We have seen our prints on surfboards, bicycles, phone covers and even headphones but what Darvá Fields has done has really blown us away.
When he’s not working on his art, Darvá is the manager of a spa resort in Pheonix. We had a chat to him about where he finds his inspiration and what his plans are for the future.
How did you get here? (Why did you start painting on shoes?)
My beautiful mother Valerie sparked my love of fashion. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and passed along her love of art and the fashion world. I remember as a child, she created acrylic and oil pieces of art that surrounded my bedroom. My favourite was of a circus. One day, I wanted to add my own people into the painting so I took my crayons and went to town! My mother eventually saw what I added to her piece, but instead of being upset, she saw my imagination. From which she taught me how to draw and truly express myself.
There is also a photographer by the name of Scott Schuman who inspires me through his work and creativity of capturing people. Women are beautiful both inside and out. I felt that I could contribute to enhance fashion. As an artist, I decided to use heels and shoes as my blank canvas. I felt it was unique and collaborates with my love of fashion. Art in motion so to speak…
Where do you get the shoes from and what do you do with them? (Describe your process to us)
To tell the truth, I have never bought a pair of shoes to paint. I started off by asking my friends and family for their shoes and it snowballed from there! After posting pictures on social media sites, people began asking me to paint their shoes. From heels that have been tucked away in the closet and forgotten about, to special once in a life time events.
Where do you find inspiration & how did you hear about us?
I always find inspiration in photographs, patterns, and animal prints. I like to stick to colors that the client likes and which would look best on the shoe. They usually give me creative freedom on the shoe, which is what I enjoy! I also have a huge love of big cats, which is one of the ways I heard about your company. I remember seeing a picture of a phone case on Tumblr that was half of a face of a tiger, and the other half of a lion. I ended up ordering the case and ever since, I have been a huge fan! I really like all the beautiful designs the company has and the amazing photography that enhances it.
What do you do when you’re not painting shoes?
I have a career in the hospitality industry, which helps me to contribute and make positive emotional deposits in others lives. When not at work I spend a lot of time with my family and people that enhance my life. My parents are incredible and always bring an amazing spark to my life. I have two beautiful children who bring me endless joy and are the loves of my life.
Where next?
I want to continue focusing on my quality of work and not stress about the quantity. I hope to someday collaborate with an established fashion company that has vision and truly captures the art in motion that is fashion.
To see more of Darvá’s work, visit his website
