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Sole Junkie - Latino Themed Custom Kicks
The Beginning of Sole Junkie:
I, Steven Cedre Jr., was born on August 6th, 1974 in Lynn, Ma. I was the oldest son of Rosa and Steven Cedre’s three boys (Oscar and Shaun) and brother to Desiree. My parents were Puerto Rican and lived in Lynn and the South Bronx. I still claim the Bronx as home.
I discovered my talent for art at a very young age. I would remember drawing Charlie Brown and all of the other 80’s cartoons in class. I believe I took a real interest in the fourth grade.
I lost my parents when I was real young 11 and 13. So this meant I grew up quickly. Other kids would be planning out vacations and family outings…not me.
So naturally to cope with my issues, one of my escapes was to draw.
After a brief childhood and teenage years I decided I will go to college. I attended California State University of Long Beach. There I studied art. They had a great program, wonderful faculty and even better colleagues. I entered the Fine Arts program and finally graduated with Bachelors in Fine Arts with a specialization in Drawing and Painting.
After college I did what every other art student did…I got a “real” job to pay off my loans and become a productive part of society. While working, I stumbled into a gallery and presented my work to them and now can be seen at Gallery 33 East in Long Beach, CA.
Then I bounced around a few different jobs when finally my brothers told me about some guys in Harlem painting/ customizing shoes. They said that these guys were not that good and they made a couple of bucks doing this. So they challenged me to try to paint some shoes. I did some research for a month or two and gave it a try. My first pair came out OK and then they challenged me to post them online. I did and have had a great response since. This came to the point where I focused on perfecting techniques and used my art background to come out with some strong designs. I have always loved the sneaker culture, but because my beyond modest background we couldn’t afford all the great kicks that were out when I was younger. So now I make them!
Now I try to use all my influences to design and paint works of art that can be worn and redefine sneaker culture. I use my Latin heritage, my love for Hip Hop and Music, the use of color, imagery, and imagination to make statements as well as challenge aesthetics.
This is the same approach I take to my canvas paintings and all my art. It should spark a reaction. Whether negative or positive, evoke a thought and challenge the viewer to respond.
Artist Statement:
Throughout history American landscape painting has had a major impact in the art world, from the mysterious paintings of Albert Pinkham Ryder, to the abstractions of Marsden Hartley and Bierstadt. Viewing nature is its own discipline. It teaches the observer modesty, and insists on an attention to the subtle shifting of light and the fragility of form. My process is my connection to this phenomenon. It allows me to escape from daily customs and revert back to what comforts me. My imagery bridges the gaps between the absence of my past and the adaptation to my present. I connect the world and my environment through the act of making paintings.
Exhibits and Publications:
Concrete Walls Group Show 2002
Irvine Valley College Group Show 2003
CSULB BFA Group Show 2003
CSULB Senior Group Show 2003
Gallery 33 East Tandem Show 2004
Collectors/ Commisions of Footwear:
Ms. Yancey, mother of Jay Dilla aka Jay Dee
Bobbito Garcia
Tony Touch
Bizzare of D12
Con Artist of D12
Julio Voltio
MC Serch
Dave NY
DJ Young Prince
Larry Cheeba
Juggaknots
Skillz of Play n Skillz
Talib Kweli
Taj Johnson
Big John Mosley
Kelvin Sanchez aka KSanz
DJ Tito of Wu Latino
Jae Banga
La Bruja
Love Bug Starski
Soni
Currently Sole's kicks are available at Atomsphere (Fox Hills Mall in Culver City, East Los Angeles and Montebello) in the Greater Los Angeles area. Sole Junkie ships international as well. If you are interested in ordering Sole Junkies custom kicks, check out his websites: solejunkie.com or myspace/solejunkie or e-mail him directly: solejunkiecustoms@yahoo.com.
Christopher Lee Rios (November 9, 1971 – February 7, 2000), better known as Big Punisher or Big Pun, was a New York rapper of Puerto Rican descent who emerged from the underground rap scene in The Bronx in the late 1990s.
Christopher Lee Rios (November 9, 1971 – February 7, 2000), better known as Big Punisher or Big Pun, was a New York rapper of Puerto Rican descent who emerged from the underground rap scene in The Bronx in the late 1990s.
Roberto Clemente Walker (August 18, 1934 – December 31, 1972) was a MLB Hall of Famer of Puerto Rico descent.
Roberto Clemente Walker (August 18, 1934 – December 31, 1972) was a MLB Hall of Famer of Puerto Rico descent.
Tito "El Rey del timbal" Puente (April 20, 1923 – May 31, 2000) was an influential Latin jazz and mambo musician.
Tito "El Rey del timbal" Puente (April 20, 1923 – May 31, 2000) was an influential Latin jazz and mambo musician.
Sal Rojas - Photographic Arte
All photographs on this site (www.BrownPride.com) are
copyright protected by Digital Aztlan.
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