Saari and Jay, both deeply entrenched in the photography/art/surf/skate worlds. Photos: The Plug
Arto Saari is a legend in the skateboarding world. He lives on the North Shore now, where he spends his time taking stunning photos, but his legacy stretches much further than that. He recently sat down for a conversation with Justin Jay, a photographer who has worked with some of the world’s most famous people, like Jay Z, Outkast, and the Foo Fighters, to name a few.
Jay runs a fascinating podcast called The Plug. He’s got a way about him that allows him to slide into high-intensity situations unnoticed. Inside the insulated cultures of the world’s most famous singers and athletes, Jay is able to document without disturbing. He published a book about the North Shore as well called, HI 1K – 10 Years / 1000 Moments on Hawaii’s North Shore.
“He is one of only two Europeans to ever win Thrasher Magazine’s prestigious Skater of the Year award, and he’s one of the most respected and influential skaters of his generation,” Jay said about Saari. “Arto built his legacy through groundbreaking video parts and endured numerous brutal injuries along the way. Eventually, he transitioned from professional skating to pursue his passion for photography. His recently released book, Bike Path, intimately captures the vibrant culture and community of Hawaii’s North Shore.”
Both Jay and Saari are deeply entrenched in the worlds of photography, surfing and skating. They spoke at length about “the contrasts between skateboarding and surfing culture…the complex interplay of pain, injury, substance abuse, and addictive personalities in skateboarding, and… the challenging path many pro skaters face as they navigate life beyond their skating careers.” The entire thing is a must-listen.
