“Roller derby skaters love crazy ideas, especially when they’re for the sake of art and social commentary. Over the last three years, the success I have had in creating interesting and compelling photographs has hinged on the derby community’s overwhelming support and enthusiasm. I started The Rollergirl Project in 2010 as a way of doing something meaningful that would reach the derby universe at large. Over the last five years, it has become progressively more successful and engaging. At every turn, it' has been the members of the community who have been instrumental in making this happen, whether by helping me find Fynch, the rigger who made “Gravity” possible, or stepping out of their comfort zone to be an active part of the project. In many ways, the derby community impacts the art world as much as it does the sports world. There’s a spirit of support and acknowledgement that art and commentary are important. On the surface, roller derby is just a sport. Underneath, it’s a collaboration that comes together to say some pretty important things.”
–Cory Layman
fiveonfivemag.com | Spring 2016