How the adidas Skateboarding signature rider got her start, the role art plays in her life, a recent group show in Paris, and what’s next.

adidas Skateboarding global team rider Nora Vasconcellos is leading a whole new generation of skateboarders, dismantling dusty conceptions about gender roles within skateboarding, making beautiful art with her friends, designing timeless signature skate footwear, and yes skating her face off. We love Nora.

For those who don’t know, how did you first get into skating and when did you know that was the thing?

I first got into skating in middle school, I was around twelve years old. I had always had an interest in skateboarding, from watching cartoons when I was young. That’s when I saw skateboarding and surfing for the first time and was pretty interested for years. Then in high school, I realized it was something I really wanted to pursue. 

Has the act of skateboarding itself changed for you at all along the way?

I think it has evolved in different ways but fundamentally the act of it hasn’t. I love getting lost in figuring out a trick and being able to overcome the struggle of trying something that might scare me.

And has art always been there the way it is now or was there a moment when you realized, like wow I love this?

Yes, art has always been in the foreground. My dad is an illustrator and we were always creating in our house. I would say, I was always very into art and really started finding my style and experimenting more in my 20s.

What is the first artwork you remember making?

Finger-painting and playing with Sculpey clay as a really young kid. It was just part of the day-to-day at home with my family. I remember being eight and taking a summer art class. I painted an ocelot with watercolor, it was one of my proudest artistic endeavors. My dad still has it framed to this day.

Has the act of making art changed for you along the way?

Like skateboarding, it has evolved and I’ve been able to think less critically about making art. I like to find times with skateboarding and art where it’s just flowing and effortless. Moments where you can get lost in it instead of having it consume you.

Do you feel like they feed one another?

They certainly feed one another. I think each helps the other in terms of creativity and motivation. If I’m feeling stuck skateboarding I can use art as a way to give my mind and body a break. 

Do you have a specific creative process when you are intentionally creating something vs. just freestyling or messing around?

I just try not to get too in my head, I don’t like to overthink or even over prepare. There will be times when I have a specific idea I want to try to execute but usually, I prefer the free-flow approach. 

Can you tell us about the Au Bout du Compte / At the End of the Day group art show at the recently opened Galerie Bête in Paris?

Yes, I had gotten injured in the fall and was really close to finishing a video project, and had just released my shoe. It was supposed to be a really celebratory time, which it still was, but when I got hurt and couldn’t skate we decided to approach it differently. I was painting a bit while my ankle was broken and healing and from there we decided to get the show together. Involving Liisa Chisholm, Nour de Bary, and Margaux Saingolet was really natural because of our friendship and love of skateboarding.

It feels like we have all known each other longer than we have. Liisa’s art is colorful and full of life. She creates such beautiful textiles. Nour is young and really involved in her city and has such rad experience for her age. She captures characters and moments in a very wise way. Margaux is so sweet and has an eye for dramatic imagery. All together I think our art and friendships complement one another.

How does creating art in the group setting and sharing that with the world feel for you as opposed to creating and sharing solo work?

The group art show is just such a wonderful way to enjoy other’s art and celebrate. It takes the pressure off and is very inspiring. The setup days are wildly fun and it’s rewarding to see everyone work together and end up with a result that is bigger than just you.

And the gallery itself is kind of a special place, a bit of an intersection of art and skateboarding, yeah?

Yes, Galerie Bête is part of Arrow & Beast Paris, the skateshop. It’s a common meeting place for so many rad skaters and artists. It’s very welcoming and is such an incredible spot to get to show art and chat skateboarding.

Did you have any specific intentions going into creating your first signature model shoe, the Nora?

I wanted a shoe that was universal and could be a staple in anyone’s closet. Low profile but super durable and comfortable, the heritage of the court sneaker was such a big influence. Sticking to creating something timeless that everyone could enjoy.