SIT & READ: #WORNDIFFERENT NYC
Throughout Dr. Martens history our boots and shoes have been worn by an eclectic mix of people, who have fought for and celebrated their individuality. #WORNDIFFERENT NYC is a project bringing together NYC-based artists and makers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines to celebrate self-expression with a clash of art and music.
Sit & Read builds and designs environments that turn commonplace spaces into extraordinary experiences. Kyle let us check out his home/studio space where asked him a few questions and hunted for yellow smiley faces.
Introduce yourself. What do you do?
I do a little bit of everything! That’s what I love about NYC, so many options. I’d say the common thread in all my work is space and experience. Whether it’s throwing underground parties, consulting on shop interiors, creating product concepts, or designing for residential clients. I was born and raised on Long Island, and now live in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. After a seven-year stint in Oakland, California in the early 2000s, I moved back to NY because there’s no place like home.
What advice would you want to tell artists looking to move to New York?
It’s not as hard as everyone makes it out to be, especially if you’re creative about managing space!
Where’s your favorite place to grab a slice of pizza?
Best Pizza! No contest.
How does New York influence you and your work?
When I moved back here 10 years ago, I realized I needed a level of stimulation that I’ve never experienced anywhere but here. I love to be around people, and there’s no shortage of opportunity to do that in NYC.
How would you describe your personal style?
Subtle.
What comes to mind when you hear Dr. Martens?
Discovering punk music as a teenager, finding freedom in self-expression and defining my own style.
Tell us about your first pair of Docs.
Seventh grade, mail order, 8-hole black. Eddie Vedder had them and it just made sense. I wore those things until the soles were slick as ice.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Being a kind and peaceful person.
