In a ‘take-no-prisoners-street-smart-style’ that is at once provocative and engaging, Douglas Miles’ artwork speaks to questions of identity, ethnicity and rebellion. Influenced by urban grafitti and Japanime, Douglas’ paintings juxtapoze traditional Apache iconography with pop-cultures references that cause us to question our notions of what it means to be “Apache”.
Born out of necessity, Douglas began painting on skateboards when his son asked to buy a new board, and Douglas had to admit that they couldn’t afford one. However he offered to purchase a blank deck and paint on it…Doug jr. said “Yeah sure Dad, no problem” and that is how Apache Skateboards was born. Thus the first native owned skateboard company was created. Douglas then assembled the Apache skateboard team, who have since been travelling the country, spreading the gospel of the “Apache movement”.
Douglas’ paintings now grace everything from large murals to stencils on suitcases, and of course skateboards. Douglas has shown in innumerable galleries and museums from LA to New York, and when possible he brings the Apache Skate team with him. Douglas and his “tribe” live on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, outside Globe, AZ, creating a better community and having fun along the way.
