ST0404 x 1ST and 15TH Records: R.A.I.D.

Here’s the latest from ST0404 x 1ST and 15TH Records. For this collaboration, every single artwork produced, holds its own message. Among those have been made, this sample holds the most important message: R.A.I.D ( RETALIATION AGAINST INHUMANE DESTRUCTION). What worst inhumanity act can a man do? Terrorism! Thus walk through with the artist cum founder, Dano.S on how this customs were made and how each step represents its own meaning.

Step 1

A pair of Converse Hi have been picked as the base shoes of this artwork. Its minimalist concept suits the direct translation of the design I have in mind… a simple yet effective message carrier to all. The red canvas represent that the thick red blood that is within us, making all of us no different from each other beneath individual tone of skin. All of us are born equal.

Step 2

In my design, I wish to have a skull at the side panels. Thus a template of it is cut out and pre–illustration is placed on it to have the idea on how the skull will look like on the panels. The skull drawing represents the inevitably suffering and death of innocent lives that terrorism could only achieved.. and nothing else! Terrorism brings no good and never will except destruction!

Step 3

The template is then placed on the canvas and with a self formulated black dye; it is then airbrushed along the side of the template to achieve the guideline as shown. The black dye was used to achieve the grunged dirty look to the skull drawing. The effect may not be clear but once the dye set in and details are drawn on.. Well you will see it as you read on.

Step 4

Next, I have again prepared the similar dye mixture but this time with maroon pigments. This was brushed throughout the rest of the canvas to achieve the “dry blood” color tone. If we do not stand together and work hand in hand to deter terrorism, rest assure the civil comfort that at times we, ourselves, took for granted will no longer be a reality… replaced by massive cruel blood shed of the innocence, the blood of our own loves ones and ourselves.

Step 5

Once the marroon dye dried, the skull detailed drawing took place. By using a fine nozzle of the airbrush, black dye to use to illustrate it out. From here, you may see that the effect of that grunge look was inevitably achieved.

Step 6

As to “crossed” out the skull which represent terrorism, suffering and all that is bad, side panels have been designed. By infusing the “L” from the artist name, Lupe Fiasco with the digit “4” from my brand, side emblems was born! I decided to use a synthetic leather instead of the real leather because it is able to bring out the even patent look better once I have place it under color remixing (as shown above, right). The emblems are then airbrushed dually with white and red patent dyes (yes yes.. self formulation.. never believe in off-the-shelves stuff quality). Again the red represent us and white represent peace.. and that should be the way.. peace running through our veins instead of war!

Step 7

The backing of the emblems were first sprayed on with a temporary fabric glue.. how do I formulate this?? Hahaha.. It was by luck actually from my previous customs works.. Always trial and errors as it will at times let you discover useful formulations. Why the need of temporary setting? Easy.. to roughly gauge on where it should be place. After that, comes the hard part, hand sewing it up. It will take practise, trust me.

Step 8

Once the hours of stitching was done, touch it up where it requires. For lacing, I chose an SB black laces and crossed laced the shoes. The laces holes are left silver as it is. It represents the nations, organizations and us who dared to stand up against all odds to protect the ones we love at all cost from the terrorism attacks. And thus I bring you, the customs: MESSAGE: R.A.I.D