Hear the voices of the Island
Purchase custom mugs and t-shirts featuring the voices of Long Island
The Story of Island Speaks
Island Speaks began as a musical journey with the artist being inspired to write music that echoed the ‘voices’ that emanate from the animate and inanimate elements of the island from the trees, to the rocks, to the seagulls, to the lighthouses, to the rivers, its island people and beyond. This in turn led to the artist trying to capture these voices in the form of photography and poetry which anthropomorphize these natural forms to give their own perspective on the island, its natural presence, and its people. This eventually led to the artist creating coffee mugs and t-shirts which allow others to experience the artist’s vision and unique perspectives of the island through these different mediums.
Voices of the Island
Experience the island through the perspective of its nature
Wear this tee as you contemplate the nature of the misunderstood, solitary gull. The photograph on this t-shirt features a gull flying over some dunes with some beach grass set against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. The scene in this image inspired both a song I am developing and a poem I have written 'The Solitary Gull' featured on the back that anthropomorphizes the gull and portrays it as an animal that is misunderstood, unintentional, and bothersome to the untrained observer but is actually an animal with focused purpose that thrives in solitude. This tee is perfect for all occasions - while walking on the beach alongside some dunes, a day on the water, a barbecue with some friends, or like as the gull while working in solitude focused on your own purpose. Wear this shirt, and embody the focused nature of the solitary gull.
Note: heather and sport grey colorways are a cotton/poly blend. All other colors are 100% cotton.
Disclaimer:
- Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
Product Details:
- See the size chart images for measurements by color.
- The branded neck label is printed directly onto the shirt using DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology for a smooth, tag-free feel.
- 100% cotton fabric
- Seamless body eliminates side seams for a smoother fit, while reinforced shoulders keep the shirt in shape through repeated washes.
- The Gildan 5000 is made with medium fabric (5.3 oz/yd² / 180 g/m²) consisting of 100% cotton, offering year-round comfort with lasting durability.
- The classic fit of this shirt ensures a comfy, relaxed wear while the crew neckline adds that neat, timeless look that can blend into any occasion, casual or semi-formal.
- The tear-away label means a scratch-free experience with no irritation or discomfort whatsoever.
- Made using 100% US cotton that is ethically grown and harvested. Gildan is also a proud member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol ensuring ethical and sustainable means of production. This blank tee is certified by Oeko-Tex for safety and quality assurance.
Enjoy a soothing morning beverage as you embody that same strength, fortitude, and sense of community of a beautiful and 'delicate' island flower thriving in a difficult environment. The photograph on the mug features a pink and seemingly delicate Long Island flower with its verdant leaves growing among the reeds. The scene displayed on the mug inspired both a song I am developing and a poem I have written, 'Delicate' Island Flower, that revolves around themes of resilience, fortitude, determination, and community as it relates to the life of a Long Islander. The image featured on the mug was chosen because I viewed it as a metaphor for that same Long Island spirit - something that appears delicate but with an unrelenting will and determination that thrives in difficulty and draws it strength from the community and Long Island nature. Lift the mug to your lips, take a warm sip, and draw from that same Long Island strength as you experience the voices of Long Island.
Product Details:
- It’s BPA and Lead-free, microwave & dishwasher-safe, and made of white, durable ceramic in an 11-ounce size.
- All mugs feature a comfortable C-handle and a shiny finish so that they're both easy to use and great to look at.
- Drink confidently on a daily basis as all mugs are lead and BPA-free.
This mug is for those who want to enjoy a soothing morning beverage as they contemplate the unique and joyful experiences that island life can provide. The photograph on the mug features a large rock and its smaller companion that have made their journey from afar to rest on the peaceful shores of the Long Island Sound. The scene in this image inspired both a song I am developing and a poem I have written 'Big Rock, Little Rock' that explores the joy of Long Island Life as viewed through the perspective of the anthropomorphized rocks. Take a relaxing sip of your favorite warm beverage and like the rocks, ponder all the small joys of island life.
Product Details:
- It’s BPA and Lead-free, microwave & dishwasher-safe, and made of white, durable ceramic in an 11-ounce size.
- All mugs feature a comfortable C-handle and a shiny finish so that they're both easy to use and great to look at.
- Drink confidently on a daily basis as all mugs are lead and BPA-free.
Discover your own inner island spirit as you wear this tee. The photograph on the t-shirt features a piece of driftwood that washed up ashore on a white-sandy, calm Long Island beach. It inspired the creation of my song 'Driftwood's Journey' featured on my social media channels Island Speaks (@islandspeaks / @islandspeaksofficial) along with the poem of the same title featured on the back of the shirt. The song and poem were inspired by the idea that the journey of driftwood is itself a metaphor for the journey of an islander's life and the discovery of one's purpose. I edited the photo on the t-shirt to emphasize the texture and structure of the driftwood and to make it the focal point of the photo. This tee is perfect for all occasions - a day at the beach, while out on the boat fishing, a family barbecue, a stroll on the boardwalk, or while watching a beautiful sunset. Wear this comfortable tee while you contemplate your own purpose, and imagine yourself as the driftwood making its long and arduous journey to rest on the shores of a beautiful Long Island beach.
Note: heather and sport grey colorways are a cotton/poly blend. All other colors are 100% cotton.
Disclaimer:
- Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
Product Details:
- See the size chart images for measurements by color.
- The branded neck label is printed directly onto the shirt using DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology for a smooth, tag-free feel.
- 100% cotton fabric
- Seamless body eliminates side seams for a smoother fit, while reinforced shoulders keep the shirt in shape through repeated washes.
- The Gildan 5000 is made with medium fabric (5.3 oz/yd² / 180 g/m²) consisting of 100% cotton, offering year-round comfort with lasting durability.
- The classic fit of this shirt ensures a comfy, relaxed wear while the crew neckline adds that neat, timeless look that can blend into any occasion, casual or semi-formal.
- The tear-away label means a scratch-free experience with no irritation or discomfort whatsoever.
- Made using 100% US cotton that is ethically grown and harvested. Gildan is also a proud member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol ensuring ethical and sustainable means of production. This blank tee is certified by Oeko-Tex for safety and quality assurance.
The Creative Process Behind Island Speaks
Inspired by the photo of a piece of driftwood captured on the shores of a quiet Long Island beach
Driftwood’s Journey - Original
Stay Connected with Island Speaks
Receive occasional updates on new products, and newly released island inspired songs
