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Giving artists the opportunity to have their work presented in a credible manner is something anyone with a creative bone longs for. The presentation is necessary for the work to carry its maximum possible impact.

My Yard clothing store have provided a host of Bristolian illustrators and street artists the opportunity for clothing to be the canvas in a mutual relationship that has given talented creatives a brilliant way to have their designs exposed to the wider public.

Through showcasing a number of artists’ designs on the clothing sold within the store, My Yard openly encourages new and fresh artists to submit designs for consideration. Many of these have found their way onto T-Shirts and jumpers and onto the backs of the fashion conscious Bristol public. The simplicity of the model means people have the opportunity to own some wearable art rather than just logos and obvious branding.

Started in October 2006 by two young entrepreneurs - Jake Phillips and Tim Chapman, the original concept store initially opened in the top floor of BS8 and has gradually expanded over the course of four years. After taking the shop front of BS8 in December 2007, the store’s popularity and continued success has meant they now reside in their own shop on Park Street (formerly Khoi) and have been able to expand and introduce even more artists, designs and clothes into the My Yard fold. This has included opening a ladies section down stairs.

In order to give the artists in question the credit they deserve, My Yard has a number of light-boxes with descriptions of the artists whose designs adorn the clothing in the store. It’s a homage to those whose work has made the store such a success.

A varied roster of artists such as Cheba with his graffiti styling, Ben Normanton’s big and bold homage to skateboard graphics and Jon5’s twisted cityscapes, make the designs genuinely varied in dynamic, colour and style.

The original concept for My Yard was rooted in the name as Jake explains: “We wanted the store to have a rustic feel, that fitted in with the concept and themes of inclusivity and to act as a platform for new and aspiring artists in Bristol.”

The My Yard model has certainly been a huge influence on other clothing brands. Imprints such as Love the Leaf and Grizzly Nights have benefited from Jake and Tim, who have assisted them in moving forward and creating their own brand.

Tim is especially pleased with the influence My Yard has had on artists who see the store as a credible and viable platform for their work to be presented. “We are always happy for people to send in artworks”, Tim explains. “People are still amazed there is a clothing shop in Bristol showcasing Bristol artists.”

With a whole new design series just released and the new store taking shape, the My Yard brand continues to be a the forefront of street art and forward thinking Bristolian street artists.


http://www.my-yard.com


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