Posts Tagged ‘leather’
Kicks-n-Canvas Video
Check out this video from the Kicks-n-Canvas show. We like when non-traditional art objects are given the fine art treatment. Cheers to SoleHeaven and Zero Cool Gallery for making this event happen. Love to see these end up as production footwear in our Sneakers category. Just sayin’.
Kicks-n-Canvas Custom Sneakers
I’ve often said that sneaker collectors and toy collectors have a lot in common, chiefly: recognizing art and value in something most people regard as disposable. The sneakerheads at SoleHeaven got together with the art crew of Zero Cool Gallery to merge their passions into the Kicks ‘n’ Canvas exhibition. The show is set to open in central London on April 8th and will feature artists such as Goldie, INSA, Dan Baldwin, Meggs, Ben Frost, Mr. Jago and Dickchicken alongside Jon.
SoleHeaven presents Kicks n Canvas, a fresh concept on the art scene. The idea for the event is to bring together two of SoleHeaven’s most loved pursuits - Kicks & Art. We’ve locked down a scorching line-up of 21 artists primed and ready to paint. The concept of the show is to confront traditional graffiti writers and artists with a new canvas, and thats a pair of pristine all-white Nike kicks. We are throwing down the sneaker gauntlet to see them transfer their styles from the metal shutters, concrete bridges and underpasses on to a pair of trainers. Every artist will be hand painting and customizing a pair of kicks and teaming it up with a 50×50cm piece.
The Doodlesplatter posse knows that Jon is no stranger to footwear. These are especially cool-looking kicks, in my opinion. I’m digging the backs (or is that called “Heel Counter” in sneaker-speak…). Thanks to Anthony at Zero Cool for providing the photos. Unfortunately, I’m an ocean away from attending this event, but if you’re on the right continent, check out Kicks ‘n’ Canvas by RSVPing here.
Customized Trainers for Worthless Charity
Nike donated a sneaker, and Jon turned it into art for a charity art show benefiting the MS Society of the UK curated by Pollocks.
Inspired by the recession and compelled to create something positive, ‘Worthless’ is a live art installation that explores the value of material objects in the heart of Seven Dials. For one week only (May 22nd–29th) members of the public were invited to bring their own ‘worthless’ items into the store, and have them transformed into pieces of art.
The event pays homage to the institution that once was Woolworths, via ironic references throughout the installation space. A team of Pollocks creatives worked continually throughout the week on transforming items into works of art. The experience cumulates for the customer, when on collection of their item, they will be asked to pay how much they feel the new item is worth.
A pick’n’mix of ‘worthless to priceless’ creations will be exhibited in the store from June 1-5, with several items being auctioned at Octave Jazz Bar on behalf of the MS Society.
I wonder if the lucky bidder will keep it under plexi? I wore my DC x KAWS kicks, and I still don’t regret it.
Nike Magnificent Seven
These Nike “Magnificent 7″ sneakers (aka “trainers,” “tennis shoes,” and “kicks”) doodled upon by Jon were only available in Europe in 2008. Turns out he collaborated with Nike to create kicks centered around a Venus Fly Trap doodle. The set includes pairs of Nike Shox R4, Nike Shox NZ, Nike Air Max LTD 2, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Max 1 and Nike CBW. From the article Top Illustrators Decorate Nike Trainers:
There was two themes, ‘Recognise the Original’ and ‘Seduced by Innovation’. These were concepts already developed at Nike, and was the starting point for exploration of the themes. We then art-directed our chosen illustrators to get designs that we could use. Mainly Illustrator/Photoshop files, but some illustrators still sketch with a pencil, then scan [them in] for approval before working up the designs. They were given a trainer template too, but told to ignore it.
Adidas Adicolor
Jon hand-customized a pair of sneakers (that’s ‘trainers’ in the UK or ‘tennis shoes’ in certain parts of the US) and a cap for the Adidas Adicolor Exhibition in Taiwan in 2006.
Wallets and Coin Purse
Jon made a bunch of money-holders in 2006 including, (left to right):
- a chunky leather-style tri-fold wallet, with chain attachment and characters printed on the inside. Approximately 90×120x20mm when folded.
- a small credit card wallet with plastic pockets for credit cards and business cards. It featured an exterior character design and measured 75×105x10mm
- a flat, zipper-top coin purse printed with a sticker collage design. It measured approximately 115×85mm
Sneaker Pimps Customized Sneakers
Jon customized a pair of Royal Elastics for the Sneaker Pimps show in 2005. Here’s a Flickr set of the show. And here’s another pair of miscellaneous one-off custom kicks by Jon.
Custom Levi’s Labels
Jon was commissioned to paint on leather labels for the 150th anniversary of Levi’s 501 jeans.
Custom 