STITCH DOCTOR - DR. ZVLV
He'll probably not know how to stitch you up should you survive a Cape Town shark attack or give you much needed remedy for that aching wet winter's cough, but DR. ZVLV could probably hook you up with the latest stitches from Nike, in his 2nd floor, walk up, sneaker store, 36 steps is only but the start of many a fresh sneakerhead’s entry ritual into sneakerdom.
"In the information age these tools become weapons in a competitive & hostile environment of technology and people."
DR. ZVLV is an urban visual warrior. The man manipulates a multitude of mediums to express his identity. With a background in graffiti, his designs, illustrations and creations are a product of the good doctor's relationship with the urban space. Most recently he's been working with LEGO®, defining an unpredictable style by constructing mechanical and functional graffiti style letters, based on the little plastic blocks. As he puts it: "Established internationally, "DO©T3® ZVLV" is a scientific experiment in bio-tech chemistry and communications warfare. Through development research it is a catalyst to the manufacture of protective and re-creational products for multicultural photosynthesis and time re-manipulation." He is also the co-founder of Shelflife, a sneaker store in Cape Town.
How did you pick your name - Dr Zulu? Are you a doctor? A Zulu? Both?
When I first started doing graffiti ('98) I wanted to choose a name for myself that would represent me and where I am from, whilst at the same time delivering a personal message that communicated more than just a name. I settled on "zulu" as the foundation to build on, being that it has many meanings and connotations that all fitted with my own psyche. The military alphabet phonetic "Z", the Southern African language and tribe, as well as historically, great warriors. Also the origins of the hip-hop "Zulu Nation" crew and it's philosophy etc. The fact that I'm actually caucasian also has great shock value! Haha.
It wasn't until Futura2000 (NYC graf legend) called me Doctor that I changed it to "DR. ZVLV", which had a great ring to it. I have since taken a scientific approach to what I am with "D.R." representing Development & Research.
Tell us about the sneaker scene in Cape Town...
It's relatively new in international terms, so it's even more fresh and exciting here. There is a lot of potential and growth in the scene and that is what keeps my attention. I can contribute to the scene in my own unique way and hopefully continue to develop with the scene as it expands.
How did your shop SHELFLIFE come to life?
Shelflife originally started with my good friend and partner, to import, supply and distribute high quality spray paint. Streetwear and sneakers came soon after but fitted very well into the bigger concept of the store.
What's all this about "bio-tech chemistry & communications warfare"? Sounds kinda evil?.
Like I said before I have taken a scientific approach to my work and what my name represents. Words, graphics and images are powerful tools for communication. In the information age these tools become weapons in a competitive & hostile environment of technology and people. We are all fighting to speak and be heard amongst the global media mass. Calculated, scientific methods and concepts are valuable allies in a war for human attention.
Where were you born?
I was born in Jozi, 26 February 1976. I moved to Cape Town when I was 12, so I guess you could say I've been here long enough be considered a real Capetonian.
Why do you live in Cape Town?
I think South Africa in general is a good place to be for someone in my shoes. There is a long way to go, but enjoy a challenge and I am set on helping to realise the full potential of this place (and equally my own potential).
How does Cape Town influence/inspire your work?
I am influenced and inspired in many ways by where I live, consciously and sub-consciously, directly and indirectly. Mostly, I think the strong cultures and sheer aesthetic beauty of this place have guided me to be creatively bolder, and forced me to be more critical of my own work.
How did you first start illustrating/ drawing/ making sculptures?
I started tagging on the street with markers and spray paint around '98. Everything else evolved from there. I moved into the digital realm with my first PC designing graphics in Microsoft Word® Funny that. Now I like to experiment with various mediums and media.
What are the every day challenges you have to deal with?
Mostly, I guess like most busy people, I struggle with having enough time in the day Aiso I have a lot of big ideas and plans to realise but am often bogged down with admin and time-consuming issues.
Which places, spaces and landmarks in Cape Town inspire you?
I am mainly inspired by urban spaces. I’m a city kid, so architecture, interior and urban design really get me going. I love how people interact with these spaces. Certainly, the airport and train stations are inspiring - to see people commuting and going places is really motivational.
What is your fondest Nike memory/ pair of shoes/ moment in sport?
It has to be around '99 when NYC graffiti legend FUTURA2000 released a collaborative NIKE BLAZER for a charity auction. It was then when I sat up and went "woah graffiti just took a major leap into the world of sneakers and commerce!?" I knew at that point that it was just a matter of time before I left my own mark in the world of sneakers.
