NO REST FOR THE OBSESSED

Since the campaign started to get my face onto a billboard, shares and likes keep coming.
A super thank you for everybody!!

So it’s about time to explain a bit more on one of the paintings in the picture. And what better way to keep in the “Daan Roukens support Oranje” vibe to tell you more about the Delirious painting. It all started with the great stand-up comedian show by mister Eddie Murphy. His show called Delirious from ’83 is still one of my favorites. But what trickered me the most was his outfit in complete orange in a blue decor. I think he did it on purpose to give his performance extra attention. We all know that blue and orange are complementary colors..

This brought me to a painting where blue and orange should meet. But I have to add white otherwise it would be to much of a color clash and a balance in my work is also very important. For this particular painting I’m trying to work in new ways. I’m constantly adding new shades of blue and trying to fill it up to a personal feeling of where each color should be placed. The orange part remains the same and when these layers are finished I start with the white, but that’s for later concern. I’ll keep you posted!!

I’m working on this cool project to get my picture onto a billboard. How cool is that, so please LIKE this picture on Facebook and spread the word!!

HTNK’s OneDayShop was a big success. The set-up looked and felt like a garage sale, not with junk but actually a fine selection of fashion, accessories and gadgets. Although it was a very long day, time was flying and it was good to meet with familiar faces and new people. We had a blast and I hope you had too! If you missed out, there will be more opportunities in the future. Above a small photo report of the trolley a.k.a. the NRFTO stand and a special thanks to all supporting people.

Interview with Mark Sydavong

The history of Gaastra begins in 1897, when the 22-year-old Douwe Gaastra sets up his sailmaking company in Sneek (Netherlands), with the ambition of making sailing faster as well as more competitive and efficient.

“The making of sails in the earlier days was based on tradition, manual labour and craftmanship.”

In the current time a lot of the manual labour has been replaced by machinery. The process of making shoes shows a lot of parallels to the making of sails. Nevertheless the automatization of making sails and of making shoes cannot beat the craftmanship, love and passion that is created by human hands.

- Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and Gaastra?
My background is from Industrial Design but my passion is for Lifestyle & Design. I think we all have to have a life before anything else. Lifestyle design is my professional perspective and Gaastra is a growing company that embraces change. The connection lies there.

- What is it that makes Gaastra footwear special?
The collection of talented people. We are group of go-getters and that should translate into products. Our products are relative to our history but also relative to our present. Most importantly: a Dutch initiative.

- Do you think Gaastra needs to compete with brands like Sebago or Sperry Top-Siders?
No, not really.. They have a long traditional history with boat shoes which we all grown accustomed to associate them with and that’s GREAT!  We on the other hand have the flexibility of creating a traditional look but also mixing it up.  We have history dated back from sail making and that’s the glue that holds it all together, but also the bridge that helps us charter new territories.

- How does it feel working for a company that has a long history in sailmaking?
You know what’s cool; how a brand that stood for Sail making transformed itself to become a respectable lifestyle label.  You can say that most companies initiates off with a specific product within a specific category but Gaastra has endured changes and will continue too in the future to come.

- What should always be in a mans wardrobe?
A nice pair of shades – primarily for people watching
A nice slip loafer – the kind you don’t need to wear socks with so that you can feel casual cool.
Some really nice basic T’s – not the H&M type. Maybe go for a type that is made from bamboo, they feel nice and cool (almost silky).
A Black Cardigan – easy on the eyes, casually and formally.

- What’s coming up next, will Gaastra always be in the sailmaking, or are running shoes also an option?
We are pushing innovation and hybrid ideas. We want to mix things up but yet deliver a unique and cohesive product.

- Can you tell me a little bit more about the materials and special features on the shoes?
Materials: Quality materials that should give indication of their history and character. Materials that have a two tone effect.
Special Feature: Grip and function. We want to endure the weather and still remain standing steadfast.

- What is your favorite model and why?
The model I dream of each day that inspire me to make better products or improve the one that we have done already. As a designer, I cannot sit still or leave my mind in one place too long. I like changes and the adaptaion that comes along with it. I know we can always make better designs and help the world to have better taste.

