Too true, Toofly!

by Rachel Smith and Lori Lobenstine

FSF and Toofly go back a year or so. I caught up with her when she had some of her beautiful work up at Laces Ladies' Sneaker Boutique in NYC. As soon as I saw her powerful female character, so comfortable in herself, I thought, "I can just tell that girl wears fly sneakers". Well, a year has passed, including collaborating on a few gigs together, eating some great ba-bim-bop, and creating a truly beautiful FSF logo, and we're finally getting around to the big questions: What does Toofly wear on her feet?

How long have you been doing art?

I have been drawing since I was very, very little. I have drawings dating back to the age of 4! Non-stop.

When was Toofly created?

My cousin Chilly gave me the name Toofly in 1992. He was the very first person who introduced me to black books and "alias names" at a young age. I did not know the real meaning to these books until I attended high school and got to view my environment in a whole different way. I took the 7 train every day from Corona Queens into the city to go to school. The rooftops and streets were covered with graffiti tags, outlines, and fill-ins. There was a whole underground group of people communicating their existence loud, and clear, and free. I was drawn to it even more so when I saw that it wasn't just "writer names" making a mark, but some used character drawings to represent themselves too.

This is how I met Sabe, and in '92 Toofly the "girl mark" became a representation of who I was, and who I wanted to be. My character and my name became one and I took it upon myself from that point to "get up" in any way, shape, or form.

Who inspired Toofly?

Toofly is inspired by my own individual experience growing up in New York in the 90's. It was the end of the subway era and the rise of street bombing. Toofly presented what did not really exist at the time: a female character icon representing women rising up in the culture.

What kind of sneakers do you think she wears?

LOL...uhm Nikes.

So how about YOUR sneaker game?

Since I do rock kicks, I make sure they look good on my 6's. I have a little variety, but only because my boyfriend laces me up from time to time. I have a few Air Jordans now: 3’s, 4’s, and 5's in a variety of colors, some brown with cream and purple swoosh low dunks that I like very much, and my all time favorite checkered vans and Chuck Taylor Converse in black, white, and brown. They are all so chill, and they go with my style: classic, clean, and true school. As far as maintenance I just try to keep them clean as best I can. It's hard when you’re in dirty ass crowded New York!

My game is more art, and design, but one of the coolest projects I was involved in when it came to kicks was the MOTUG and JB Classics collaboration in ‘04. I was the only female involved in a limited edition series which featured some of the greatest talents in graffiti like NYC Lase, Futura, Ewok, Ces, Ghost, Dizmology, Shephard Fairey, and Doze Green.

I have since then been asked to do custom kicks projects for magazines, photo shoots, and showcases like Sneaker Pimps, but that's about it. I would like to pursue a deal with a big company to release my own exclusive design based on my signature character but…so many people have done it already it gets kind of lame when everybody jumps the boat.

So I would say my sneaker game is more about how my art and design work is applied to sneakers. I admire the ladies out there that are into this way more than I could ever be. I agree that there is a beauty and art in the design of sneakers. I'm just not sure if I am the type to get seriously into it. Those that are really in the game and follow it to the T, can go and collect my kicks!

Tell us a little more about your art.

My art is my life. It’s what feeds me, and what keeps me alive day after day. If not for my art I would be a lost soul. I have been blessed with this gift to create, so I try to do good with it and share as much as I can. I am passionate about illustration and design so I do a lot of pieces on paper, canvas, computer, and walls. I have also started to transfer my work into my independent line of fashion accessories and paper goods. I feel the possibilities are endless for what I can do. That is why you guys see me doing everything from customizing kicks, toys, and cars, to painting large 20-foot walls, to blowing people away with my canvas work. I'm extremely versatile and it makes life that much more interesting.

How has it been being a female graf artist?

To me it has been a bittersweet experience. The "UGLY" in people still exists no matter what cultural bubble you’re in, so you have to just try to overcome the beast wherever it exists. As a female minority in this culture I can only do my best to lead and bring change, because I do genuinely care. The bigger picture is more important to me now than ever before. I believe that equal representation is the only way to balance things out in this world, otherwise you get too much of one idea across and that is never fair.

Does being a female in the graf scene give you more opportunities, more hassles, what?

It depends how you choose to put yourself out there. There is opportunity for everyone at this time. It is up to the individual male or female. I don't think it matters anymore. The world is up for grabs; it’s just what you intend to make of it that really matters now.

Where do you see street culture going in the future?

I think it will continue to evolve and fuse itself with other cultures, styles, and new technology. It will dig into the past over and over again, tap into the future, and in the present continue to adapt to the ever-changing environment.

What inspired your design for the FSF logo?

I was inspired by the idea that a female sneaker collective was being created. I have always been motivated when females take it upon themselves and just do it! I wanted to develop the true essence of women in this culture, the sneaker fanatics, lovers, and collectors. The sneaker is the female icon, and the words are the powers that make it come to life.

Well, don't think this is the end of the story! We have more schemes to plan together, more of the world to make safe for every female sneaker fiend and her dreams. In the meantime, if you want to cop some t-shirts, bags, or other art, or just learn more, check Toofly at:

www.tooflydesign.com or www.myspace.com/tooflyshop