eddy sykes updates the notion of an old tire swing with a contemporary mindset

eddy sykes updates the notion of an old tire swing with a contemporary mindset  
(above) the construction of the piece takes over one hundred hours of hand forming, stitching, sewing and assembly
all images courtesy of eddy sykes

a new and fresh interpretation of a classic icon of simpler times from los angeles-based artist eddy sykes combines the concepts of what we remember to be fun and carefree, and what we desire in our contemporary lives. a tire swing hung from an enormous old oak tree tucked into the background landscape of a summer cottage or lake house is a memory most of us have as a child. visually, its proportions are standardized and constant, even the smell of the rubber can be recalled to an almost exacting degree. it’s function was questionable, as it was never intended for its final configuration, but it worked none the less.

the result, a handcrafted leather and bronze luxury interpretation of the classic tire swing

the artist has taken the notion of that swing, and simply updated it into a contemporary mindset. the result, a handcrafted leather and bronze luxury interpretation of the classic tire swing called the ‘rubicon swing’. the construction of the piece takes over one hundred hours of hand forming, stitching, sewing and assembly. premium leather hides are chosen, cut and hand-dyed before they are shaped and formed using custom tooling made by the artist. the leather is wetted and stretched over a sculpted two-piece form, and left to dry. once all of the parts are dried and fitted, the assembly is sewn together using saddle making techniques employed by a master leather worker.

premium leather hides are chosen, cut and hand-dyed

the swings protruding three-dimensional forms are reminiscent of old tractor tire treads, but are actually geometrically stylized gothic arch compositions. each swing is then edged and heat burnished using the same waxes, dyes and processes employed in the preeminent lux atelier’s of europe: a time consuming and extremely exacting craft that is executed by only the most skilled craftsman in the studio. of course hand made bronze hardware details round out the piece with a touch of showmanship.

each ‘rubicon swing’ is signed and numbered by the artist, in a limited edition of ten.

once all of the parts are dried and fitted, the assembly is sewn together using saddle making techniques

the swings protruding three-dimensional forms are reminiscent of old tractor tire treads

custom formed leather dies

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom