Unkl, Sam And Amerikan Wasteland

Portland | Dan Hagan

Arriving at the time the Amerikan Wasteland opening was suppose to be finished hecklewood’s store was still packed with people out on the sidewalk. I knew it would still be going on. With UNKL, the place was sure to be filled all night even though they left earlier.Sam Huff of hecklewood explained the concept behind the project as kind of hybrid between the idea of Texas as representing everything that is driving the country into a wasteland. Greed, coruption and oil.

The inspiration for the “Amerikan Wasteland” was an art exhibit featuring these huge photographs of beautiful scenery and wildlife. Well activists had come in to the opening and in the middle of it threw thick oil on the photo’s then took pic’s of it. Above the animals dripping in oil it read “Brought to you by Exxon Mobil”.

Also I had the chance to peep hecklewood’s new line with clever twists on old cultural icons. Instead of Miami Vice, My Only Vice. From Grateful Dead to Thankfully Dead. Even Dave of hello minor and new father made two apperances.