INTRØDUCING: THE MIDWESTERN EMPTINESS CØLLECTIØN
At HAVØK, supporting local artists in Northwest Indiana is just as important to us as supporting local skaters. That’s why we’re launching into our second year with an inspiring collection of skateboard decks, apparel and stickers created by local NWI painter and musician, Sergijoe Villani. Midwestern Emptiness showcases a series of four original “midwestern American folklore” creatures conceived by HAVØK owner, Ty Walker, and brought to life by Joe.
The term "midwestern emptiness" describes both the physical and metaphorical space between the all-too-familiar suburbia and the often-overlooked nature creeping its way back to us. It's a call to stop, slow down, and dream; to find the magic in the mundane and the tragic in the trivial. Skaters have a natural eye for seeing this beauty and unique utility of urban environments and dream of a use far more inspiring.
THE GØADLE
“A tale lost, a presence gifted / Harbinger of self & secrets / The fire in your gut / Burns bright in my eyes”
A mischievous creature, the Goadle represents a person's yearning to stand out, be seen and heard, and craft their own story, that develops in the space between adolescence and adulthood. In this season, each person is befriended by their own unique Goadle companion that spurs them on to greatness, chronicles their story, and shares it with its fellow storytellers.
TV THE KID
“Brightest star, second to none / Flickering and faded / Broadcast the world / Your reality, your show”
If the Goadle represents the altruistic transition into adulthood, then TV the Kid serves as its sad and frustrating antithesis. Forever immature and playful, TV speaks only in film and television quotes. His inability to grow up often hinders and hurts both himself and the ones he loves.
THE GRIZZLUG
“Heaving earth, slumbering heart / Brood ripping out earth / Nature clawing at kin / Tiny horrors keep safe”
A protective avatar of Mother Nature, the Grizzlug is a new take on the classic "muck monster" horror trope. She represents the primal fear of the unknown, typically experienced by young children venturing out into backwoods for the first, or even last, time. Composed entirely of mud, moss, pine needles, and other fora, the giant bear-like Grizzlug with glowing red eyes confirms the fears and pareidolia of young explorers.
THE GREY GIANT
“Bespoke valley, barren range / An airless wit about you / All I have, thrown before you / All of me, held wanting”
A forever wandering, indifferent force of nature, the Grey Giant represents the American Midwest's infamously native natural disasters; tornadoes. Depicted as speechless and naked, the Grey Giant embodies the inescapable and uncontrollable quiet despair and destruction it leaves its victims in.
The Midwestern Emptiness collection launches April 2025. Support your radass local skate shop by shopping some discounted pre-order bundles now! Let us know which mysterious being is your favorite on your social media platform of choice at @havoknwi. Above all else, show local talent, Sergijoe Villani, some love for his unmatched masterful work on this project!
