A-Bombshell screenprinted black tee

A-Bombshell (2014)

Concept to illustration-

In 2014, I embarked on the journey from scratch. Wanting to create a tribute to Marilyn, I had to think long and deep to make sure that I came to a design conclusion that wasn’t giving her tattoos or another artistic interpretation that had already been done (or done to death, for that matter.) My recollection of the phrase “bombshell” combined with her famous grate scene provided the inspiration for this piece. Merging the flowing motion of Marilyn’s dress with the intense force of an atomic explosion, this presented a unique challenge. It took many hours of drafts and frustration, and years for closure on this one. To top it off, I added an urban element with the Chuck Taylor’s- an all-time classic & contemporary sneaker of that time. The A-Bombshell tattoo on my forearm executed by Harry Color of Seoul, South Korea, cemented it. One of the top designs in my portfolio.

Explosive impact & enduring legacy-

I grew up admiring old black & white images from the silver screen era. I was particularly infatuated when the subject was Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe. Their timeless allure captivated my imagination at an innocent age. Marilyn Monroe and her famous “Seven Year Itch” movie from 1955 gave us an iconic all-time image of her halter dress billowing directly above a 63rd & Lexington subway grate. My attempt at witticism is found in the title “A-Bombshell” combined with an atomic bomb’s mushroom cloud replacing Monroe’s head and shoulders. She was known to the world as the “blonde bombshell” and I made sure it was in a literal sense with this piece. The explosive impact of Monroe and her enduring effects on society has been that of legend and unforgettable stature in American history.

T-shirt Details:

3.4 oz. 100% ringspun cotton

Specs & Sizing:

Sizes: S - 3XL