Where does your inspiration come from?
From everywhere really. From seeing what other artists are doing to the junk I take apart to seeing a sculpture with the very item I’m disassembling.
In regards to the materials you use, do you go hunting with a project in mind or do the scraps you find dictate the direction?
It really varies sometimes. It happens when I see a mechanical object or it happens in the process of taking something apart. A small piece can spark my imagination that then evolves into something bigger, like in one such case was when I was taking apart an adding machine. Once I had it pretty much taken apart or destroyed, I realized the remaining piece greatly resembled the basis shape of a horse’s head. I then spent the next few months creating a horse?s body that was to support this head. I ended up with a horse that stood 7 feet tall titled “Rearing Horse”.
What?s your favorite piece?
My favorite shoe sculpture would have to be the Junk Dunk. It was the first shoe sculpture I did that started me down this path.
What kicks are you rocking these days?
Today I’m wearing some vintage Nike Lava Domes, one of my favorites, but I enjoy Dunks and Waffle Racers mostly. I have a nice collection of about 250 plus sneakers that are mostly Nikes. I like shoes that are unique, and you won’t find the average person wearing.
What advice would you give to someone with a passion for footwear that wants to make it in the art scene?
Make it your own, work hard, and continue to develop your skill. Your best art is not going to happen overnight. It takes time and a ton of work. I think it?s also important to find something you?re passionate about. I love shoes and up-cycling so I combined them.
To contact Gabriel or check out more of his work, visit his portfolio site.
