“If you wanna talk about influence, man, then you've got to realize that influence is not influence”

How cool are these! 

If you've ever come across work by the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat then you'll recognise the work on these fabulous dr martins shoes (they do boots too:) 

“If you wanna talk about influence, man, then you've got to realize that influence is not influence,” he said of his process. “It's simply someone's idea going through my new mind.” Born on December 22, 1960 in Brooklyn, NY, 

Basquiat never finished high school but developed an appreciation for art as a youth, from his many visits to the Brooklyn Museum of Art with his mother. 

His early work consisted of spray painting buildings and trains in downtown New York alongside his friend Al Diaz. 

The artist’s tag was the now infamous pseudonym SAMO. After quickly rising to fame in the early 1980s, Basquiat was befriended by many celebrities and artists, including Andy Warhol, with whom he made several collaborative works. At only 27, his troubles with fame and drug addiction led to his tragic death from a heroin overdose on August 12, 1988 in New York, NY. 

What a great way to bring back to life his work! Check em out at drmartens.com/uk

http://www.artnet.com/artists/jean-michel-basquiat/ 

Tibor Reich: Nature Designs In Fabric

Tibor Reich, who was born into a Jewish family in Budapest in 1916, escaped Nazi-occupied Vienna for Leeds in 1937, becoming a pioneering interior designer of 1950s and 60s Britain. It was a Reich designed woollen fabric chosen by a young Queen Elizabeth as her wedding present in 1947, and in a career that lasted three decades, his vibrant, deeply textured designs would decorate the interiors of royal palaces, embassies, 10 Downing Street and even the first Concorde.


http://www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/resources/textilefashion/

Kostas Neofitidis

Inspired by his travels to Asia – particularly Thailand – Kostas’ vibrant world is a reflection of exploding colours and forms. The individual abstract dimensions and characters of the eclectic murals slowly reveal themselves once viewed closer and into focus – continuing to inspire audiences with every new glance.

Describing the collection, Kostas explains that ‘Kota lives happily on a magical beach, submerged underwater, looking at life in a positive way’. Kostas portrays the charmed depiction of paradise through his latest textile range consisting of individual art panels which are printed on woven canvas. When hung appropriately, the vivacity of colour entwines, dances and energises the entire mural. Combining to create a positive outlook on life and to represent Kostas’ unique and exuberant style.

Kostas personal journey into art is an interesting one, too. Originally an architect, Kostas emerged from the Cyprus nightlife as an iconic figure, owning some of the most revered clubs, bars and restaurants. Although architecture remains a large part of his life, his primary passion of the Kota Collection now holds most of his attention. Alongside the new colourful motifs, the Kota Collection includes hand-woven silk carpets, t-shirts and a dinnerware selection. 

http://www.kostasneofitidis.com

Sophie Ryder

Sophie Ryder was born in London, England, in 1963. She studied Combined Arts at the Royal Academy of Arts where, while obtaining her diploma in painting, she was encouraged by fellow artist to develop her sculpture. Inspired by Picasso, Goya and Henry Moore, she famously developed the Lady Hare as a counterpart to Ancient Greek mythology's Minotaur. A fascinating aspect of Sophie Ryder's sculpture is her concern with hybrids; not only the Minotaur, but hares combined with human features. The Lady Hare has occupied her imagination for many years and the human parts are based on the artist's own body. These sculptures have the potential to forge powerful images charged with character and emotion which go well beyond representation.

http://www.sophie-ryder.com

Mister Finch

Little curled up velveteen rabbits, wide-eyed owls, soft hedgehogs and fairytale mushrooms all play a part in Mr. Finch's imaginative story-world. The range of expression and skilled handiwork is evident in all of Mr. Finch's pieces, giving an uncanny sense that these creatures were once alive. 

http://www.mister-finch.com