At Prior Snow, we believe that aesthetics play a vital role in the overall riding experience. That's why we collaborate with talented local artists to create our unique topsheet graphics. Each design is thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of the mountains and the exhilaration of skiing and snowboarding. By featuring artwork from our community, we not only enhance the visual appeal of our skis and snowboards but also support local talent and allow you to express your individual style on the slopes.
TOPSHEET ART
Illustrator // ILLUSTRATION
KATE ZESSEL
Kate Zessel is an artist located in Whistler B.C. She draws inspiration from the surroundings that she calls home. Originally from Vancouver, she spent her free moments growing up in the mountains, skiing and biking. She furthered her education in Graphic Design at the Vancouver Art Institute, where her passion for illustrating flourished. Putting pen to paper allowed her to capture moments of her adventures and transform them into visual pieces.
Graphic Designer // DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
BEN BROUGH
Ben spent three years as the Graphic Designer here at Prior. Ben used his own flare throughout his time to create edgy and provocative graphics tailored towards the freeride market. As well as graphics, Ben played a big hand in helping the product development of our skis, especially the NW series. Digital illustration and minipulation is what Ben enjoys doing, which you can see in the Dogtown Series, or the Between Worlds topsheet
Traditional Wood Carver // DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
CLARENCE MILLS
Haida artist Clarence Mills was born at Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia in 1958. He is a member of the Eagle Clan and takes the Split Raven and Grizzly Bear as his crests.
His grandfather Jimmy Wilson was hereditary Chief Skedans. His grandmother gave him his Haida name – Gah-ghin-skuss, meaning ‘your out of your own land’.
With guidance from his uncle, Doug Wilson, Clarence began studying traditional Haida art at the age of eighteen. Clarence has dedicated himself to becoming proficient in a wide variety of mediums, including silkscreen printmaking, sandblasting glass, silver & gold jewelry.
Hyper-Realism Muralist // AIR BRUSH & SPRAYPAINT
KUPS PAINT
"Art is the focus, Painting is the tool, Good Vibes are the message."
Artist Statement
Art just happens to be a better way of explaining myself. You never really know how an artist feels about something until they take the time to paint it for you. I see being an artist as a vital form of expression. It is the emotion that an individual can sink into a piece and never need to disclose. The observer doesn’t need to understand me, or what I am trying to accomplish, in order to appreciate my work.
For all of the artists that you have never met, as the observer, hopefully there are no underlining stereotypes or negative associations that will disable or hinder you from seeing the artist’s work as nothing less that what they have intended. Further, it would only take away from your experience as the observer, if you were to think that there is something more to such a simple task. No study or revision is necessary in order for you to better prepare yourself for your job as the observer.
It doesn’t matter what I am trying to accomplish, and so…. To make one thing clear, this is not a sob story of miscommunication between the artist and the observer. Rather, only to recognize how nice it is to simply stand back and enjoy.
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