by Ian Synott — Oct 1, 2024
It's obvious that we would ask Elsa to design some skis for us.
She's rad, loves skiing — and who doesn't want to design the topsheets for the ultimate ski quiver? (these are her words). Her art is inspired from three different regions of the US. East Coast, South West high desert, and the those iconic forests that we want to ski through... all are areas we adore and where we dream to spend leisurely time.
We caught up with Colorado-based artist, skier and community leader Elsa to get a deeper dive into this unique capsule. The Prodigy Capsule is available now, as part of our 24|25 Collection.
Explore the Prodigy Capsule
You grew up in Crested Butte, Colorado, a region known for its stunning landscapes and skiing culture. How did your upbringing in the Rockies influence your passion for both skiing and art?
Growing up in Crested Butte is basically like growing up in Neverland. We are raised by the mountains with a mentality of pure unadulterated adventure, carnage, and fun. You know each peak and flower by name-protecting them fiercely. It is truly impossible to look at this little valley and not be filled with inspiration.
My family bought our ski shop the day I was born and brought me up with the band of lost boys that called our shop home. At just 13 months old, I stepped into my first skis (a sick pair of yellow and red Dynastar Sensations) and skiing became a piece of my DNA.
Art came into my life very early as well. My dad is an incredible artist and always made sure my caboodle box was filled with all the art supplies I could ever need. I would sit in the corner of the shop for hours drawing up jackets and ski designs.
It was no shock to anyone that I became absolutely obsessed with skis and outerwear. I knew (and let everyone know) that one day my designs would fill the racks in our shop to ultimately pay homage to the people and the mountains of Crested Butte that raised me.
Our brand manifesto, Freedom to Create, is our way of inviting our whole community to thrive in the space where freeskiing and creativity come together. What does it mean for you, personally?
When I ski it is a very similar feeling to when I am sitting down to draw. I imagine the lines, enter into a fresh head space and disconnect from the noise of the would to form something beautiful. Both becoming the ultimate form of my self expression. Freeskiing and art can be messy and challenging, but when you step back and look at what you just did, the result becomes so much bigger than yourself.
Skiing and art have a special way of bringing people together. Both are an individual, emotional experience. However, when both are shared, relationships are cultivated around fresh experiences, new outlooks, and the drive to push each other to curate new ideas, tricks, lines… Together.
Your designs for the Prodigy Capsule skis showcase three iconic regions: the US Northeast, the US Southwest, and the Rockies. Can you walk us through the creative process behind these designs and why you chose these specific regions?
This capsule is my collection of memories of the people and places we call home.
My goal was to break down three iconic regions of the United States into their most basic elements by weaving my own personal memories with the goal that others can weave in their own memories too. I would explain each element but we would be here all day so I’ll let you in on a few.
The Prodigy 1 is an ode to the Northeast where my family has deep roots in the White Mountains and coasts of New England. I came from a long line of aggressive ski racers with sailor mouths. Live Free or Die, baby. The school of fish at the tip of skis is for my mum. We have a small obsession with Swedish Fish. Whether they are frozen in our jacket pocket or roasting to a medium rare on the dashboard, they are always on hand. “I love you a million Swedish Fish” is mum and I’s thing. Lobsters and oysters are our favorite way to celebrate. Butter drenched with shells tossed across the table. The diver is for my grandma Betty- an icon of a woman who instilled in us that there is nothing better than a summer spent on the water diving off the dock each night after dinner.
The Prodigy 2 is the Rockies and Crested Butte- Le Duh! Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of the US so it only made sense to fill the ski in lupines, poppies, bluebells, and columbines. Tucked in the bouquet are Alpine Forget-Me-Nots in honor of my brother Asher. He was an incredible slopestyle skier that spearheaded the park skiing movement in Crested Butte. Now he gets to ski every dang day. The edelweiss and Swiss cow is for my family here at Faction. We may live a world apart from each other but at our core we are one in the same.
The Prodigy 3 brings us the Southwest. After a long winter, we find ourselves escaping to the desert to thaw out. Spots like Moab, Lake Powell, and Santa Fe become the pilgrimage. I have always been drawn to southwestern art and have notebooks filled to the brim with cowgirls and saguaros. I wanted the Prodigy 3 to bring you an edgy warmth of the desert sun. Always remember kids: shake out your shoes to check for scorpions and under tents for snakes.
Silkscreen is a rich medium for ski design, which gives the Prodigy Capsule artwork its crisp detail. What challenges and rewards did you encounter while translating your artistic vision onto a medium like skis?
As skiers, we spend so much of our time on and off the hill looking at topsheets. Skis have the ability to become tangible pieces of art that when we find a pair we deeply connect with, find their retirement mounted on the wall forever to be admired. Much like the clothes we wear, the skis we choose become an indicator of our personal style. My background is apparel design has exposed me to the wild world of fast fashion and rapid trend cycles where we treat our goods as disposable. When I sat down to design the Prodigy’s I wanted the designs to be timeless where each element will always hold relevance.
I absolutely view skiing differently with my background in art. I have a brain that moves a million miles per hour. When I ski, I am constantly observing the landscape and people around me- taking note of the pallets, silhouettes, and form that I can translate back into my designs. I enter into a mindset that is loose, fluid, and without restriction of what I can make.
At the end of day skiing and art is all about Fun.
As both an artist and skier, how do you feel the intersection of these passions comes through in the Prodigy Capsule designs? Do you see the skiing experience differently because of your art background?
My favorite medium to draw with is pen and ink and I tend to go a little aggressive on the detailing. Which is lovely, but, when using a method like silkscreen, your art must be turned into a vector… so, I have to kiss a lot of the initial details buh-bye. However, it has pushed me to draw more with the end printing in mind. The result is line work that is crisp, clear, with the colors. The decision to have an off-white background of the skis mimic the paper I draw on- gives you room to breathe.
The Prodigy Capsule is designed for all-mountain, freeride, and park skiing. How do your designs reflect the versatility and adventurous spirit of these types of skiing?
What all three of these skis have in common is a juxtaposition of the classic winter environment. As skiers so much of our identity is wrapped in the short winter months but the other pieces of who we are is wrapped in the memories of the places we call home. The playfulness of a school of fish is perfect to surf around slushy park laps. The wildflowers are perfect for all-mountain as they take over the whole mountain as soon as spring hits. The desert shows off in its dangerous elements much like our freeride scene.
As a skier yourself, how important was it for you to create a design that not only looks great but also connects with other skiers on a personal level?
Where skiing and art really connect for me is that they are an avenue for human connection and community. If my art can connect with someone, even if it is just one person, I have done my job. If I connect with a mass of people, well…. That’s the cherry on top.
Being a young artist, a leader of Slut Strands Society and getting traction with your artwork with many brands as well as Faction, what advice would you give to other young artists or skiers looking to carve out their own paths in these industries?
Ooof! The road to get to where I am now has been anything but a walk in the park. It’s come with lots of tears, sacrifice, and stress but I wouldn’t change an ounce of this journey. My advice is this:
Work, work, work hard. Success is not given, it is earned.
Prioritize your relationships. Find solid mentors. Lean hard on your people that help you to grow.
Be vulnerable and put yourself and your work out there. It can be so scary, but I promise, people will take notice.
Take the time to carve and discover who you are and what your style is. You will be constantly adapting and re-building who you are. Don’t let that scare you, it is a beautiful thing. My style and skill has changed so much in the last 10 years of my career and it is so special to see each stage of style as a mile-marker to who I am now.
Be kind. Be so kind to yourself. Be so kind to others.
