STMNT X DEFER
AS WE CONTINUE TO SHAPE A BRAND WITH PURPOSE, THE STMNT CREATORS HAVE JOINED FORCES WITH ESTEEMED ARTIST, DEFER TO BRING YOU SOMETHING TRULY EXCEPTIONAL…
Defer (@deferk2s) hails from LA; a respected artist and integral part of the Los Angeles street art scene since the mid-1980s.
His work is instantly recognizable with a signature expressive style that blurs the lines between graffiti, typography and fine art. Defer is one of the most influential creators in the game.
His art has adorned the likes of Nike and Beats by Dre (to name just a couple). It's a juxtaposition between light and dark. Monochromatic and coloured. Of careful repetition to an almost uncontrolled nature of frenetic structures. For Defer, past experiences – layers of life – are reflected in his paintings.
He describes it as a form of spiritual language that flows through each medium; multifaceted stokes of highly detailed line work with hidden depths behind the script. The fluidity of the letters move organically as a hybrid of many styles come together, such as sharp angular lines paired with ornate writing.
We're proud to collaborate with such inspiring individualism; showcasing Defer’s exclusive STMNT-inspired design on a limited-edition run of our All-in-One Cleanser (300ml).
"I HONESTLY EXPRESS MYSELF THROUGH MY WORK. MAY IT INSPIRE OTHERS TO CREATE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES"
Esteemed artist, Defer (@deferk2s) shares his thoughts and process on designing the limited-edition motif for our STMNT All-in-One Cleanser (300ml) a collaboration from our 2022 Artist Edition.
“The process of creating this artwork for STMNT was to first find a way to honestly express my artwork. Secondly, was to make sure that it’s represented in the right way.” – Defer.
When crafting our tailor-made STMNT design, Defer wanted to stay true to his signature calligraphic style, whilst also echoing our brand ethos; creating a design that would make a bold statement.
In keeping with his style, Defer started with letter forms where the focal point concentrates on the brand name 'STMNT’ as typography – before, as Defer describes, being “obliterated” abstractly. This is repeated throughout the piece with ornate designs coming into play; hand-painted in original style to create a truly unique work of art. For Defer, the intentional usage of gold paint represents “a higher level of understanding and enlightenment in a metaphysical sense.”
Here, as well as in all his artwork, it was important to Defer to reach a sublime state of expression, representing greatness both aesthetically and spiritually.