Why he works in black and white: "I honestly just love the clean contrast and how easy it registers."
The importance of the bird symbol in his work: "In Toni Morrison's words, 'Wanna fly, you gotta give up the shit that weighs you down.' Overall, birds and swallows, in particular, are bound to freedom and are reoccurring themes that give meaning to the work I do rooted in slavery."
"The person wearing this shoe has invested in the conversation of American history and its future."
Tattoo designing vs. shoe designing: "Figuring out how my work could register onto a 3D canvas was a learning curve, but I approached it similarly to placing a tattoo stencil. I went through my book of flash designs and held them up to the actual Vans slip-on and figured out what designs contoured the best."
Who his shoe design is for: "The design represents history and freedom, so the person wearing this shoe has invested in the conversation of American history and its future. It's an honor to be a part of the first Vans Black History Month shoe launch, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this program evolves."
Follow Chris here.
