A friend, a beard, a church

Ernesto Fernández “Jernest”. In memoriam

These days it’s being difficult to work, write and even sleep, I only think in the important things of life, family, friends, good times, etc.

I met Ernesto when I was 15 years old, in 1994, both of us were studying together at the high school, we were no exactly friends but we had some friends in common and we frequented the same places and concerts.

The years passed away until 2008 when some friends (Fredo and Etor) called me to experiment a photo technique called light painting, in this group I meet again Ernesto and our relationship became closer. At this time the Santa Barbara Church was already property of his family and we were there shooting some photos.

When he told me about building a ramp into the church, I thought that was awesome! Convert the church in a skatepark was the best idea ever.

At the beginnings it was a little mini ramp which some friends from Mieres (a little town near Oviedo) had, and some street modules on the nave, but the dimensions were perfect for a bigger mini ramp or maybe a bowl.

A non profit association was created and we start building a bigger mini ramp. Thus, La Iglesia Skate was created!

After this, the wall paintings and the global exposure exceeded all expectations but Jernest still decided to priorize the Skate in the Church keeping involved his friends and the association in the improvement of the ramps.

Now, it’s compulsory to thank you, Jernest by me, and by all of us, for all that you started. This is your legacy. We will keep pushing!

R.I.P.