Meet Connor Williams, the artist and founder of RADIUS, a skate company based in London. RADIUS, launched by Connor at the age of 18, is known for its unique deck art that would make an impressive addition to your living room walls, even if you’re not a skater yourself. Recently, Connor held his first exhibition at 9 Club Row in Shoreditch and collaborated with Depop to create stylish clothing. In this interview, we sit down with Connor to discuss his experiences in skating, art, music, and food, as well as the impact of London on his journey.
Connor, a resident of Catford in South East London, reflects on how the city has influenced him. London has provided him with abundant opportunities and resources at his fingertips, leaving no excuse for not accomplishing his goals. The vibrant atmosphere of the city makes it feel like the center of the world, with a constant buzz of activities and events.
Skateboarding entered Connor’s life at the age of 17, right after he stopped playing professional football (soccer). Skateboarding has become a significant part of his life, opening doors to new experiences, introducing him to interesting individuals, and bringing immense enjoyment.
Connor delves into the origins of his passion for deck art and the inspiration behind the launch of RADIUS. The name “RADIUS” was born when Connor broke his wrist bone while skateboarding at Crystal Palace Park in April 2017. Determined to remain motivated, he created his first RADIUS board the following day. In an amusing twist, when he called for an ambulance, his calm demeanor led them to refuse his request. However, upon calling back and fabricating a story about his friend’s serious accident, the ambulance arrived promptly. Ultimately, his wrist required surgery, and he now has a metal fork embedded in it. Connor also discusses his creative process, particularly his affinity for collages. He sources intriguing and obscure images from various places like charity shops, boot sales, and zine fairs, and then cuts and arranges them to suit his artistic taste. While not all his artwork carries personal significance, he finds that meaning can develop over time after the creation is complete.
Depop and Connor collaborated on RADIUS merchandise for his exhibition. This marked Connor’s first foray into clothing design. He emphasizes the importance of comfortable yet stylish clothing for skateboarders. Feeling good in what you wear translates to improved performance on the skateboard.
Music holds a special place in Connor’s heart, and when asked about the best song to skate to, he recommends “Middle Fingers” by Young Nudy. As for favorite skate spots in London, he mentions Crystal Palace Park and a DIY spot near Homerton off Eastway. In the future, Connor aspires to build his own skatepark.
When it comes to refueling after an intense skating session, Connor prefers a home-cooked meal or a juicy burger, with the satisfaction of big, satisfying bites. After a long day of shredding, the most important thing is to have a filling meal, regardless of the specific dish.
Skateboarding remains predominantly male-dominated, and Connor expresses his encouragement for girls to participate in the sport. However, he admits he doesn’t know why it continues to be male-dominated, as skateboarding is for anyone, and he sees no reason why girls shouldn’t get involved.
Discussing the future of RADIUS, Connor envisions both mass production of boards and clothing, while also maintaining the production of unique one-off decks and pieces. He expresses his enduring passion for the creative process, including the tactile experience of cutting and sticking.
Lastly, when asked about the best piece of advice he has received, Connor shares the wisdom of having zero expectations in life, implying the importance of embracing each experience with an open mind and avoiding unnecessary disappointments.
