Nice Kicks: You spoke on the amount of time that it takes to create a shoe. What is the process behind selecting which shoe you want to create?
Parlaitin: I don?t want be exclusive. That?s the difficult thing. My goal is to make all of the Jordans, of course, but I don?t want to be so exclusive that I can?t venture to other brands. At this point, I?m trying to go down the brands and create the most influential silhouettes of each brand. I want to get all of the brands down, and then double back.
Sneak Peek of pARlaiTin’s Puma wire sculptureNice Kicks: And then knock out all of the Jordans?
Parlaitin: Right. Each form of each shoe is so important. That?s why this latest one is the best. The form replicates the actual form of the shoe.
Nice Kicks: So, how are you able to make such detailed replicas? Are there molds or drawings?
Parlaitin: All I need is a couple pictures for the sole, the top, and the back. I make these from a picture. There is no mold. I have a couple where I use my shoes as a guide if I actually possess the shoe, but the majority of the shoes I?ve done, I use a picture. In the process, I don?t do any drawing. In the future, I will resort to more drawing, but thus far I haven?t done any drawing. I just go at it.
Nice Kicks: Is there a sneaker that you would consider as your ?dream sneaker? to make?
Parlaitin: What I really want to make is a (Nike) MAG. For me, Back to the Future?was the greatest movie as far as branding and the inspiration of the future and how it would be. Flying cars? Who thought of that in the 80s and 90s? Not only that, but they were using my birthday to travel through time [Laughs]. So. that shoe is one I would absolutely love to create.
Nice Kicks: What is the ultimate goal for the sculptures?
Parlaitin: I can?t make 30 in a year. I can?t make 100 in a year. I believe the medium of wire is only medium that can recreate a sneaker in its full form. So, my goal is to be the only source for the highest quality recreation of shoes. These are iconic pieces of art. I am trying to keep it as such. So, that?s my goal. I?m trying to create a movement in design, architecture, and art towards sneakers. Others have tried, but I strongly believe that wire is the only medium that can preserve these shoes the way they are truly constructed and formed. I really believe that.
adidas Superstar wire sculptureNice Kicks: Would you like to be exhibited in art galleries, and/or have people provide commission for specific pieces?
Parlaitin: I want to be commissioned for different pieces, as well as, colorways. That?s another thing. I?m trying to switch up the colors with each shoe that I make because I want to make each shoe different. I can change colorways. I can change sizes. I can even make a right or a left.
Nice Kicks: Do you strive to not make any two sneakers the same?
Parlaitin: I can?t [Laughs]. There?s no way. I?m not even sure if I can make a pair. That?s the difficult part. I will try because I have to. As far as making a pair, I would have to make them simultaneously. If I make one, and try to go back and make it again, it?s not going to work.
Nice Kicks: How can people get in contact with you?
Parlaitin: I?m working on a site. Hopefully, it will be up soon. They can see my work through Facebook. I have a Behance network page.?Everything is Parlaitin – Facebook, Twitter, instagram?-?it is all the same. I encourage everyone to wait on the new one. It is really nice! I encourage everyone to follow.
