SCOTTISH VISUAL ARTIST CRAIG BLACK IS RIGHT ON THE BALL WITH HIS TRIBUTE TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
176 LIFESTYLE
HE PAINTS , HE CREATES , HE SCORES !
SCOTTISH VISUAL ARTIST CRAIG BLACK IS RIGHT ON THE BALL WITH HIS TRIBUTE TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
It ’ s the ball that scores the goal of universal dreams . The ball that everyone remembers . The ball that glints orange , white and blue as it slips past outstretched hands into the roar of glory .
And , earlier this month , he was commissioned to make unique trophies and medals in Chivas Regal ’ s distinctive , muted colours and his signature fusion technique for the Chivas Regal Game Day 2023 held at Old Trafford in advance of the first clash of the season .
It is the ball that Scottish international artist Craig Black unveiled in August in his own unique tribute to the Champions League , the world ’ s greatest club competition and a contest with a special place in fans ’ hearts .
In a personal contribution to the game , Greenock-based Craig , who has won international fame for his bespoke artwork , live performance art and his signature Acrylic Fusion technique , has created the Champions League Inspired Fusion Football .
Mirroring the constellation of stellar global players who make the League magic , the new ball ’ s white stars are held in a sky of swirling , mesmerising blues bound in lines of sunrise orange .
Craig , who in an earlier life played professional football himself , said : “ I remember seeing Champions League games at Hampden Park in Glasgow and revelling in the unbelievable atmosphere .
“ Watching Zinedine Zidane volley the ball into the top corner – the arc of its flight , the power and the accuracy – is etched into my memory and I wanted to create a football
which would be worthy of such momentous occasions .
“ With every rotation of the ball , a new Acrylic Fusion pattern emerges while staying consistent as a whole . It would be my dream to someday see the ball played by the stars of the Champions League .”
The Champions League Inspired Fusion Football is the latest in a series of sporting tributes masterminded in Craig ’ s studio which are attracting ever greater attention from the world of sport and art alike .
During Wimbledon this year , his Game , Set and Fusion transformed a racquet and tennis balls into artworks which distil the essence of the game , as well as creating a unique canvas which captures its power .
Craig has won admirers on a global scale thanks to his signature expression , an analogue process of hand pouring layers of acrylic paint to create a unique effect , loved by brands , galleries and art collectors alike .
He has collaborated with a wide range of partners – from creating bespoke football artworks with FIFA at the World Cup to producing iconic basketballs with Wilson and the NBA , making beautiful packaging with Mucho , transforming a unique speaker system with Wisdom Audio and creating a one of a kind custom bike frame for Ribble Cycles .
Craig ’ s work has been celebrated and exhibited across the world : from London and New York to Sydney and Dubai . He is also known across the public speaking circuit for sharing his inspirational creative journey at conferences and creative events around the world .
For further information about Craig Black please contact : Greenock Workshops , 11 Terrace Road , Greenock , Inverclyde , PA15 1DJ , United Kingdom . T : + 44 ( 0 ) 7939 182 969 . Enquiries : alison @ craig . black . W : craig . black
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 60 2023