Constructing wearable art that is both functional and accessible – but still exclusive – Vannen gives the public a new way to showcase their taste in art, fashion and style with custom design timepieces that are 100% one of a kind and extremely limited. To say we value our friendship with the Vannen Watches is definitely an understatement. Money isn’t the issue when it comes to copping these collectibles, being able to get your hands on one before they sell out is the issue at hand. I personally scored one of the Dirty Donny series watches and it’s the “tits bomb”, sold out, and no you can’t have it!
Vannen Watches is back at it, this time teaming up with Atticus Clothing, and New York-based poster artist and designer Brian Ewing to bring you the Black Curse watch. Brian’s mark is visible all over the black, red and gold palette. Snakes, skulls and skeleton keys–all familiar graphics from his arsenal–cover the band, faceplate and packaging with curses.
The Black Curse watch is limited to 100 pieces worldwide, and it’s exclusively available at the 1Louder clothing store on Melrose Ave in LA and at Vannenwatches.com. The watches are split into two sets of 50. Both editions share the same watch design, but with a subtle difference: the Atticus version features a variant loop and back casing graphic.
Brian Ewing is a New York based Rock Poster Artist and Designer who has worked in the music industry since 2000. For the past six years he has worked and toured with the Vans Warped Tour. Ewing has collaborated with such bands as Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Idol, Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Metallica, The Bouncing Souls, My Chemical Romance and Death Cab For Cutie.
We got the opportunity for a Q&A with Brian, pretty much shoot the shit about the whole project with Vannen and Atticus…
How was it designing your own watch? Was it a challenge?
Rad…and yeah it was challenge. I stalled out so many times because I am always in poster-mode as far as designing goes. Whenever I get the opportunity to do something outside of that it takes me a bit to adjust. But Vannen were a huge help with the design process. I probably wouldn’t have finished it otherwise.
Tell us about your watch design.
I had been on board to do a watch for Vannen for a while, but couldn’t figure out what to design. Fast-forward to last February, I was in LA to paint a mural at the 1Louder shop on Melrose when Dave (CEO at Vannen) dropped by to check things out and he ended up helping me paint the mural – for four days! We started talking about the watches again and which artists had signed on to do one with him. That got me motivated to finish my design. I introduced Dave to Dylan of Atticus Clothing & 1Louder and we were ready to go.
Other than that…it’s cursed. Lots of bad juju going around since the watch has been in production. I’m hoping that with the release of the watch the curse will get lifted and the bad mojo will cease to exist. I’ve gotten sick, had both of my computers crap out on me, my email corrputed and I’m gonna blame this morning’s hangover on the curse as well.
How does it feel having your own watch?
Rad! All I need to do is design socks, jeans and a hat. Then I’ll have created a complete wardrobe. Everything will have a skull on it!
What does “time” mean to you?
There’s never enough of it…
What time zone would you like to be in right now?
Already in it. I’m stoked to be in New York City. Plus I’m 3 hours ahead of you fools in LA.
How do you feel about creating art vs. merchandise?
It’s a necessity. I think it’s rad that if I like someone’s art I have the option to buy a print of it or toy or t-shirt. To paraphrase a few other artists – “I’m not selling out, I’m buying in.” It’s nice to be able to pay my rent on time.
I design rock posters. That’s merchandise. Yet I always try to do the best job I can. That’s art.
Are you going to wear your own watch, or will that be too weird for you?
Fuck yeah I’ll wear it. I think the watch is subtle enough to wear and the colors work with my personality. I wanna get a bunch of people together so we can synchronize Vannens right before we get into some hi-jinx. “Brian Ewing can’t lose.”
If you could have any celebrity caught wearing your watch in public, who would it be?
I’m sure my Mom will wear it. Other than that any person with rad taste.
Anyone you wouldn’t like to see wearing your design?
Nope. Well… maybe some ex-girlfriends.
What’s your favorite Vannen Watch so far?
I really dug the Dirty Donny & Buff Monster watches / packaging. And the 2nd wave of watches Vannen is releasing look rad too.
Does time really fly?
Seems like it’s always passing me by while I am hunched over my drawing table.
What is the worst interview question you’ve ever been asked in relation to your art?
“When is your book coming out?”
July 14th – finally!
The book is way sick fam, definitely check it out HERE!!!!
Both watches come with extras. The Atticus edition of The Black Curse is packaged with a red Atticus logo T-shirt and retails for $80. The Vannen edition comes with a signed and numbered 8″x10″ giclee print (on acid free velvet cotton rag with archival inks) designed specifically for this release and available nowhere else. The Vannen watch and print set retails for $95.
