Custom Minecraft Vans by KyozoKicks.

Over time it has become a belief of mine that Minecraft, now an Indie game tsunami from Swedish outfit Mojang, has the power to manipulate the very fabric of time. What I conceive to be minutes of playtime in a world of cubes somehow turns out to be hours. On occasion I fail to perceive the change from day to night in the real world (or more worryingly, the opposite occurs).

Minecraft has no real narrative in place nor is one strictly necessary. It does however have a wild and popular a cast of characters which populate the world, to build your own story upon if you see fit.  A fan favourite among the cast, an online icon, The Creeper. The dead eyed, camouflaged, Kamikaze creature has become an unofficial mascot for the game. After only spending a short amount of time with Minecraft I knew I wanted to create a pair of shoes influenced by it. My experience, of running scared after late night run-ins meant I knew they had to be Creeper inspired.

Fast forward a few months and the Minecraft Vans are complete. Upon reflection I look back and wonder if, at the start had I considered the over 1000 squares I would be painting, by hand, and each 1000 squares being painted four separate times to get the colours just right, would I have even started? They are by far the most complex pair I have ever done, the most intricate and time consuming but also the most fun. To bring an idea for a pair of shoes to life, for them to match what I had in your minds eye is a hugely satisfying experience.

That’s not to say I’ll ever make them again.

Due to them being such a huge drain as far as time goes (for example the placement of each coloured square had to be considered so no colour was placed beside a square of the same colour on any of the four possible sides – got it?) these Minecraft Vans shall foreseeably be the only ones I ever make. Pair one of one. Originally I intended them to be worn by myself at this years Gamescom event but, with my computer suddenly meeting the end of its life, the shoes shall go on to serve a higher purpose. KyozoKicks is not in a position to just go out and buy a new PC so hopefully these can raise a bit towards one. That way I can continue to make sure new shoes and other ideas keep being made and shared.

If you would like to get in contact with me you can do so HERE

Follow KyozoKicks on Twitter HERE

Become a fan on Facebook HERE