are relevant to your current aesthetic?
Basically the foundation of who I am today. Started skating since '84, got into breakdancing in '85, been in art classes since I was 6. Those are my basic roots. I think the way it is relevant to my current aesthetics is that the skating and hip hop subcultures at that time had a rebellious nature and always forced you to look at things from a different perspective, to envision how you could redefine meaning or the function of something that already exists.
what influence has your father had on your personal style? (when i saw your pops at one of your instores he was very impressionable and seemed to definitely had his own swagger)
Its pretty obvious Im my Father's son. But Im unsure how much of his style has influenced me by nature or nurture. I never consciously duplicated my Father's style, but I've noticed as I grew up I've had a similar strut and that we share the same fondness for certain types sunglasses and accessories.
what about VA is your anchor?
My family. Nothing else.
If in anyway have you out grown VA and how?
I felt I had outgrown that place by the time I was 14. But I believe most people are nomadic by nature. Even If I grew up in NY, Id end up feeling like I had to move. To understand where youre at you have to be able to compare it to another.
What is one of VA's most slept on hidden jewels?
The talent it breeds.
Which city in Va were you raised in?
Born in P-Town, raised in Windsor Woods, Va Beach
How important was the beach community in VA, (tourism, sun, beach, surf, skate, biking) back then?
Growing up it was big, being the largest strip of public beach on the east coast it was a huge attraction for tourists. It also helped to the surf and skate scenes to flourish. I think it helps to compliment the laid back lifestyles of the south as well.
How has the beach changed from when you were a child to now?
I moved away in '91, but when I'm visiting, I've noticed it become heavily policed and more culturally diverse.
What are some of the most memorable times being a teen in VA?
Man, theres alot, but I really remember skating and always being into art the most. Going on skate trips and trying to explore every neighborhood just trying to find something to skate; even if it was just a new curb that was in a diff neighborhood.
Who was Omar back then?
As a kid I think I got into just a little more mischievous activity than normal, but I just never got caught. Alot of people mistook me for being shy, when I was actually just observant. I was always okay hanging with a group of others or being by myself.
What would you say to him right now?
Save money and buy apple, yahoo and google stock. I'ld also tell myself "girls like it when you pay attention to them!"
what were some of your early childhood experiences that you feel are relevant to your current aesthetic?
Basically the foundation of who I am today. Started skating since '84, got into breakdancing in '85, been in art classes since I was 6. Those are my basic roots. I think the way it is relevant to my current aesthetics is that the skating and hip hop subcultures at that time had a rebellious nature and always forced you to look at things from a different perspective, to envision how you could redefine meaning or the function of something that already exists.
what influence has your father had on your personal style? (when i saw your pops at one of your instores he was very impressionable and seemed to definitely had his own swagger)
Its pretty obvious Im my Father's son. But Im unsure how much of his style has influenced me by nature or nurture. I never consciously duplicated my Father's style, but I've noticed as I grew up I've had a similar strut and that we share the same fondness for certain types sunglasses and accessories.
what about VA is your anchor?
My family. Nothing else.
If in anyway have you out grown VA and how?
I felt I had outgrown that place by the time I was 14. But I believe most people are nomadic by nature. Even If I grew up in NY, Id end up feeling like I had to move. To understand where youre at you have to be able to compare it to another.
What is one of VA's most slept on hidden jewels?
The talent it breeds.
posted by PEL {www.pelnyc.com} at
11:20 PM
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