Chris Maestas (0009)

Reflecting on my years growing up in 1990s Los Angeles, I realize how deeply this time and place shaped the person I am today. That’s why I created this series – it’s my tribute to a daily life that was as unpredictable as it was full of possibility. The culture felt golden, and I felt proud to be part of it.

Skating across the city back then was a constant journey of discovery. Each spot held its own latent story, waiting to unfold. The streets pulsed with energy, a vibrant mix of cultures and sprawling urban landscapes that set the stage for countless adventures. In these moments I learned resilience, creativity, freedom, friendship, and the power of intersecting subcultures to shape a rich sense of identity.

This series uses the kind of hyperbole and bravado I felt in those days, to portray stories of my transformation from adolescence to young adulthood. Every piece captures a specific tale from this era, many narrated alongside the individual artworks. They’re about finding my voice and freedom within the chaos, and how those moments became the foundation of who I am. Each one weaves together memories from those early years with the dreams that fueled me during that formative time