Artist Series: Chet Malinow

We found Chet by scrolling through the IG feed one day - he had hand painted a Ritte bike frame with his trademark calligraphic characters. We were so struck by what he had created that we wanted to reach out to see if he was available (and interested in) collaborating with us on our first sock drop. 

Chet is a really kind and enthusiastic person - he was down! We worked out details and he provided us with a few sketches to choose from. From there we digitized and laid out the artwork which made up the Chet Malinow x Bummerland sock. We love the end results! 

Man with bicycle standing next to a trail

We wanted to share a little bit more about Chet here on the blog, see our Q + A below: 

B-LAND: Hey Chet! Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

CM: What up Bummerland! My name is Chet Malinow and I am an artist based in Portland, Oregon. Sending it by day, creating by night. Well, to be honest I’m in my studio most of the day, everyday. I grew up in Portland, lived in Missoula and Eugene for a little while and now I am back! I try to be on a bike as much as possible between mural and painting projects.

Photo of a mural painted on a wall in an office

B-LAND: What are some of the influences for your work? 

CM: Graffiti writers like Rime, Neckface, Pose, and Revok have been huge influences on my work. I am also extremely into the work of pop artist like Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist. 

photo of the top of a hand painted bike, view from handle bars back

B-LAND: What bikes are you riding right now? What does cycling look like for you? 

CMCurrently my main shred sled is a Boltcutter Peacemaker. Check out their website, some solid bike porn. I also love my Cinelli Vigorelli but she is in storage right now due to a bummed knee. 

photo of a mural in office blue green orange yellow black

B-LAND: What are some of your other hobbies? Any good music you're listening to? 

CM: Hobby-wise, I love playing piano/drums. Currently working on an album as well as forming the most epic band of all time! Music - Daniel Norgren, Neal Francis, Black Sabbath, Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, Pond, Sault, Madonna, Gus Dapperton, Santigold, Dale Hawkins, Rare Earth. A little overboard, but I always get excited with solid music recommendations.   

B-LAND: Chet, you should make monthly playlists or something... this is a solid mix!

hand painted artwork  

B-LAND: Are there any upcoming projects that we should keep an eye out for? 

CM: Yes! I am beyond hyped for my collaboration with Biciclista. There will be a whole kit and boxset. Bout to be Lit AF. Working on a few mural projects this summer, potentially a project with Calfee Bikes, and a secret project with Chas Christiansen/ Deluxe. 

man playing piano wearing a long sleeve tee and beanie in a room with a window

B-LAND: Would you collaborate with us again? 

CMHAHA are you serious?! DUHHHHH  

B-LAND: STOKED!!! :) 

image of pink, black, and grey socks laying flat on concrete

We were sooo excited to get to work with you, Chet - thank you for sharing your art with us! Looking forward to working with you again in the future! 

Check out more of his work at his website: http://chetmalinow.com/

If you'd like to buy yourself a pair of the Chet Malinow x Bummerland socks head to this link

 

 

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