Wonders Day in the Life: WKNDRS
We recently caught up with Vancouver/Calgary-based artist duo Claire and Rachel of WKNDRS for a ‘Day in the Life' with their favourite Wonders shoes. Our tour around Vancouver started with a morning spent in their Chinatown studio followed by a visit to their go-to Vietnamese lunch spot, DD Mau. Afterward, we followed them in Claire's vintage Volvo to South Granville to check out their latest large scale mural and do a bit of flower shopping. From painting in the studio to a day on the town, WKNDRS shows us how the Spanish-built footwear fits perfectly into their daily routine.
Shop the latest Wonders collection in-store and online.
Website: wkndrsshop.com
How did you two meet?
We met at AUArts in typography class. Meeting in art school was kismet. It was a pretty epic time.
Can you tell us about how your collaborative project, WKNDRS, came to be?
We've both had our individual practices for years, and have always wanted to collaborate to create something together that not only honed in our individual expressive aesthetics, but created something new, something that showcased more of a feeling. WKNDRS is about spreading optimism, positivity and good times, this has come through in the form of visual pieces, murals, immersive spaces and events.
What is the most crucial part of maintaining a good creative partnership?
Communication is KEY! Expressing your feelings, opinions and ideas without holding back is what keeps the partnership alive. This means digging deep and celebrating all the good stuff too.
What is your process or approach to creating artworks? What motives you to create?
We love the brainstorm process. We come together after having our meeting with our client and brainstorm how we can execute the project at hand with ingenuity and with a WKNDRS twist. Motivation comes through in seeing the final piece, we love elevating our projects and learning through them.
How has your style changed over time?
Our style has evolved mostly in the form of color combinations, and adding to our existing aesthetic in combination of past and new inspirations. We love taking inspiration from all things including fashion, tech and nature.
Do you have any projects you would call your favourite or most memorable?
All of our projects have been so amazing to work on and create. Our favorite projects are the ones where the guests are immersed in the WKNDRS world, not only are they viewing it, but are surrounded or wearing WKNDRS as well!
What artist or brand would be a dream collaboration for WKNDRS?
We would love to work with a candy brand or music festival, something immersive for the eyes!
What is an average day in the life for you both?
We live by our calendar. Our world varies on the daily, it could be either in the studio painting up some pieces for an installation, on-site at a location painting a mural, live painting during an event, or working on our computer on design work for clients. It's fun to get to have a diverse calendar throughout the weeks.
Where are some of your favourite places to spend your time while in Vancouver?
We love biking along the seawall, checking out local art galleries, grabbing a beer at Strathcona Brew, and chilling at the park or third beach.
Where is your go-to restaurant, if you feel like treating yourself?
We hit the The American, DD Mau, and Do Chay to name a few.
Is there any new music, movies, TV shows, or people at are inspiring you lately?
The film Everything Everywhere All At Once was super inspiring and wild!
Any exciting projects coming up?
We have some fun projects coming up for the Vancouver Aquarium and Capilano Bridge for Fall and the holidays. :)
What pair of Wonders shoes are you currently wearing the most? And what do you like most about them?
We're both in love with the white Wonders Chelsea Boot. They're such a fun style to pair monochromatic or colorful outfits with!
Any shout outs?
Thanks so much to Austin and the gravitypope team! This is a dream collaboration and we're so excited to share it with our community!
