Ornot Commissions - Chris McNally – Ornot Online Store

Ornot Commissions - Chris McNally

Ornot operates with three main principles; Offer clothing with minimal branding and high-quality design, Make it here in the USA, and Connect with our community through rides, events, and projects. Giving a nod to the latter, we're pleased to introduce Ornot Commissions, a new initiative to connect with our community through artistic collaborations. With that being said, we are happy to introduce our first project with artist Chris McNally.

The man himself.

Chris McNally is a San Francisco based artist and cyclist. He’s known in circles ranging from dirtbag race organizers to fine art gallery curators. His work is a mix of watercolor sketch, screen prints, and film making. It conjures up thoughts of the better times, even at the best of times. Warm easy going lucid vibes ooze from his thick sharpie and outside-the-lines watercolor. He is a highly talented artist, and we are very lucky to have been able to work with him on this new project.

Birthday buddies 4eva<3

Chris and Matt met for the first time a couple years ago at the inaugural Grinduro. Matt was on a solo trip celebrating his birthday basking in the experience. As it turns out, Chris was on a very similar trip - having just turned 40 - and on the EXACT same day. Birthday twinsies! It was like the universe had ordained their participation – Thanks universe! This union grew over the next year and while talking at their second Grinduro/Birthday, they cooked up an idea to collaborate on something special.

McNally to Ornot

Chris had one requirement - whatever created had to be functional, and pretty. Working together on a special edition Bar Bag/MacGyver set seemed like the obvious choice - a dash of function mixed with a big chunk of beautiful. Being able to print on the Bar Bag and MacGyver sets apart our Rickshaw projects. We knew printing limits would eventually be pushed, and this might be the perfect opportunity to test. After a few quick sample prints it became evident that Chris' watercolor style was going to work perfectly on the bags. Soon after, Chris hit the grindstone and came up with this composition, specific to SF and the two brands.

You, us and the in-between.

The bags tell the story of two entities in San Francisco and the space between them. A map from Bernal Heights to the Haight, from Chris to Ornot. Taking notes along the way and sketching the scenes of everyday life in the city. The leaf sweeper, that old VW, the house on this hill and the trees on that one. You might not be able to come ride the city with us, but you can grab this little piece of that experience and strap it to your bike.

In Conclusion.

This project turned out too good. A beautiful functional piece relating to both Ornot and Chris' connection to cycling and the city of San Francisco. Think of this bag as a Hidden Picture puzzle full of personal experiences and unique SF treasures. A visual scavenger hunt to experience on the ride. We can't wait to strap these on our bikes and head out on our own city adventure.