Victoria's Ian Finch-Field shows a photo of teen-sensation Justin Bieber wearing a $3,000 leather-and-brass gauntlet created by Finch-Field.
Photograph by: Adrian Lam, timescolonist.com
Local leather and metal artist Ian Finch-Field never expected to be involved in a Justin Bieber style controversy.
But since Bieber has been pictured wearing the designer's steampunk-inspired gauntlet, or medieval glove — a jump from the pop star's clean-cut style — bloggers are taking notice. While not as contentious as that infamous February haircut when Bieber bid adieu to his signature swoop, MTV is calling this new look, including the gauntlet, a "shocking style transformation."
Finch-Field said he received a call from Bieber's stylist in October, asking for the one-of-a-kind armpiece.
"I kept my cool," Finch-Field said with a laugh.
The main body of the $3,000 gauntlet, which Finch-Field spent about 30 hours creating, is made from vegetable-tanned leather and brass. It also features an LED light, a vintage watch and compass — and a little piece of Victoria.
"I used old hydraulics from the wax museum," he said of the Victoria landmark that closed its doors last year. "They had a bunch of stuff thrown out on the side of the road."
He said he regularly includes found objects, typically pieces of machinery, in his work.
Bieber's stylist told Finch-Field that the piece will be featured in the singer's Santa Claus Is Coming to Town music video, to be released alongside the film Arthur Christmas on Nov. 23. Bloggers aren't the only ones responding to an advance photo posted on Bieber's website — Finch-Field said he's receiving feedback from the steampunk community, too.
"I'm getting a lot of flak from people saying I'm selling out," Finch-Field said. "They think there's going to be a whole bunch of teeny boppers running around . . . not knowing what steampunk actually is."
Steampunk is at once retro and futuristic — a science-fantasy-inspired style that features elements of 19th-century technology.
He said it doesn't bother him. "To each their own."
Designers often mix in elements from various eras and regions — infusing cowboy themes as seen in the film Wild, Wild West, for example. Finch-Field's work has a decidedly medieval influence, from his breastplates to masquerade masks.
The artist, who grew up on a farm outside Golden, said he has always been interested in medieval times.
"Ever since I can remember I've been fascinated with those times," he said. "Blacksmithing and leatherwork and everything else."
He didn't set out to make accessories in the steampunk style — he'd never heard of it until he made leather gauntlets for a pirate-themed party and a friend pointed out the style similarity.
He began working with metal at 16 when he made a full-sized metal dummy, which he set free down a snowy slope to take on ski jumps in an informal competition. It took at least three months to make.
"Back then I had really bad insomnia so I'd just get up, go to the yard and work on it," he said. "I've always just been really attracted to working with metal, just using my hands. There's nothing else like it; you just bang it into anything you want."
Finch-Field sells everything from wrist-cuffs and keychains to breastplates and pouches at his SkinzNhydez booth in the Bay Centre through December, as well as online at Etsy.com.
He will also be at the 23rd annual Out of Hand Artisan Fair at Crystal Gardens Nov. 25 to 27. His wearable art will be featured opening night at the second annual Fashion in Action: A Girl's Night Out from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE IS THE BACKBONE OF THE
OUT OF HAND ARTISAN FAIR NOVEMBER 25 TO 27 AT THE CRYSTAL GARDEN
Victoria, B.C. November 1, 2011…. Known as one of the best artisan fairs in Western Canada, Out of Hand has brought an incredible selection of handmade, beautiful & often delectable gifts made by some of Canada’s finest artisans to Victoria, providing shoppers the opportunity to buy thoughtful & unique gifts directly from the source.
The 23rd annual Out Of Hand Artisan Fair runs Friday November 25 to Sunday November 27 at the beautiful Crystal Garden 713 Douglas Street. All vendors are listed on the website with descriptions and images linked in www.outofhand.ca. Follow us on Twitter at outofhandfair for the latest news on what’s hot and new.
Always ahead of the curve, producer Ramona Froehle-Schacht has added two special events to the weekend kicking off the fun with Victoria's most unique fashion show, Fashion in Action - A Girl's Night Out. Friday November 25 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm the Empress is stirring up cocktails in the Out of Hand Bistro while models strut their stuff on the runway wearing the cool, classy and funky one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories made by the many fine designers who have booths at the fair. A DJ keeps the beat going for a unique holiday shopping experience. This year, Out of Hand is pleased to partner with Victoria’s Cool Aid Society and will offer $2 off the $8 admission if people bring a gently used blanket or coat to the Fair. Cool Aid will distribute the clothing to their clients in need.
