James West is a 26-year-old skateboarder living in Albuquerque. West is a skateboarders’ skateboarder and is always chopping boards into custom shapes, repairing damaged boards and making custom cases and jewelry out of recycled skateboards. He has a small shop set up in his garage, where drawers are home to finished, in progress and failed items while the desktop hosts a variety of sandpaper grits. Often James will spend the day cutting, shaping and sanding his custom jewelry, cases and dugouts. When he is not spending time working on his projects or at his day job, James can be found skating the numerous features and spots that Albuquerque has to offer. Today, it was a hidden Do It Yourself Spot in Albuquerque’s ditches. Spots like these emphasize the spontaneity, creativity and joy of skateboarding and skate photography — they are fleeting moments and can last days or years. This spot was removed shortly after James visited it.
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PHOTO STORY: Welcome Back Days shines spotlight on student organizations, allows students to jumpstart their path
February 3The University of New Mexico held its second part of Welcome Back Days in the Student Union Building on Wednesday, Jan. 28. This day was centered around student organizations on campus, thus allowing students to get more information on how to become more involved and best suit their interests as they start a new semester. For those who love being active in sports, there were organizations represented such as UNM club tennis and Fusion ultimate frisbee. Those who love games could join clubs such as tabletop tavern or UNM’s chess club. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
