The inspiration for the custom is a combination of graffiti elements and galaxy clusters, in particular their colors in space. The title of the sneakers is “Salyut 1”, named after the first ever space station launched into space. It is a 1 of a kind design and is available in size 12US.
Wow these are old, I had actually forgotten I had painted them. I used to watch the wrestling as a kid and who could forget Randy Macho Man Savage. Dude always had wild sunglasses and outfits and these were basically just a dedication to one of those particular suits. These were also painted before I discovered Angelus so the paint was a lot thicker and had to be heavily mixed before it was flexible enough to use and be durable.
These were painted for and sold at my solo show. As you can see they are an evoluton of the Labyrinth pattern which was my first custom that I found faked back a few years ago. The detail and time it takes to do this pattern is ridiculous thats why you don't see it too frequently but I definately think its worth the time.
So this is a job I have literally supposed to have completed like a year ago but finally after the show I had a little bit of time and was able to get these painted. As you should know Kobe has the nickname "Black Mamba" and after the success of the Chamillionaire dunk lows I have wanted to use the tear away snake skin pattern again and this shoe served the purpose perfectly.
These are for sponsored athlete Justin Guppy and if you have followed the blog for a while he is the same person who recieved the custom Zoom BB's from last year which were stolen and then remade.
Lucidity and Toxic Dunk High's done a few years ago as brother pairs.
A little over a month to go until the exhibition so I am still living in the studio. I will post some canvas previews soon but be sure to come down and check them out in person!
These are the customs that were done for the Custom Guide in the latest issue of Sneaker Freaker. Check out the close shot for details. They are also now available on the website in size 10.5US.
Every day I get asked questions about how to custom, everything from paints to brushes and where I get my ideas, now there is now a place that has all the answers. For issue 14 of Sneaker Freaker I completed a start to finish guide on customizing that included the preparation, painting and finishing touches required to make a classic painted custom shoe. This guide has now gone up on their website and can be seen here.
Cheers to the Sneaker Freaker crew, nobody has layouts like these guys.
Its been years since I have got the woodburner out but it seemed about time to dust it off and give it a new run. The new customs feature a blue Croc print with contrasting graffiti midpanels and a silver swoosh. They are now available in the store in size10US only.
Custom 7" Mohawk Gremlin. Done as a trade with a friend who is an illustrator*, the aim of the project was to create a washed out graffiti aesthetic and make the character appear as if he was melting. It would seem like its time I get a better camera as well. Till next time.