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Art

DIY DOC’S: ERIN O’GARRO

In DIY Docs, we’re taking a look at how illustrators, artists and designers put their stamp on our Dr. Martens products. Painting, tattooing, rhinestones or de-constructing – we’re giving them the creative freedom to express themselves off of the canvas.  
 
Meet our next DIY Docs artist Erin O’Garro, who has decorated our 1461 Virginia leather shoes in a golden fashion. Find out more about her art and what she stands for, below:
 

Erin O'Garro wearing her illustrated 1461 shoes.
Erin O’Garro wearing her illustrated 1461 shoes in Virginia leather.
 
 
Introduce yourself – who are you, and what do you do?
I’m Erin O’Garro, a visual artist from North London. I’m part of an all female creative collective called In Bloom and co-host French & The Artist a YouTube Vlog Channel.  
 
Who or what do you take inspiration from?
I have so many inspirations. Artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Jamal Shabazz have shaped my love for documenting culture, which is a key theme in my artwork. Though, seeing people love themselves unapologetically is often the most inspiring thing and leads to me chasing after them to draw them.  
 
Talk us through your customised Dr. Martens, was it a challenge working on a pair of shoes?
I’m so used to working on a flat prepared surface so immediately the curvature of the shoe was something I had to wrap my head around. I also love working to a large scale, but I purposely chose a pair that would require a more delicate design. I didn’t use leather specific paint because my chosen colour palette was taken from that used in my ‘Au’ Series. However the golden paint reacted well with the leather, and I was really happy with the final result. 
 
Erin O'Garro's illustrated 1461 shoes.
Erin O’Garro‘s illustrated 1461 shoes in Virginia leather.
 
 
Do you have an illustration or project you’re most proud of?
The project I’m currently working on is my favourite to date. It’s called Au, and it centres on the regal essence emitted from the subjects I depict. It’s led me to have the most fantastic conversations about perception of self and well-being. Plus the outcomes are golden infused, otherworldly portraits, which I’m slightly obsessed with.  
 
Erin O'Garro's art.
Erin O’Garro‘s art.
 
 
Do you listen to music whilst you work? Name three tracks you can’t hear enough of:
I need noise in my creative space, which is either music or binge watching crime shows. It’s the best way I function.
Songs on repeat;
Day By Day – Bobii Lewis
Holograms – A2
Vivid Dreams – Kaytranada 
 
If you could have any super-power, what would it be?
Teleportation! The amount I would save on TFL, petrol and plane tickets would be phenomenal. Also, I’d have so much more time to jump on my bed in the mornings.  
 
Erin O'Garro's illustrated 1461 shoes.
Erin O’Garro‘s illustrated 1461 shoes in Virginia leather.
 
 
If you could draw anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
Capturing Solange Knowles on canvas would be a magical experience. The universe needs to conspire to make that happen for me.  
 
Tell us your favourite thing about the city you live in:
London feels a bit like a floating bubble I forget I’m in sometimes. I’m always desperate to leave but appreciate it so much more when I get back. This city has raised me to appreciate different walks of life as equal. That’s why I can walk pass a person dressed as a cat breakdancing to Gospel music and relish in the fact they found their happiness. Unfazed.  
 
Tell us about your first pair of Dr. Martens:
I pretty much bankrupted myself for my first pair and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I was 18 and wanted a brown pair with faux fur lining. I had 2 days until pay day but was burning to have them. So I made the purchase, leaving me with £2.50 in my account to last 48 hours. I still to this day don’t know how I made it.  
 
What do you stand for?
Self love. That will take you farther than you can ever comprehend.  
 
Find out more about Erin on her website, Instagram, and Twitter