Poketo, one of my favorite everyday-wearable-useable art websites, has come out with a new line of eight soft and comfy, prewashed cotton tees. These artsy, fun and colorful shirts (and other aesthetically amusing stuff,) were designed by some of my own personal favorite indie artists including Pepa Prieto, Lisa Congdon and Pietari Posti. Their inspirations vary from ice cream to hairy masked wrestlers dancing to the beat, making them the most fabulous works of wearable art around.
Betsy Walton’s “Swim”
This shirt was inspired by Walton’s love of swimming, magical lakes and cute swimming suits. Walton creates most of her art based on daydreams and her knowledge of print-making and knitting. More of this Wisconsin native’s work can be found at poketo.com, morningcraft.com or monsieurt.net.
Pepa Prieto’s “Ice Cream”
I’m from a region of the United States called “New England.” Although we endure some of the longest and coldest winters here, we are still the number one consumer of ice cream (in the USA) all year round. It’s no wonder then why I LOVE this tee shirt! I’m against buying for myself for fear I may eat it.
Prieto is, as I mentioned, one of my favs. Born in Granada, she studied fine arts and was inspired to create this shirt because of her own love of ice cream, laughter and all things reminiscent of childhood.
“Creature Friends” by Melissa Contreras
This colorfully busy shirt was inspired of course, by nature and of her experiences of “Guatemalan Summers and California Nights.” Contreras is a Californian with big ideas and the creativity to pull them off. I just adore the bold colors combined with soft, rounded edges. You can find more of Contreras’ designs on axelhoney.com.
Maki’s “Bear Camp”
In keeping with our nature theme, Maki has created this hilarious tee-shirt inspired by the Murphy’s Law of camping; complete with rain, bears, and angry trees. Based out of the Netherlands, Maki is used to having his art described as edgy, humorous and intelligent with lots of urban-appeal. He also created another hot-ticket item on Poketo, “Goldrush Rainbow.”
Peskimo’s “I Want to Dance”
“…with my hands in the air so everyone can see my armpit hair!” You have to love a scene this funky and funny. Inspired by Mexican culture and its love of dancing and moustaches, this shirt is funky enough to get anyone in the mood to groove.
Peskimo are a UK based dynamic-duo, with a ingeniously quirky team. Together they create little monster illustrations around the world. They’ve produced art for vinyl toys, TV shows, magazines and more. You can check out more of their little monster funk-o-saurs at peskimo.com.
“Stay True” by Ashkahn
No one describes Ashkahn’s work better than he does: ““Those who stay true to themselves and are able to express themselves fully without worrying about what others might say. Those who can wear mismatching socks and laugh in its delight. Those who can embrace the free flowing foreverness of their being!!! Wake up to uncover the pink moon!”
Working out of California, Ashkahn has a few projects in the works. Be on the look out for the “Don’t Stop Studio” and his own new tee shirt line “Cryin Tiger.” You can find more on Ashkahn at DontStopStudio.com
“Deer in the City” by Pietari Posti
Straight out of Finland, Posti has been drawing and designing since he was a kid. Now working as a freelance illustrator in Barcelona, you can find most of his work on display at PPosti.com. “Deer in the City” is part of a larger project entitled “Giants.” It is essentially a “what-if” collection of gigantic animals walking around in cities. It sounds quirky because it is. What else is it? A must-see collection.
“Radiolarians” by Lisa Congdon
Lisa thinks scientific imagery is really cool because it often reflects the perfect balance and symmetry that nature has to offer. “Radiolarians” is inspired by the real life single cell organisms by the same name which dwells in the ocean.
Ms. Congdon, a natural artist, lives in San Francisco and prefers to follow her own sense of what art is rather than a so-called “refined technique.” She gets her inspiration from flea markets, natural science and life.
Want to get your hands on these? All shirts are available in women’s and unisex styles, and are just $28 online. Other fab pieces of work are available too. But you have to be on your toes, because once stuff sells out it will typically be discontinued.
All of the artist’s work can be found on Poketo’s website in various forms including wallets, prints, accessories, stuff for your house and stationary.
