Inside an abandoned telecommunications building nestled in bushland on the northern beaches is a secret skate park, beloved by skaters, including eight-year-old photographer Arthur “Artie” Stone.
A photo Artie took inside the DIY skate park, known by locals as Portside, was a finalist in the Little Sydney Lives photography competition for budding shutterbugs aged five to 12.
Arthur Stone was a finalist in the Little Sydney Lives photo competition, which is run by City of Sydney and open to kids aged five to 12. Credit: Wolter Peeters
A Wiradjuri boy, Artie is in grade three at Annandale North Public School, and has plenty on his plate between photography, skating, surfing and playing rugby league. He visits the skate park when he’s staying at his grandparents’ house on the northern beaches during the school holidays.
Portside has a long connection to Artie’s family. His dad, Tristan, was one of the original skaters when it was just a small ramp in the early 2000s. A labour of love, graffiti and concrete have slowly transformed Portside into an internationally recognised DIY skate park
“I like how the skaters never give up, and I like the artworks in there,” Artie says.
The coolest trick Artie’s done to date is a kickflip, but he’s landed it only once. He’s trying to master a “pop shove it”.
“Too Wet to skate. My cousin Ginger”: Arthur Stone’s entry in the competition. Credit: Arthur Stone
Photography is also in the family’s DNA. Artie’s following in the footsteps of his grandparents, acclaimed Sydney photographers Louise Whelan and John “Oggie” Ogden.
“I first tried it out in the middle of last year and my grandma helped me,” Artie says.
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