12 | Skateboard Deck Design

RGB Low-res Lifestyle | Skateboard Deck Design

On July 4th, my partner and I celebrated our 12th anniversary together.

Last year, my partner decided to take a 9-month sabbatical to nurture himself and recover from professional burnout. Having experienced the great benefits of taking time off during my own sabbatical in 2009, I wholeheartedly encouraged him to do the same. Was it easy for our relationship? Not at all.

Illustrated on the green deck are both of us living physically apart for most of 2019, connecting with each other primarily through a phone screen.

In contrast, the wood deck depicts our COVID-19 relationship, which has become the complete opposite: living together twenty-four-seven, literally on top of each other, and experiencing the world mostly in low resolution.

A few months ago, I watched Esther Perel talk about long-term relationships during COVID-19, classifying them into two main categories: “Every couple is either going to see the cracks in their relationship, or they are going to see the light that shines through the cracks.”

After nearly five months in lockdown with my partner, I can only see the light through the cracks and feel grateful for having him by my side.

Colour palette: RGB

Happy anniversary Mr Tickner.