 

I would like to invite you to the HTNK OneDayShop at Trouw Amsterdam on May 12th! In the newsletter I sent today, I wrote the 19th of May but it’s off course the 12th. Although I am not on the participants list below, I’ll definitely be selling NRFTO material. Will have a trolley with the lastest T-shirt Collections and will offer a special event price. The entrance is free and don’t forget to bring your cash! See you this Saturday..

If there is any sunglasses I would add to my collection today, then it would be this fantastic frame by Mykita. You probably know that I’ve been writing a lot about Mykita and even had the chance to visit their factory (Hause) in Berlin, but thats what happens if you like a brand and feel connected. Shown above; the ’Jovi’ is a collaboration with avant-garde designer Bernhard Willhelm, known for his pattern use in flamboyant outfits.

The contrast between the golden frame and the gradient glasses is tasty and yet subtle. It can be worn easily during Autumn when the leaves drop down and matches the color of the frame. It’s so light and feels delicate but the quality is superb. The only problem is, I have to wait till Autumn/Winter before I can get my hands on this one.

 

Four years ago I had the opportunity to create a ceramic sculpture ( We Are All In This Together ) in China. With the help of a local pottery factory I created a pattern made out of 81 stoneware balls. I selected five colors that where glazed onto sixteen balls that created together 80 pieces. Only ball was left unglazed and would be the pattern’s center. Still today this is one of my favorite artworks made by me in the time I still was practicing at school. ‘We Are All In This Together’ changed my view on art and made my work more visual rather then conceptual.

I have great memories on my adventures in China and last week I stumbled upon this beautiful video of Kutani Choemon Ceramics. The pottery is a lot smaller but take a look on the craftsmanship and eye for detail. The studio of Kutani Choemon who have been operating in Japan since 1879 passed his knowledge through the current owner and fourth generation Kentaro Kamide. With so many skills Choemon studio offers traditional collections as well as modern design.

I can really appreciate the craftsmanship and how much dedication has gone into each piece they create which is exactly what I want to see in a handmade product!

Most Dutch people will think of Gaastra, about the pompous person wearing white trousers on an expensive yacht. But Gaastra is long past that image and it’s important that people will see the heritage brand from 1897 has to offer.

This ‘Mast’ leather boat shoe in Navy is a perfect fit for the upcoming days. With real smooth leather and laces that run through the entire shoe to adjust the tightness. The brand has a strong connection to sailmaking and is therefore an excellent example. Craftmanship and sports go hand in hand.

Two weeks ago I spent a couple of days in Milano. It was a birthday gift for my girlfriend to visit the fashion capital of Italy. But not very much fashion to find in the streets. Everybody, especially women, wear Hogan shoes (the next UGG’s) and off course combined with a Louis V bag. Not very trendy and definitely not interesting. There were two parts of Milan which had a fashion feeling. The golden triangle with brands like Dior, Chanel and Armani showing their couture creations in the shopping window. The other part in south Milan had some street wear and high end fashion stores. For example a Levi’s Vintage Clothing store and several boutiques with brands like Nike, Puma, Scotch & Soda, Folk and other small brands.

The historical and cultural aspect of Milano are worth the visit. Drinking coffee all day, eating pasta/pizza and visiting some shops is the best thing to do when you are in Italy. Being on vacation leads to inspiration and making pictures of interesting patterns, colors & architecture. Had a great time and a being away for a few days is perfect to let my mind rest.

Last two weeks my blog had a little vacation and even now I don’t have much time to write down some good articles. It’s a shame, I know. But the good news is, that the rest of the website is fully updated, with a fresh new store and portfolio section. Will explain more on that later. The only part that is not good, is the blog page aka the home page. With the changes I made, also other problems occured. The layout is f*cked up and especially the ugly G+ button has moved. I’m working on a new design and trying to make it work for WordPress. I have some catching up to do, so will try to write more this week.