Out The Blue - A Collaboration Project

With the official launch of the popup shop by Out The Blue, I felt it was the perfect moment to write a feature in the Journal.

OTB is a joint venture between a mother and her son. If you are following me on FB, you may already know that the mother is me.

My youngest son, Austin, is a talented artist and musician. He came to me with the idea of creating branded apparel showcasing Indiana-based artists, including himself.

Being a fan of all things artistic, naturally, I couldn't refuse! Our shop launched with four original designs by Austin and one design co-created with Core Gould.

When I asked what inspires him in his conception of art, Austin says “There’s something crucial about surreal art that has always caught my attention. Things that appear normal, but then you notice; it is not all that it seems.

“In a way, you could relate it to the dreamy output of something you’re trying to remember or visualize in your brain. It won’t be picture perfect for most of us, leading to a hazy, often morphing image in your thought process.

“There are many things that inspire us as we are young, and as we get older. Our style, our fashion, our taste in music. So, by experimenting with nostalgic ideas to “replicate” those inspirations, we can find ourselves bringing that style back in a modern way that appeals to us now.

“In a sense, we are furthering the stuff that we enjoyed once before. The surreal part.. well, changing it up makes it all the more fun to experience. Everyday life is as normal as it gets; art can be the window out!”

Out The Blue will also serve as the main outlet for assisting local bands with apparel merchandise.

There is a launch promotion running from October 13-26, offering a 10% discount on all items. Visit the shop here: OTB-Brand.printify.me.

I look forward to witnessing the growth of this small shop and to featuring other local artists in the future.

If you want to check out Austin’s music, Sasquatch Oni, you can find him on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.