The concept of young and old is just a construct that doesn't have to be accepted; if you're young now, there's no need to fear ageing. This idea is crucial for those already older, but perhaps even more so for the young. Today, it's proven that you don’t have to follow the traditional path of growing up. As the saying goes, growing up is a trap, you don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing. Keep a youthful spirit and chase your passions: skate, run, make music,... whatever sparks joy.
For example, skateboarding has dismantled the barriers created by those who didn’t realise that life is meant to be lived fully until the very end. Stopping the pursuit of what you love even slightly early would be tragic. Here at Eat Dust, we can only support those who encourage this way of living by creating collections that fit both the young and old who share the same passion and energy for life. Age really is just a number.
Lewis is one of those young talented humans living life to the fullest and enjoying every bit of it, just like the Vans Authentics on his feet, who have been inspiring generations of young creatives without waiting for permission to belong. Check out what Lewis shared with us when we visited his home studio and give him a follow on instagram (@skatelewis) to keep track of his future projects.
Let’s start with some introspection. Who is Lewis Weber?
I see myself as an introverted young man full of ideas, trying to express my feelings and observations of the world through various images, without restricting myself to a specific medium. I also love skating and try to spend as much time as possible rolling around. Additionally, I am a student pursuing a bachelor's degree in art, exploring different mediums, and exploring myself along the way. What does an average day look like for you? I enjoy waking up early, having a hearty breakfast, and starting a productive morning. Lunch then feels like a reset, something I anticipate because it helps me prepare for the rest of the day. Whenever I can, I like to skate on my skateboard, but lately, especially during the week, my attention is mainly on schoolwork and all the projects involved. So, give us some insights. Where should we go for lunch? My mum prepares the best lunch I could ask for. I don't need to visit fancy restaurants or places where everything seems overpriced. Honestly, the food at home often beats restaurant meals, which can sometimes be disappointing. Both my mom and dad are very supportive, giving me a lot of freedom and trust, which means a lot to me. As a skateboarder, I imagine you travel quite a bit. Do you have any upcoming travel plans? I don't have any trips scheduled currently. My main focus is on school at the moment. Some friends invited me to go skate in Tenerife, but I'm happy with my current situation and prefer to concentrate fully on finishing my projects. I already had a lot of opportunities in the past and I ‘m certain they will keep coming in the future.
What made you decide to pursue an art education?
I have always enjoyed working with my hands and have always been involved in woodworking, creating furniture, which I still love. However, I sought more freedom. In woodworking, you typically follow a detailed plan that serves as a perfect blueprint for the final product, leaving little room for experimentation. Art, on the other hand, feels more open and less constrained by rules. For me, art is a way to express my thoughts and perceptions, making my worldview visible to others. Your style of work seems very broad. Can you elaborate? I don’t think I fit in one box. Or you could label the box I fit in ‘Lewis Weber’. I love to experiment with different mediums and try new things. That is also encouraged at school and experiment as much as possible. I’m discovering myself along the way as I grow older.
For example, I did a study on the colours red & blue, exploring how far those colours could go together. While thinking about colour boundaries, my thoughts ended up at the differences of human “colour” too, black, white, light, dark, and realised the statement for me is simple: ‘we’re just people’. The work ended up being a clear, strong, non-accusatory reminder not to reduce humanity to colour.
But I don’t stick to one medium. I love to do photography, sculpture, performance, painting, screen print experiments, spray paint, whatever I have at hand. Found tools are great too: once I rolled ink with a grimy street-found roller to get a dirty, tactile texture. This variety keeps me engaged.
How does skateboarding influence your art? And vice versa?
I believe skaters see the world differently. Their perception is heightened, noticing details others overlook. Road markings, cracks, chipped paint, layered walls, and small everyday details catch my eye, while many pass them by. I see opportunities where others see imperfections. In return, art shapes my perspective on locations to skate and lines to ride; I consider composition, color, and the overall image's significance to me. I know I’m not the easiest skater to work with as I have a clear view of how I want something to come out and I won’t settle for less. I even think about what I could wear during filming because I value the complete image I put out in the world.
I feel you have a good knowledge of how you see yourself in the world and won’t give in. How much do you care about that authenticity?
Staying true to myself is very important to me; I wouldn’t change who I am just to fit in. Neither my parents nor the people around me have taught me or shown me otherwise. I am willing to adapt when necessary to complete a project successfully, but my fundamental way of seeing, feeling, and creating will always stay intact. I always aim to stay true to my perceptions and feelings, letting my observations, instincts, and inner world guide my work. I believe in letting images speak for themselves without forcing explanations. While school often seeks detailed explanations, I think not everything needs to be explained in words. Everyone interprets differently, and that’s great; we all see the world differently. And those differences are part of the magic.
Taking the above into account. Where do you see yourself at age 60?
My plan is to continue doing what I love: skating as long as I can and creating art that mirrors my world and feels authentic. I will keep creating, remain curious, pay attention to the little things, and stay connected to what makes me happy. Although it's hard to predict the future, I don’t expect many changes.
