PangeaSeed and Tokyo-based vinyl toy designer Cometdebris, in collaboration with Pow! Wow! Hawaii and 1xRun, are pleased to announce our latest shark saving effort: Aloha, Sametan! From February 10-15, 2014, at Fresh Café and Loft in Space, in Honolulu, we will host a one of a kind art exhibition featuring over 30 customized Sametan figures designed by over 30 global artists.
Standing at a mere four inches, dressed in trademark jeans and sneakers, Sametan bares the scars of shark finning and what some cultures consider “tradition”. The little vinyl guy has one purpose and one purpose only – to save his kind from extinction. – And now he needs your support to help take his message out of the oceans and into the streets.
Through this unique event, the first of its kind in the Hawaiian islands, we aim to generate greater awareness for the global plight of sharks and the importance of our oceans via creative and entertaining avenues in order to raise critical funding to support PangeaSeed’s ongoing educational / conservation efforts and groundbreaking projects.
1xRun Thru Interview
Aloha, Sametan! by Aidan Monahan
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale?
Aidan Monahan: The piece as done after a conversation i had with Tre of Pangea Seed, I wanted it to have a similar feel to last years flyer I made but I felt looser with this one. I wanted it to have a Japanese and Hawaiian vibe, I am stoked to be part of this project as I just a honest love making art and toy themed art. I also love the Pangea Seed guys and their cause and koji did all the work creating this awesome little guy sametan. This piece is not for sale as it is a gift for someone.
1xRun: When was this piece created and with what materials?
Aidan Monahan: It was created a few days before it’s deadline haha. I’d say from start to finish it took about 12 hours. It was made using a mix of watercolor and ink on Arches watercolor paper.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Aidan Monahan: Because of the cause, the passion for helping sharks is amazing.
1xRun: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Aidan Monahan: Childhood. 
1xRun: Who are some of the artists you’re really excited to see for Pow Wow 2014?
Aidan Monahan: So many people, Koji Harmon, Ferris Plock, Jet, Eric Saner, Joe C…so many!
1xRun: Aside from Pow Wow 2014, what are your plans for the new year?
Aidan Monahan: To make lots of interesting tattoos and paintings and pushing towards getting some of my toy designs made. Come get tattooed by me at Flying Panther Tattoo in San Diego.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Aidan Monahan: Facebook + Instagram @aidanmonahan – Tumblr @aidanmonahantattoo
-1xRUN