Silca x Chris McNally Artist Edition HX-One Tool Kits

Since Silca was reborn in the US in 2014, we have loved mixing cycling and art and have a history of supporting those who mixed art and cycling. Most often the canvas would be a SuperPista Ultimate, or Impero frame pump painted to match custom bicycles. From Speedvagen, Pegoretti, and Richard Sachs, and on to No.22 and Firefly, our pumps have been turned into custom works of art by these frame builders and painters. We have done collaborations on tool rolls with the likes of Dustin Klein and collaborated with Caitlin Fielder on a series of artist edition pumps! I, Richard the Marketing Director here at Silca, even collaborated with the brand on art projects in 2015, 9 years before I came here full time. Now for the first time ever we are bringing art to our HX-One tool kits. With the Silca X McNally Artist Edition HX-One Tool Kit. 

For our first Silca Artist Edition HX-One tool kit, We have collaborated with Chris McNally (@the.scorps) a prolific American illustrator and painter based in San Francisco. If you don't know Chris, but are in the cycling world you are sure to have seen his work. As what I would consider the premier "cycling illustrator" Chris has worked with numerous brands from New Belgium, Ibis, Blackburn, all the way to ESPN. His distinct watercolor and line based work captures cycling in a way few else can. Earlier this year I spent a day in his studio documenting both his work process on the Silca Artist Edition HX-One Tool Kits and his space in general. Personally as an illustrator, I have a profound respect for Chris's work, (to the point where his art hangs in my living room) it's instantly recognizable in the cycling space and at the same time always feels fresh. To be on the art director side of this project was such a joy and bringing something unique into the cycling world, is why I think we both do what we do. 

Chris's studio is a visual candy store. Filled with natural light and texture, colors, samples, and sketching/paintings on every surface imaginable. Vintage bikes are in the rafters and and the tools of his craft(s) are well organized. It's a perfect mix of his art everywhere and tools hyper organized ready to create. Subjects range from birds and nature to cheese curds and cars. Large works from past projects adorn the walls, and just about every inch of the space is designed. When you walk in, you are fully immersed in McNally's world.

For this Artist Edition HX-One Tool Kit project Chris drew one of his favorite ride locations in San Francisco, we then laser engraved each HX-One beechwood box at Silca HQ. Chris (who used to own a print shop) used a mix of printing techniques and hand painting for each box. Each painted box is truly unique, Chris painted different variations of the boxes based on how the seasons changed the landscape and how light changed at the location. A common theme in his work. 

These hand painted HX-One Kits will be blind boxed and mixed into a run of 40 kits with only Chris' design laser engraved. By purchasing you have a 1 in 5 shot at receiving a hand painted and signed box. 

While Chris worked, he was kind enough to let me explore his space, I flip through sketch books, and rifled through drawers of paintings, prints, and old screens. We chatted about music, art, bikes and our own paths as illustrators to where we are in our careers today. Both of us having a background in screen printing and collaborations in the cycling space. As well as a deep love of vintage bikes, though his is on the MTB side and mine vintage Cannondales.

We took turns sharing music and had a really enjoyable day. Chris, is everywhere, and every time i've run into him he either has a camera, sketch book, or is actively painting/printing/drawing on location. It was nice to slow down and simply observe his process, without the hustle and bustle of a Grinduro or Sea Otter interfering. 

As the viewer I tend to find Chris's work as an illustrated Polaroid (but always with better lighting). He has a knack for quickly capturing moments and setting moods. His work is playful, tonal and generally brings joy. He's one of the few that can capture a singular moment from a bicycle ride, share that with the world and make you feel like you have been there or were right there with him. Which I feel like is an undeniable sign of his talent.

The Silca x McNally Artist Edition HX-One tool kits will launch blind boxed. They will be mixed in with the laser engraved only box. Meaning when you purchase you have a one in six chance to get a hand painted box. After all whats life without a little risk? 

• Blind Boxed each purchase either gets laser engrave or hand painted.
• 1-6 Chance to get the hand painted version 
• No upcharge on Artist Edition.

In edition to the Artist Edition HX-One tool kits, Chris' work has been applied to a new Silca T-shirt for those who already have our HX-One Tool Kit. Featuring his drawing in a three color fade on the back with a one color McNally edition Silca Shield on the front. 

Below is the full gallery of my day in San Francisco with Chris. We are beyond excited to collaborate with Chris and plan to to more of these Artist Edition projects in the future. Helpfully keeping more t-shirts in stock too.