The remake of Converse CONS Weapon sneaker has seen it being taken from the courts to the streets, right in the centre of creativity. In collaboration with Limited Edt, Converse launched the new Weapon with two art installation by Tony Tay (Lazy), and Joe Cher (Twisted Joe) early this month. Being veterans in design and sneaker customisation, both Lazy and Twisted Joe brought their own interpretation of the Weapon to the table.
Twisted Joe’s art installation is inspired by the comeback of the CONS Weapon sneakers. At the top, it features an all chrome original CONS Weapon sneaker producing and dripping liquid metal onto the cabinet, transforming liquid metal into the new generation of the CONS Weapon sneakers. The concept of dripping liquid metal also pays tribute to skaters who have always tried to excel and perfect their skills every day through the dripping of their sweat and blood.
Lazy’s art installation features a weapon rack holding two cushion weapons filled with inspirational quotes on them. This piece represents a metaphor of individuals who have a story or talent behind them but they will only be heard or seen if they fire out and express themselves. If not, they will just be left on the rack. It also reflects the CONS Weapon as a unique individual with its own style and character.
Nookmag (N): How would you like to inspire others with your art?
Twisted Joe (TJ): I would like others to know that nothing is impossible in this world. As long as you have a deep passion in something, anything can be done through hard work and willingness to learn. It doesn’t matter if you have any certification for this particular interest or not.
Many people don’t know that I came from an engineering and teaching background. It was through passion and self-learning, that I picked up soft design skills, customising sneakers and doing different types of art installations.
Lazy (L): Art is subjective. Some might like my work and some don’t. What I hope to inspire others is the spirit of determination and persistence to start or create what one dreams off. I have been doing what I do for more than a decade. It takes time to build before opportunities come to you and that passion for what you are doing has to be there.
N: Describe your style of art.
TJ: I don’t think I have any style of art to call my own. Free play is my game. Basically I’m open to any form of design and being flexible in design is good as it doesn’t tie you down to a certain style or form.
L: I come from a graphic design background. My view towards my work of art usually comes from a design perspective. And being a minimalist myself, I like to keep my work simple yet embodies a strong concept behind it.
N: How do you feel about being a part of the Converse CONS Weapon launch?
TJ: First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Converse Singapore and Nookmag for providing me with this opportunity to work on this art installation for the CONS Weapon Launch in Singapore. It has been a great honour to be involved in this project as a local artist and I’m looking forward to work on future Converse projects (laughs).
L: It’s been a pleasure working with Converse Singapore and Nookmag to be part of the CONS Weapon launch. I feel that the union between corporate brands and local artists working together for local market fits just right. By embracing each other, it gives our local market a healthy perspective that is beneficial to both parties. I certainly hope there will be more of such events and opportunities to come by.
N: Are you working on any other creative projects that we can look forward to?
TJ: That’s kind of confidential. All I can say is stay tuned!
L: I am now working on revamping my own website. It’s been a decade since I built the site and it’s about time for a facelift and a new direction.
The art installations by Lazy and Twisted Joe are displayed at Limited Edt Vault 313@Somerset till 31 August 2014.
