About
Welcome to Ball Is Art
DR.ibble has enabled sports fans to "recognize game" differently with his unique style and perspective. Previously the domain of sports media analysts, data scientists, and fantasy sports managers, Set Plays, Box Scores, and Shot Charts haven't typically been considered sources of creative inspiration, but upon deeper inspection DR.ibble uncovers the key storylines behind the numbers, lines, and dots, that ultimately determine game outcomes. His artwork aims to reveal these storylines so that even casual sports fans can enjoy them.
Set Plays - Strategies That Produce Desired Outcomes
A Set Play has historically been relegated to simple arrows on a clipboard or chalkboard, available only to the players and coaches who spend countless hours studying and practicing the choreography of movements designed to help achieve a successful outcome for their team. When a Set Play is run to perfection there is no feeling like it; for players, coaches and fans of the game. Each team member must perform his or her role to perfection. Some team members put their bodies in harms way by making contact with the defense, while others run in an opposite direction, serving as a decoy; all to provide one teammate with enough freedom to make a successful play. It is these collection of “sacrifices” that enable a team to be successful. For opponents, there is nothing more demoralizing than to face a team that executes Set Plays flawlessly. And for fans, there’s nothing more rewarding in sports than to watch a team synchronize it’s movements with precision.
Teams spend countless hours practicing Set Plays, of which some may be used only once or twice in a live game situation (and some only once in a season!). Set Plays are designed to take advantage of a specific defense to produce a successful offensive outcome, such as a basket or a first down. They take lots of dedication to choreograph and master, but when executed properly are beautiful to watch. Fans only the see the final product: a successfully executed play. But players and coaches know firsthand of the dedication and sacrifice in the gym.
Not only are Set Plays the foundation of team play in sport, many are the basis for some of the greatest talking points in sports history. A Set Play is what Stockton & Malone were famous for. A Set Play is what Duke ran against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA East Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament. A Set Play is what the 49ers ran when Joe Montana hit Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone.
DR.ibble has reimagined the Set Play as a piece of art, worthy of its status as a symphony of shapes and lines that represent the ultimate expression of teamwork among a group of people.
Box Scores & Shot Charts - The Data Behind The Game
Most professional and amateur sports leagues and organizations around the world capture detailed stats about their game play. These stats are often published and most commentators in the media will select a few statistical highlights to facilitate a discussion about a game, team or player. The source of these stats, like a Box Score, rarely see the light of day by most people, and are usually relegated to consumption by only the most die hard of fans or those who participate in fantasy sports leagues; and even then, usually at a glance or in passing. To the casual fan a Box Score is nothing more than a bunch of names and numbers laid out in a grid format; but to avid fans of the game, the Box Score means so much more.
In fact, statisticians and media organizations understood the Box Score lacked any creativity, so the Shot Chart -- a visual representation of where made and missed shots from each player occurred in a game -- was born. But even today the Shot Chart, while informative about the success or failure of a team's shooting performance in a game, remains largely mundane and relegated for specific uses by only a select few.
DR.ibble has given these statistical formats new life, reimagining the Box Score and Shot Chart as attractive works of art that also tell the storylines behind the game.
What We Offer
Ball Is Art artworks have a limited supply and are therefore offered as Limited Editions. On occasion, Original Works, which are unique "one-of-a-kind" artworks of various sizes, may be available for purchase from time to time. If you have your own idea in mind DR.ibble accepts Commissions for individual collectors and various organizations, including corporations, coaches offices, schools and sports programs, and more.
All artworks are hand-signed by DR.ibble and include a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) along with each purchase.
Ball Is Art artworks are shipped worldwide straight to your door; and for shipping within the United States the shipping costs are free.
Thank You!
We'd like to give a special shout-out to all the athletes and coaches who have committed themselves to their team and their sport, and to the fans who support them. Browse available artworks to purchase for yourself, a coach, or someone you know who loves and shares in the ideals of sports as much as we do.
We love hearing feedback from our collectors and fans of DR.ibble's work, so please let us know what you think.