On Sunday, Froehle-Schacht is pleased to present local musicians Oliver Swain, Aurora Scott and Three Worlds, who will perform live in the Out of Hand Lounge, starting at 10am. Check put the Out of Hand website for music clips of these artists. The Empress will offer a special breakfast menu to help you start the day off right .
Out of Hand Artisan Fair Schedule
Friday November 25 to Sunday, November 27 @ Crystal Gardens 713 Douglas Street
Nov. 25: 10:00pm – 9:00pm Fashion in Action 6:30 - 9pm
Nov. 26: 10:00am – 6:00pm Free parking in the city parkades 11am-2pm
Nov. 27: 10:00am – 5:00pm Sunday morning acoustic coffee lounge – live entertainment all day
Adults, $8; Senior/Student, $7; Fair Pass, $9; Under 16, free
For your comfort and convenience, the Out of Hand Artisan Fair offers wheelchair access, a mother’s room, a coat/parcel check (run by Santa’s Anonymous), bank machine and central credit card service. For parking suggestions go to www.outofhand.ca
Media enquiries:
Ramona Froehle-Schacht
250-737-1788
ramona@outofhand.ca
http://www.outofhand.ca
Photos available upon request
VICTORIA’S BIGGEST FASHION SHOW:
FASHION IN ACTION: A GIRL’S NIGHT OUT RAMPS UP THE
23RD ANNUAL OUT OF HAND ARTISAN FAIR NOVEMBER 25 TO 27
AT THE CRYSTAL GARDENS
Victoria B.C. November 2, 2011…When 800 people show up for a fashion show, that rocks the runway! The Out Of Hand Artisan Fair struts off to a good start Friday November 25 with the second annual Fashion in Action: A Girl’s Night Out. 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Save $2 on the $8 admission if you bring a gently used blanket or a coat for Victoria’s Cool Aid Society to give to those in need including working poor. www.outofhand.ca
All the fashions are locally designed and made. See the steam-punk accessories from Ian Finch-Field’s amazing collection of leather embellished with brass. Justin Beiber just bought one of his gauntlets. Newcomer Nurit Peria “Talia Designs” originally from Israel, has a stunning line of colourful funky/chic coats, tops and dresses made from unique fabrics assembled with a sharp sense of line. Melissa Ferreira brings the best of Adhesif's hip Main Street shop. The dresses and coats are flattering and one-of-a-kind with her hand-rendered details on vintage fabric. Susan Bishop specializes in coats – each one a pleasure to look at and cozy to wear.
Hats are always both a joy and a problem so when Ramona spotted Lynn Hudson’s Wildish Wear straw hats flying off the shelf at a festival, she asked her to be a part of Out Of Hand. "Everyone who put on one of her hats looked great" said Ramona. Hudson is also bringing beautiful scarves.
“F” at the fair stands for Fascinator - not a hat – not a headband – but very fashionable just now. For the first time SaltSpring Island’s Katie Burke’s imaginative Featherettes will be turning heads. All the fluffy feathers are sustainably sourced as molts from aviaries and farms. It took her a year to find a source for a comfortable headband base that worked.
Adding to the evening, The Empress has prepared special small plates of delicious food for the Out Of Hand Bistro that pops up every year. The Empress 1908 Green Tea cocktail adds to the classy atmosphere.
Two DJs keep the beats going strong. The models are from Barbara Coultish Management.
Expect to hear great music throughout the Fair. Award-winning guitarist Brad Prevedoros, acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Greg Joy and percussion master Neil Golden create exotic sounds as Three Worlds.
Sunday November 27 start the day with jazz and a light brunch in the Sunday Morning Acoustic Coffee Lounge with singer Aurora Scott and Ashley Wey. Guitarist Oliver Swain entertains with his eclectic style of songs and music.
All this is free with the price of admission $8 at the door with proceeds from the coat check going to the CFAX Santa’s Anonymous Fund.
Parking is free November 26 11 am to 2 pm in all City parkades. And as usual parking is free all day Sunday. Hours are November 25 from 10 am to 9 pm; November 26 10 am to 6 pm and November 27 10 am to 5 pm.
For more information:
Joan Athey, Publicist 250-294-6040 joan_athey@yahoo.ca
Ramona Froehle-Schacht, Producer, Out Of Hand Artisan Fair
250-213-2691 rfs@shaw.ca
news release