By combining painting, illustration and woodworking skills, Joe Lauder has put his line of retro inspired, handmade cruiser skateboarders and accompanying apparel on the global surf and skate radar under the name Satta. Collaborating with illustrator friend Stevie Gee, he has also gained the attention of the British and international graphic design community. Based out of South London, Lauder approaches art and making skateboarders from the viewpoint of adapting to one’s environment. During a short holiday in Bali (which became a much longer stay than anticipated) Lauder was invited to the Deus Temple of Enthusiasm as the space’s resident artist. The temple combines a gallery, workshop, and café – all focused on good vibes and creativity. Fast forward just six weeks and Lauder is opening his ‘Spiritual Materialism’ show that features work comprised of found objects, freshly shaped skate decks and reclaimed wood.

“‘Spiritual Materialism’ is a collection of artifacts from the spaces in-between, reflections on the human hunger for profundity and although at the same time influenced by a number of cultures, pointing the finger in the direction of our common human heritage,” Lauder explains. Both religious and spiritual iconography can be discoverd in his illustration work, complemented by his woodworking talent.

Lauder collaborated with a local wood expert to find a use for the discarded hardwood on the island. “He took me out all over the place searching for wood. We visited so many different timber mills and then came across this old yard selling only old teak that had been reclaimed from old boats and houses. As soon as I saw it I knew that was what I wanted to work with. I was stoked that it had been something else and I was getting the chance to give it a new life,” Lauder says.

“Spiritual Materialism” is open until 28 November 2014 at the Deus Temple of Enthusiasm, in Canggu, Bali.

Images courtesy of Yulinar Rusman