The OutdoorFest 2016 T-shirt is here.
We're so excited to unveil the 2016 OutdoorFest t-shirt (modeled by Melanie at the Five Boro Bike Tour in the header photo). To create this limited edition piece we collaborated with local artist Adena Lewin and The North Face bring together highly breathable performance with funky design. Printed on The North Face Race Tee (made of flashdry fabric) the goal was to produce a shirt that would work well on adventures but also represent the unique culture of outdoors in New York City.
While the OutdoorFest 2016 t-shirts will not be on sale, we'll be doing giveaways with hundreds of shirts at OutdoorFest events starting at Mappy Hour on June 7th at the North Face).
Today we're sitting down with Adena to find out her inspiration for the art:
Q: First off, how did you end up living in the city and loving the outdoors?
A: I grew up (and currently live 35) miles north of the city in Rockland County. Rockland is a hub for outdoor activity and has lots of natural beauty including mountains, hiking trails, the Hudson river and many beautiful areas to explore. Growing up close to the city I was exposed to the arts at a young age and developed an appreciation for theater and contemporary art. Today, I find as much inspiration in the city as I do in nature, and consider myself fortunate to be able to experience the creative energy of the city as well as the solitude and beauty of places like Harriman, which is basically at my doorstep.
Q: What are your favorite outdoor sports? Any big trips/expeditions coming up?
A: I have been an avid skier turned snowboarder since the age of three. I absolutely love the mountains, so naturally I gravitated toward other activities such as hiking and climbing. Rock climbing is a relatively new found passion that I discovered four years ago. I'm also excited to try surfing. As far as big trips coming up, this summer I have plans to explore climbing areas around Montreal. I climb at the Gunks and Torne Valley regularly. Earlier this year I participated in the Flash Foxy's Women's Climbing Festival in Bishop, California. Having the opportunity to climb with women from all over the country in a world class climbing area was a great experience. I'm really looking forward to next years' events!
Doodle from her Bishop climbing trip
Custom climbing shoe & chalk bag design
Q: Okay now onto the design.... what type of art do you usually do?
A: I enjoy working with several mediums including acrylics, pencil, ink, ceramics and felt. Recently I learned how to screen print which is so much fun! I think it's important to be exploring constantly, so I try not to limit artistic expression to a specific type of art or process. The same goes for influences or sources of inspiration. Most of my designs are inspired by my own personal interests, the outdoors and a healthy imagination. Occasionally I'll be commissioned for a custom piece where the inspiration might be provided by another person. Basically, I'm open to anything.
Q: Wow, Rad Crafts sounds pretty.... rad. Where can people get some of those custom climbing designs?
A: My instagram handle is @radcrafts. There are lots of custom designs on the feed aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, namely rock climbers. Designs include hand painted rock climbing shoes, silk screened tee shirts, painted helmets, unique plush mountain pillows and dolls. There are a few pieces also available for purchase in my Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/radcraftoriginal. For custom inquiries feel free to contact me directly at adena@adenalewin.com.
Q: How did you develop the concept for the OutdoorFest design?
A: I wanted to create a composition that represented outdoor activities being offered during OutdoorFest. Each activity portrayed is set against a backdrop of NY-centric themes and icons. The design communicates the idea that life in NYC can be easily combined with a love for the outdoors. You never need to leave the five boroughs to get outside!
Q: What's the first adventure you're going to take your shirt on?
A: I'm definitely going to take my shirt on a bouldering adventure at the Gunks in New Paltz, NY. New Paltz is less that two hours away from the city and is rich in climbing history. Lots of climbers from the NYC community climb up there. Wearing my t-shirt on a crowded weekend would be a great opportunity to spread the word about this wonderful festival. Thanks for all your hard work!
Pro tip on finding an OutdoorFest 16 shirt: The North Face is giving shirts to ALL of their VIPeak members who come to the OutdoorFest campout.