There are some things that are contagious, the cold, flu, posion ivy even when a person yawns, if you look at them in the process you will yawn as well. Dave White is that common cold you need in your life. This artist has done so much with oil paint, a paintbrush and a canvas he has single handidly changed the way people look at the composition of a sneaker. With is craft in high demand as well as his fashion line the humble Mr. White is gearing up for another exhibition tour to touch and change the way people not only think about the sneaker on their feet whether it’s how it looks, feels or was designed it could inherently change the way people think, look and feel about life. Art has the ability to make people think differently-and with the stroke of a brush Dave White makes people do the same.

Scheme: Describe what the scene(hip hop) was like for you growing up in Liverpool?

Dave White: Very underground and small, there was one club that used to have a hip hop night, all the b-boys, and writers would hook up there. It was awesome I preferred it then to now by a long way. Everyone hotsteppin to Big Daddy Kane’s Set It Off and Mantronix King of the Beats!

Scheme: What first inspired you or ignited you to paint?

Dave White: I have always drawn things for as long as I can remember, when studying at Art college way back in 1987 I discovered oil paint and it just clicked straight away. I have always felt the need to express myself through imagery.

Scheme: Did you ever feel intimidated being in your teens and having your own exhibitions?

Dave White: No it was strange though, especially when I received my first review in a paper with pictures of my work and a photo of me.

Scheme: What was it like having your work next to the likes of Picasso and Hockney?

Dave White: A total honor.

“…every company thinks they can buy a piece of cool. The whole influence sneakers have had on the streetwear industry is phenomenal.”

Scheme: When did you fall in love with sneakers and what were the pair that did it for you?

Dave White: I have been in love with them since the age of seven. I loved them all but a pair that really stood out for me was the Nike Equator-there was something about those that just made me treasure them. From then on saving up and longing for the day when I could afford a new pair, it was so special, and to be honest still is.

Scheme: What has been the biggest changes you’ve seen in the sneaker culture from when you started to the present?

Dave White: Overkill! When I started breaking through, the artist colabs such as Stash’s Nozzle AF1’s and the Supreme Dunk Lows just set the way. Now every company thinks they can buy a piece of cool. The whole influence sneakers have had on the streetwear industry is phenomenal.

Scheme: What was and is it about sneakers that makes you want to recreate them on a canvas?

Dave White: It’s a number of things I love the shape, line, colour and texture, but more importantly I just love them. From the line sketch I make to the finished painting, they are created in such a way that they never ever come out the same and I love that. Using a mass produced object and making it unique is interesting to me.

Scheme: You’ve stated that painting in front of large crowds at first was a little invasive but now you love it. As the people and crowds grow do you ever become claustrophobic?

Dave White: When the paint starts flying I get a bit of space back lol!

Scheme: In all your travels where are some of the illest spots that represent the true essence of sneaker culture?

Dave White: I think Pete and the whole Sneaker Pimps crew have done an amazing job taking the whole essence of this culture to the world. Art, Hip Hop, Skating, toys and of course sneakers. My favorite was China in 2005. 3000 people rocked up and it was insane. I just returned from there a week ago and the whole streetwear sneaker culture has taken over! However, I think New York has to be the rock of this movement.

Scheme: What’s it like to launch your own brand and people are buying it before they even look at what you have created?

Dave White: Well I would say have a good look and feel, the point of the brand is quality. Anyone who has seen the original paintings in the flesh know they are very textured and that’s what the clothing is about-getting as close to the original as possible. We took 2 years out to source the best and people will recognize that in the brand.

Scheme: What is your ultimate goal in all of this? Will you ever be satisfied and can you see yourself ever not painting or creating?

Dave White: I am only as good as my last painting, I live my life like that. That’s why I switch it up, from the sneaker works to ‘The Courts A Battlefield’ Air Force Carrier I just keep pushing myself. Painting is what I do and is my life.

Scheme: What was the feeling like painting while EMPD and Keith Murray were in a booth spitting?

Dave White: Absolutely amazing! I was 15 years old 20 years ago in a record store buying Strictly Business on 12″. To me they are pioneers of rap and mores the point total professionals. To be involved in the De Hop event doing the cover with them was incredible. Youtube has an amazing montage of the night and in 3 hours they killed it!

Scheme: What is your enphatuation with Star Wars and dunks?

Dave White: In 1977 my life was totally changed and would never be the same again after seeing Star Wars. It was then and it is now a lifelong obsession.

Scheme: Would you say you have a weakness when it comes to creating and painting?

Dave White: No

Scheme: Are you still amazed to this day that people come from all over to see you paint a sneaker in your own image?

Dave White: Totally, I think the thing that people talk about and find interesting when they see a painting made, is the process. It becomes quite hypnotic seeing it come to life.

Scheme: Since you began painting do you ever feel like you’ve had a break or minute to soak all of your success in?

Dave White: I love what I do and that’s enough for me I am very grateful.

Scheme: Is there a phrase a lifestyle you live by?

Dave White: You get what you give, peace to all at Scheme and it’s readers!