Where can you be found online? (URL/ FB/ TWITTER)?
www.drzuluapproved.blogspot.com
www.shelflife.co.za
www.twitter.com/shelflifestore
www.flickr.com/photos/zulu237
Click here to see Cape/Burg in Google Maps.
"In the information age these tools become weapons in a competitive & hostile environment of technology and people."
DR. ZVLV is an urban visual warrior. The man manipulates a multitude of mediums to express his identity. With a background in graffiti, his designs, illustrations and creations are a product of the good doctor's relationship with the urban space. Most recently he's been working with LEGO®, defining an unpredictable style by constructing mechanical and functional graffiti style letters, based on the little plastic blocks. As he puts it: "Established internationally, "DO©T3® ZVLV" is a scientific experiment in bio-tech chemistry and communications warfare. Through development research it is a catalyst to the manufacture of protective and re-creational products for multicultural photosynthesis and time re-manipulation." He is also the co-founder of Shelflife, a sneaker store in Cape Town.
How did you pick your name - Dr Zulu? Are you a doctor? A Zulu? Both?
When I first started doing graffiti ('98) I wanted to choose a name for myself that would represent me and where I am from, whilst at the same time delivering a personal message that communicated more than just a name. I settled on "zulu" as the foundation to build on, being that it has many meanings and connotations that all fitted with my own psyche. The military alphabet phonetic "Z", the Southern African language and tribe, as well as historically, great warriors. Also the origins of the hip-hop "Zulu Nation" crew and it's philosophy etc. The fact that I'm actually caucasian also has great shock value! Haha.
It wasn't until Futura2000 (NYC graf legend) called me Doctor that I changed it to "DR. ZVLV", which had a great ring to it. I have since taken a scientific approach to what I am with "D.R." representing Development & Research.
Tell us about the sneaker scene in Cape Town...
It's relatively new in international terms, so it's even more fresh and exciting here. There is a lot of potential and growth in the scene and that is what keeps my attention. I can contribute to the scene in my own unique way and hopefully continue to develop with the scene as it expands.
How did your shop SHELFLIFE come to life?
Shelflife originally started with my good friend and partner, to import, supply and distribute high quality spray paint. Streetwear and sneakers came soon after but fitted very well into the bigger concept of the store.
What's all this about "bio-tech chemistry & communications warfare"? Sounds kinda evil?.
Like I said before I have taken a scientific approach to my work and what my name represents. Words, graphics and images are powerful tools for communication. In the information age these tools become weapons in a competitive & hostile environment of technology and people. We are all fighting to speak and be heard amongst the global media mass. Calculated, scientific methods and concepts are valuable allies in a war for human attention.
Where were you born?
I was born in Jozi, 26 February 1976. I moved to Cape Town when I was 12, so I guess you could say I've been here long enough be considered a real Capetonian.
Why do you live in Cape Town?
I think South Africa in general is a good place to be for someone in my shoes. There is a long way to go, but enjoy a challenge and I am set on helping to realise the full potential of this place (and equally my own potential).
How does Cape Town influence/inspire your work?
I am influenced and inspired in many ways by where I live, consciously and sub-consciously, directly and indirectly. Mostly, I think the strong cultures and sheer aesthetic beauty of this place have guided me to be creatively bolder, and forced me to be more critical of my own work.
How did you first start illustrating/ drawing/ making sculptures?
I started tagging on the street with markers and spray paint around '98. Everything else evolved from there. I moved into the digital realm with my first PC designing graphics in Microsoft Word® Funny that. Now I like to experiment with various mediums and media.
What are the every day challenges you have to deal with?
Mostly, I guess like most busy people, I struggle with having enough time in the day Aiso I have a lot of big ideas and plans to realise but am often bogged down with admin and time-consuming issues.
Which places, spaces and landmarks in Cape Town inspire you?
I am mainly inspired by urban spaces. I’m a city kid, so architecture, interior and urban design really get me going. I love how people interact with these spaces. Certainly, the airport and train stations are inspiring - to see people commuting and going places is really motivational.
What is your fondest Nike memory/ pair of shoes/ moment in sport?
It has to be around '99 when NYC graffiti legend FUTURA2000 released a collaborative NIKE BLAZER for a charity auction. It was then when I sat up and went "woah graffiti just took a major leap into the world of sneakers and commerce!?" I knew at that point that it was just a matter of time before I left my own mark in the world of sneakers.
Where can you be found online? (URL/ FB/ TWITTER)?
www.drzuluapproved.blogspot.com
www.shelflife.co.za
www.twitter.com/shelflifestore
www.flickr.com/photos/zulu237
Click here to see Cape/Burg in Google Maps.
