Sperry and the PangeaSeed Foundation have teamed up to give the oceans a voice through art and activism this #EarthMonth .

Acting at the intersection of culture and environmentalism to further the conservation of our oceans, PangeaSeed worked with Sperry and four international artists on a series of dynamic short videos illustrating how the Sperry SeaCycled Collection is keeping plastic, leather, and rubber out of landfills.

Dive in and learn more about each process and artist below.

 Dragon76

 Where are you from?

I’m from Shiga, Japan, but I moved to New York City five years ago.

Artistic style? Favorite medium?

My signature style incorporates coexistence as a theme. Coexistence of living beings on Earth and coexistence that transcends the time axis of the past and future. When working on canvas, I prefer to work with acrylic paints, while I opt for spray paint for my murals.

How long have you worked with PangeaSeed?

I’ve collaborated with PangeaSeed for many years, but the first time I worked on a mural with them was in 2019.  I’ve painted two Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans and released a print with them. I’ll also be releasing a second print with PangeaSeed in June.

Sustainability – Why are you passionate about it?

Sustainability is, of course, intertwined with coexistence, the recurring theme in my art. I believe that human affluence is born out of beautiful nature and a healthy environment. I also think that leaving our children and their children a beautiful environment is a universal responsibility for humans of our generation.

Why did you decide to partner with Sperry?

The fact that Sperry’s campaign concept aligned with my values was the main reason for collaborating with them. I believe we can reach even more people with our message through fashion. Another reason was that Sperry’s shoe design was great.

 

Ladislas Chachignot

Where are you from?

I’m from Paris but currently live and work in Barcelona.

Artistic style? Favorite medium?

Pop-Surrealism by nature. I like to call it “Eco-surrealism.” I couldn’t choose between digital painting and acrylic painting on canvas. These two approaches are interconnected in my creative practice.

How long have you worked with PangeaSeed?

I first contacted PangeaSeed at the end of 2019, and we started collaborating on the Sea Change: A Decade of ARTivism for Oceans art book about two years ago. Leading up to the book’s release this week, I’ve been working with them on a weekly basis throughout the creation process.

Sustainability – Why are you passionate about it?

I think sustainability is a crucial step toward a healthy future. I think we now understand the consequences of our past behaviors as human beings and are very capable of evolving, adapting them in order to restore a balance in the ecosystems with whom we share this planet.

I think we all have this responsibility to do our part for this change. Each of us can do our part; mine is through art and paintings. Sustainability is one of the major steps humanity has to achieve in the next decade, and our societies need examples from brands to show how we can rethink “consumption” and create a new path for a new era.

Why did you decide to partner with Sperry?

I’ve always felt a connection with the ocean since I was a child. I’m amazed by its richness and diversity; it’s mesmerizing. Sperry also has this deep connection and bond with the aquatic world, and the entire brand revolves around this connection with the sea. I’m always looking to collaborate with brands that share the same values and visions as mine, and when the opportunity came up to work together, I jumped aboard without a second of hesitation! I’m glad they invited me to be part of the change.

Hannah Eddy

Where are you from?

I currently live in Reno, NV but I grew up by the ocean in Maine.

Artistic style? Favorite medium?

My artistic style is can be described as Pop-Surrealism. It’s bold, colorful, and imaginative. My favorite medium is acrylic paint.

How long have you worked with PangeaSeed?

I have worked with Pangeaseed for a few years now.  I feel lucky to have been able to collaborate on several projects ranging from screen prints to a large-scale mural.

Sustainability – Why are you passionate about it?

My art is largely influenced by my love for nature and getting outside.  Outdoor activities (like skating and snowboarding) are part of my creative process and help keep me connected to what matters.  Because I spend so much time in nature, I realize the importance of clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet.  My goal is to create art that helps lead to connection, community, and collective care.

Why did you decide to partner with Sperry?

I love working with brands that are pushing their sustainability practices, and if my art can help them share that story it’s a win-win.  It is also important for me to work with brands that I know about and understand, so the fact that I grew up sailing in Maine and have been around the Sperry brand for so long made it a nice easy fit.

Renata

Where are you from?

I was born in Querétaro, a small city in central Mexico.

Artistic style? Favorite medium?

My favorite medium will always be drawing. Currently, I use my iPad a lot but nothing comforts me like a pencil and a sketchbook to capture my ideas. I don’t know how to pin down the style I’ve developed but I like to add a bit of humor and “nonsense”.

How long have you worked with PangeaSeed?

I had heard about PangeaSeed Foundation from friends more than four years ago, and have wanted to participate in one of their projects. Then, in 2018, they hosted a large-scale project in my city called “Water is One” that I got to contribute to by painting a mural, which allowed me to discover and learn about the work that can be done surrounding an important cause, like water conservation. Currently, Quéretaro is affected by water scarcity like never before, and the dome we painted downtown acts as a reminder of the urgent need to change our collective consciousness.

Sustainability – Why are you passionate about it?

I am increasingly overwhelmed by the general situation of the world we live in and where we are headed. As an artist, it frustrates me not to have a starting point to help or contribute by doing what I like and what I know how to do. It motivates me to have a community that can complement my vision like this one.

Why did you decide to partner with Sperry?

I like Sperry’s commitment to traceability as an influential, global brand. I hope it motivates other major brands to implement changes in their supply chains, proving that it’s possible. As consumers, it’s important to question and be curious about what’s behind the things we decide to buy. I think this can be positive both for those who buy the product and for more brands to join in making sustainable and lasting changes.

Shop the SeaCycled Collection here.