Were there any particular feelings or emotions that you hoped would come across in the design?
I like the way I was able to share a passion of mine and communicate my appreciation for the outdoors and nature via my practice. They’re seemingly quite separate things – you might be quite outdoorsy, and also make artwork but they come together. I was really excited to be able to make this collection because it was creating a functional yet expressive thing that celebrates my passion for the outdoors and nature.
Why are you constantly fascinated by the outdoors in your work?
I’m always inspired by the outdoors because no matter how familiar you are with somewhere, there’s always something new that you’ll come across and it’s just really important to me to spend time outdoors.
As someone who was brought up in the countryside, what does The North Face signify to you?
Ever since I was young, it’s always been the most sought-after outdoor brand. I remember asking my mum if she could give me some money to get one when I was younger. When I first started university in Bristol, I had this The North Face puffer jacket that I wore all the time in the studio because it was freezing. Over the years, it just got more and more paint on and eventually it was covered on the inside and outside – and I still have that jacket. I’d wear it all the time in my studio and people would always say, “Is that a limited edition?” Or, “Is that a collab?” I’d always reply, “one day, one day.” But without realizing, the jacket related to this collaboration. I thought ‘I could do it like this’ and make it part of the story.
“Without realizing, the jacket related to this collaboration. I thought ‘I could do it like this’ and make it part of the story.”
Tell us a little bit about the studios that you’ve had in the past then.
I remember the first studio that I ever had was when I graduated from university. They did this residency program where they provided one of the students with a studio and I was selected for this. It was the best thing ever and got me to where I am now – being able to make my work in places like this.
Studios really dictate the nature of work. If you’ve got a desk, you’re going to make small work. Or, if you’re in a big room, then you’re most likely going to spread out and make big pieces. I’ve been quite appreciative of working in larger spaces because I think it’s led to my work being quite big as well as quite expressive.
What particularly in the studio do you feel is needed for it to feel like a sacred place?
Daylight, and doors that you can shut for some privacy. When you’re in the studio, you can crawl around on the floor a bit and pull funny faces, you get involved with what you’re doing. It’s quite a good place to get into that flow state with no distractions.
Where else can you see yourself working in the future?
I will always cherish my studio in Hebden Bridge Yorkshire because it’s just five minutes from my house and it’s next to the river. It’s different because it’s a really nice place to be and very peaceful. I like it because I have good memories of making good artwork there.
Explore the Alfie Kungu x The North Face collaboration on Hypebeast now. To shop the pieces featured, head to The North Face’s website now.
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wazup.