Pages

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Taking Stock


Stock Mfg. Co. new artist series tees pay homage to Chicago.

Chicago is a city defined by its history. Long a world-class destination for architecture, art and cuisine, Chicago is still best known for slaughterhouses, shipyards and gangsters.

The goal of the Artist Series was to round up five of the most talented artists we could find, and have them interpret the city and its history in their own unique way. From the sunny beaches of Oak Street, to the seedy alleys of the Levee, down to the brutally efficient floor of the Stockyards, the Artist Series gives you an illustrated journey into the heart of Chicago.


Butcher Ticket Tee, by Ray Masaki (also shown above)

The Stock Manufacturing Co. name was derived from the historic Union Stockyards that helped fuel Chicago's growth at the turn of last century, and give Chicago it's reputation as a hard working city with a commitment to the finest quality. Here at Stock, we're proud to carry on that tradition through the 21st century and beyond.


Aloha Chicago Tee by Brendan Lee

Aloha Chicago Tee by Brendan Lee

Aloha Chicago represents the lighter side of the Artist Series, much like summer represents the same in The City That Works. Brendan Lee has never been to Chicago, and for his shirt design, he "Wanted to pay respect to Chicago by making a shirt that looks like it was made by someone that has never been to Chicago, but doesn't totally suck." Mission accomplished.

Bull Reaper Tee by Sketchy Tank


Bull Reaper Tee by Sketchy Tank

Chicago was once known as the “slaughterhouse to the world”. This piece represents the awareness of the coming slaughter.

The Liberator, by Kyler Martz
The Liberator, by Kyler Martz

Designer Kyler Martz wanted to pay homage to the tradition and legacy of our namesake Union Stock Yards, but as a vegetarian was faced with a difficult task. What he arrived at is this stunning depiction of an unnamed Native American Warrior rescuing a once-doomed bull from certain slaughter at the hands of the world's largest butcher.

Stock the Levee, by Jon Contino

Stock the Levee, by Jon Contino

The Levee District in old Chicago was the pinnacle of chaos. A perfect balance of community and underground organization, the relentless desire for accessible human vices kept the district impervious for over thirty years.

 

I think the Stock Mfg. Co. Artist Series does a great job of getting some stellar, masculine designs to represent the feel of Chicago. The shirts are cotton or a cotton blend, trim fit, and have a tagless yoke. The Bull Reaper tee has a single chest pocket. Proudly made in the USA.

(Photos and some copy courtesy of Stock Mfg. Co.)

No comments:

Post a Comment