“Everyone has something special about them”

Chloe Farrant

Steve McCracken

How long have you worn spectacles for, and what prompted you to go for your first sight test?

I’ve worn spectacles for about 25 years. When I was in primary school an optician came in and gave us all eye tests. I couldn't read the letters. I can’t really remember my reaction but I don’t think I was too keen as glasses weren’t considered cool then. I love wearing glasses now, and they are definitely part of my identity.

How many pairs of spectacles/sunglasses do you own?

I currently have three pairs of glasses and two pairs of sunglasses.

What frame shapes, colours or styles do you usually go for?

The classic thick rims with a tortoise shell design and usually quite circular.

Can you describe your favourite pair?

My favourite pair is slightly different. It is a Bird Eyewear pair called ‘Blackcap.’ They are two-toned and made from wood.

Who would you pick as your style icon when it comes to eyewear?

It has to be Johnny Depp in Secret Window. He used to wear Moscot glasses a lot, which I think are cool.

What does good vision and eye health mean to you?

It is so important to me. I am a painter, so I am always looking at my pictures close-up and far away. I would be lost without my glasses. You have got to look after your eyes – you only get one pair.

Steve McCracken (NONE HERE) paints birds all over the UK

How important is eyewear to reflecting your personality?

I feel like I look a bit of an idiot in all other styles of glasses, so I stick to the thick frames and they have become part of my identity I guess.

What are your top tips for selecting the right pair of frames?

Just one: try every pair in the shop on. That’s what I usually do, the frames find you.

The frames find you

How did the collaboration with Bird Eyewear come about?

Steve’s recognisable work is inspired by everyday life

Could you tell us about the design for the Bird cloth, made as part of your collaboration with Bird Eyewear? What were the inspirations or ideas behind the design?

It is a design I call ‘Pigeon Head Chaos.’ It is made up of a repetition of my signature bird head symbol with one coloured in. The single coloured-in bird head represents the individual, whilst the others stand for the issues and challenges we face day-to-day. At the same time, it expresses the idea that everyone has something special about them. You have something special about you, as does the person next to you, and the person next to them.

Working with Bird was great, Ed is so friendly, it was like I had known him for years. We had a chat and the ‘Chaos’ piece suited the project perfectly. They are such a cool company, it was an honour to be asked.

Could you tell us about your approach to making art accessible and drawing on everyday life?

All of my work is inspired in a way by everyday life. Birds have always featured in my paintings but whilst I was living in London they became more colourful and watery. I missed the sea and while I was unable to keep coming back, these bird became my ocean in a way. Being surrounded by loads of street art, I was inspired to take them to the streets, painting and pasting them everywhere. It was like I was bringing the ocean to the city, a sense of escape and the feeling that I get whilst surfing, to passers-by.