For the holidays, Unshackled and The Prisoner Wine Company have teamed up with award-winning Canadian street artist Ben Johnston to create a limited-edition wine gift that exudes urban edge and fearless creativity. Known for his bold designs, like the striking “TOGETHER” mural in Strathcona, Ben brings his signature style to Unshackled’s Cabernet Sauvignon. We caught up with Ben to discuss his creative process, the inspiration behind this exclusive project, and how he blends street art with high-end fashion and branding. —Noa Nichol
What inspired your design for Unshackled’s limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon sleeve, and how did you approach incorporating the word “FEARLESS” into the artwork?
Being FEARLESS is a bold endeavour, so it was important that the three-dimensional letting work reflect that boldness in large type with heavy contrast between the black background and gold lettering.
Your work spans street art, fashion, and brand collaborations. How did your experiences in these fields influence the bold, urban design you created for Unshackled?
Over the past decade I’ve had the opportunity to work on different mediums, in different countries and with a variety of brands that have all played a role in the designs you see you today on this cylindrical sleeve for Unshackled’s Cabernet Sauvignion.
The cylindrical sleeve for Unshackled’s Cabernet Sauvignon mimics a spray paint can. How does this unique packaging concept tie into your identity as a street artist, and what message do you hope it conveys to consumers?
Typically I work on flat surfaces but it is always an appealing challenge when one element strays from the norm; in this case the shape of the product. It also happens to be an interesting nod to my background as a street artist where spraypaint was the tool most utilized. My hope is that consumers pick up this wine and are reminded that we all have fearlessness inside of us but that sometimes we just need to open up and let it breathe.
You’ve worked with prestigious brands like Dior and Samsung Canada. How does collaborating with Unshackled and The Prisoner Wine Company differ, and what excites you most about this partnership?
New partnerships always bring new experiences, but fegardless of the client, the hope is to have open dialogue with the brand to bring their vision to life through artwork. Working with The Prisoner Wine company was seamless, from concept to finished product and I feel confident that their vision is showcased in this unique sleeve for the Cabernet Sauvignion.
With only 1,000 units of the limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon available, how do you hope collectors and wine enthusiasts will connect with your artwork this holiday season?
I think the limited edition aspect only adds to making this a special gift this holiday season and of course, a collectors item. This is a once-off piece and not something to be missed.
Photos by Anthony Tucci
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