If you hadn’t heard of Luke Shirlaw or ‘Dyms’ before, you haven’t been paying close enough attention to Ironlak. Luke has been the creative backbone of the Ironlak brand from it’s conception in 2002 to present day. We often joke in the office about what Ironlak would be without him; and we must say, it’d be a hell of a lot different. From the first Ironlak can design, to our rebrand, and retail launches in 2016, Luke has been at the reins guiding the black, white, and magenta into the beast that it is today.
As we send Luke on to greener pastures we just had to run a blogpost to seal and solidify what has been an incredible journey. Luke’s impact has been as wide as it is deep, stretching from continent to continent; documenting, representing, and committing himself to the high standards that have ultimately lead to such a vast and uncompromised portfolio of work that leaves the most savvy of photographers, creatives, and marketing experts in awe.
Here’s a few kind words and stories from some of the crew. There’s a little bit here to digest, so surround yourself with your favourite Ironlak memorabilia and enjoy the ride. We know we did.
“Dymsy it’s been an incredible journey from you designing the first Ironlak can when we were flatmates in Spring Hill, through to building this thing globally, factory constructions, road trips, hectic road trips like driving from Split to Warsaw non-stop. Space cake in Amsterdam and you sleeping 16 hours straight. Getting wasted on 4 Loco’s in NYC. Rolling out flagship stores and developing a full range of art products while we re-branded products and launched a website, all at the same time. It’s been a hell of a ride bro, and I mean bro in the truest sense of the word. You’ve helped lay an incredible foundation to carry forward, and I know you’ll kill it on your next stop. No matter where you are, or what you’re doing your Lak Fam for life!!!” -Levi Ramsey (Company founder and CEO)
“Luke is such a lovable rad person. One of the coolest, most talented, most sincere motherfuckers I’ve met in this ‘whole miserable subculture’. Just recently after returning from a painting trip in Bali, I was asked about the political climate there regarding Sharia Law. I responded by saying “Bali is More Shirlaw than Sharia Law”. -I stand by that statement. Luke is the polar opposite of Sharia Law. Best wishes in your next chapter Playboy – Love you bro!” -EWOK (Ironlak Family)
“Probably one of my most memorable stories of Dyms was in NY. We were having some casual drinks at Enue’s place. Someone prompted Dymsy to shotgun some 4Locos. Which funnily enough didn’t take much encouragement, and eventually he smashed back three or four in a matter of minutes. Dyms was instantly in the zone, and someone was like “Yo let me paint your face!” and, it was on.
So after the joys of watching Sofles recreate the “Mike Tyson Tattoo” on the side of his face and Jersey Joe did these cool af cats eyes on his eyelids that lit up everytime he blinked or closed his eyes. He was gone!!
Before we knew it was nearly 3am. Dyms was throwing up off the balcony (a few floors) onto the ground and was a bit of a mess.
We had to leave and asked Enue if he could let Dyms stay for the night so he can sleep it off. I’m sure Enue begrudgingly said yes, but was still nice enough to let him crash – Dyms wasn’t having it. He wanted to leave with us. And we couldn’t really bail on him and leave him with the locals to deal with. So off we went into New York at 4am dropping tags and avoiding police with Dyms straggling behind with his face painted up like the “Warriors”.
Dudes were looking at us all confused and funny like WTF are these guys doing? We managed to slip away from any attention and made it to the train station.
On the subway Dyms was riding in between carriages still spewing. He was getting thrown around as the subway was rocking around in the tunnels. I was worried he was going to lose grip and fall off the train so we dragged him back into the car. Same time as 2 big assertive looking guys with cargo pants got on.
Ooh shit undercover vandal squad. They stepped to us and grabbed Dyms and escorted him off the train. Linz was nice enough to get off and help him out. Then they looked at me and Sofles and said “What are you 2 doing? Coming or going?” We said “We are going!” and managed to slip away with all the paint and photos and whatever contraband was present without being checked. I remember my hands were stained with black paint from the Reload cans we were using. Apparently he got a stern warning and a fine and we all made it back happily to do it all again another day in another city. Being roomies for two weeks in Dubai is another story.
In all seriousness Dyms was a stand up gentleman from when we first ever met at the Brisbane “Gor/Darco Exhibition” He was easy going, welcoming, has heart and soul and was in touch with writers and creative people worldwide. I value the times we have spent together doing heaps of cool stuff. I don’t know how he did it but he got it done.
He has also helped out by creating opportunites through Artillery magazine features. Logo design jobs and so many things with Ironlak over the years. He had faith in me which I will always be thankful and owe him a lot for. Can only show love for him and wish him and his family the best for the future.
Can’t wait to see his exhibition. I have been bugging him for some of the “Golden Photos” for years.” -REALS (Ironlak Family)
We’re doing it up properly on Saturday night with Luke’s ‘Head Above Water’ Exhibition opening at Ironlak Brisbane (LG 62 Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City) for more information about the show check out the blogpost here: https://ironlak.com/2017/09/head-above-water-luke-shirlaw-photography/
Follow Luke on the next part of his journey:
@dymskov
@artillerymagazine
Visit:
http://lukeshirlaw.com/
http://artillerymagazine.net/