Shoe Sculpture

Junk Dunk Nike trainers are lovingly made by metal artist Gabriel Dishaw

“I begin each sculpture with an idea of how can I take these found pieces of useless metal and insignificant objects and create something that everyone can understand and relate to,” Dishaw says. “I find myself looking at ordinary mechanical items to see how I could turn that something, into something else not originally intended for that use.”

So today I give you an example of design which has given me a true moment of happiness. These trainers express so much about our culture; the world of nike trainers (a world I have not muscled into yet for fear of failure in my transition from safe, solid, brown ground  to murky, neon waters) is difficult to enter into without the time to commit. There is just so much to learn, it’s like developing a love for a new music genre, there is so much material, so many artists, songs, versions, DJs, mixes that it feels safer to stick to what you know. If I were to develop a sudden love for house music for example I would need to surf the web, itunes and Ibiza lovers websites for literally days to feel I could muster up enough of a knowledge base to hold my own with a devoted House music fan. However, whilst I am not part of the Nike High-tops club, I can appreciate a beautifully created piece of sculpture which is what Gabriel Dishaw has undoubtedly invented here. The website www.ecouterre.com has to be one of the most inspiring sites I have  found so far for genuinely innovative, truly fresh fashion with an eco/green stamp on it. It is getting easier now but it used to be a bit of a challenge to find interesting clothing and shoes with an ethical message, often the affordable organic clothes are shapeless and itchy and high end designer pieces come with astronomical price tags. Whilst many of the items are showpieces and unavailable to buy on ecouterre it is encouraging and inspiring to be able to read about people who are paving the way for eco design – making items as desirable as the latest high fashion brands.

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