Overview
This was a really cool project! Our team was approached to create something stunning that captured the spirit of the Sweet Tooth Rodeo, a special tournament in Houston hosted by the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and Sp5der, the streetwear fashion brand founded by rapper Young Thug. The sculpture we designed and fabricated had to symbolize not only the Sweet Tooth Rodeo’s mission to combine modern street fashion with traditional African-American cowboy culture in Texas, but also celebrate the Superstar sneaker collaboration between Sp5der and Adidas. The result? A stunning steer-wrestling statue that pays homage to the legacy of Bill Pickett himself: the legendary African-American cowboy who invented competitive steer wrestling.
Process
Creating a sculpture that could capture both the raw power of rodeo tradition and the fresh energy of contemporary streetwear demanded a highly detailed piece. Our team worked hard to fabricate a portable prop that would serve as both an artistic centerpiece and a meaningful tribute to African-American cowboy heritage.
The process included:
- 3D Modeling & Sculpting: Carving the statue from high-density EPS foam to achieve authentic proportions that honored both the athleticism of steer wrestling and the cultural significance of the collaboration. The young cowboy’s pose had to capture the dynamic movement of the steer-wrestling technique Bill Pickett pioneered.
- Signature Details: Incorporating the iconic Adidas shell-toe sneakers as a key visual element, seamlessly blending streetwear culture with traditional rodeo imagery to represent the unique Sp5der x Adidas partnership.
- Hardcoating: Applying specialized protective coating to create durability for outdoor display while preparing the surface for the bronze finish treatment.
- Bronze-Effect Finish: Using advanced painting techniques to achieve an authentic bronze statue appearance, complete with realistic patina effects that gave the piece the gravitas of a traditional commemorative monument.
The Smash Design team fabricated the sculpture in our Texas studio and transported it to the Sweet Tooth Rodeo event site in Houston, where we installed it as a street-flavored brand activation.
Result
The finished piece became the visual centerpiece of the Sweet Tooth Rodeo entrance, serving as both a photo opportunity for attendees and a powerful symbol of how contemporary brands can honor historical legacies. We think the sculpture perfectly captured the event’s mission of celebrating African-American cowboy culture while showcasing the creative partnership between Sp5der and Adidas.
At Smash Design, we specialize in bringing cultural collaborations to life through meaningful artistic expression. This Sp5der x Adidas commemorative sculpture exemplifies how we honor tradition while embracing innovation, creating artwork that tells important stories while serving as unforgettable brand experiences. In short: YEE-HAWWW!
