Waves For Water (W4W), the non-profit that has helped millions of people in more than 27 countries gain access to clean water, announced today the release of a limited-edition collection of exclusive t-shirts designed by iconic California artists. Each of the Artists For Water were asked to create a design based on their interpretation of the organization’s mission: to get clean water to every single person who needs it. All proceeds from the t-shirts ($32) will directly fund Waves For Water’s global programs.
“If Waves For Water does a t-shirt, how is it different? “asked Jon Rose, founder of Waves for Water. “With that question as inspiration, we asked a few of our talented friends to create a t-shirt that interprets who we are and what we do. No limitations.”
“The resulting collections are amazing pieces of original art that truly communicate the spirit of Waves For Water. We’re honored and humbled by the efforts of each artist and are excited to share them with our community. Beyond funding important programs across the globe, these t-shirts will serve as a badge that our supporters can share with the world.”
Each of the five artists came to the project with a unique and personal inspiration behind their artwork. Natas Kaupas added, “What I really like about Waves For Water is the direct influence you have on helping someone. You bring a filter with you on your travels, teach someone how to use it and now they have clean water. It struck me as that idea of a ripple effect. This is what I tried to create in my t-shirt.”
Designs range from Stussy’s iconic handwritten font, to Kassia Meador’s bold ombre-hued interpretation of clean water. In addition to t-shirts, sweatshirts ($69) and hats ($35) are also available.
Launching on May 15th with Thomas Campbell’s design, each artist’s product will be available for purchase for a limited 10-day period on the W4W site. For more information and to sign-up for an email notification of the artists’ launch dates visit: www.artists.wavesforwater.org
About Waves For Water:
W4W was founded by Jon Rose in 2009 as a way for travelers to do what they love and help along the way. The organization launched with a program called the Courier Program – a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) distribution network of travelers who carry water filters in their luggage, eliminating the distribution challenges faced by philanthropic aid programs. Since then, W4W has reached nearly seven million people in more than 27 countries including Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Haiti, Brazil, Liberia, Mexico, India and Colombia. The organization was the first non-profit to team up with a U.S. military battalion in an active war zone to help people in need along the Kunar River in Afghanistan. In addition to a primary focus around providing access to clean water, they coordinate and execute natural disaster relief efforts around the world.
About the Artists:
Shawn Stussy grew up in California surfing and shaping surfboards before becoming a pioneer of street fashion design and founding the brand Stüssy. In the 80s and 90s he designed album covers for bands such as Big Audio Dynamite. He now quietly owns a low-key, evolving brand called S/Double.
Kassia Meador is a professional long boarder and lifestyle photographer from Malibu, California. Known for her grace and style in surfing, she’s been featured in three surfing films and a music video for Norah Jones and Billy Joel Armstrong. She currently has her own line of wetsuits called Kassia + Surf.
Natas Kaupas, a commercial artist and art director, grew up in Santa Monica, California (Dogtown) surfing and skating. He became one of the first professional street skaters and established moves that are commonplace in street skating today. His artistic talents were uncovered while recovering from a skating injury and he went on to work in design and art for brands such as Quicksilver and Element Skateboards.
Andy Davis is a Southern Californian surfer with a knack for producing art that makes people feel good. His often-faceless subjects and clean lines represent a universal interpretation of the moments found in surfing. Over the past two decades Andy has been the driving force behind several successful surf brands – Free, Byrd and Ando & Friends – all of which featured his art.
Thomas Campbell grew up surfing and skating in Southern California. He is a self-taught multi-media artist whose work features bold colors, graphic forms and text. He is the director of multiple surf films including The Seedling, Spout and The Present.
