This project was based on the idea that I wanted to take something as simple as tomato soup and see how far I could stretch it creatively and humorously. I created something that was based around the punk and do it yourself culture of the original zines. The main focus of this project was to get off the computer and really embrace making things with my hands. Everything from the tomato soup and cheese map, to the painting of the bandana and the assembly of the hinged can. It combines technical skills and creative solutions to create something that could only exist in a post apocalyptic world where tomatoes are something only dreamed about because they have been gone for so long.
THE STORY
Welcome to PATCH. I see you have obtained your rebellion ration. Cleaver isn't it? Hiding it out in the open with the label of the grossest soup flavor imaginable. Let me give you a brief explanation on who we are and most importantly why we are doing this. Let's start in the beginning before the new wave of government took over. Humanity was thriving, the world was finally working together. Countries begin sharing food, giving to the poor that were starving, merging flavors and meshing cultures. We finally found peace in the one thing that keeps us all alive. That was until recently November 16th 2098 to be exact. We had a new election some say that it was rigged by other country working with our new leader. Either way people aren't exactly excited about it so far. Even though science proves them wrong the government, against the citizen vote, chose to label tomatoes as a vegetable. Other countries disagree, they got so upset that they kicked us out of the World Wide Food Alliance or WWFA for short. The countries have disagreed with us before on things like our use of inches and overall lack of the metric system. This time was different they refused to support a country that wouldn't listen to science and facts.
Now you're here. You went to the store, bought the can… on purpose I hope. If not you should probably go return this to Kevin. Did he at least give you the coupon? NO!?... you stole the can?... but why… Oh… you wanted to convince your mom that you threw up so you could skip school tomorrow. You could of just ate the soup and actually got sick. Either way, go to school, it's important you broke punk! Now for those of you who actually bought this can, sorry for that. Let me tell you what's in here.
First we have your official PATCH bandana. This is how we are known to other members of our resistance. It can be worn one of six ways in day to day life and two of which are suitable for formal events. The first of which is around your head in typical bandana or headband form. The second is tied around your upper left thigh. The third style is around your left wrist. The fourth day time appropriate way is tied through your left most belt loop. The two styles that are suitable for both day and evening wear are the bandana placed nicely folded in your shirt pocket or tied around your neck in a knot fashion.
The second item in your pack is a survival spoon this can be used for everything from digging yourself out of soupy situations or eating your breakfast cereal on the weekend. This is our weapon and utensil of choice.
The third item is a small pack of stickers. You can stick them on anything from folders to phone cases, or place them somewhere that will help spread our movement. Examples of this would be walls, desks, cars and anything else you can think of. We’re not telling you to or not to vandalize we’re just saying it’s an option.
The fourth item in your pack is a poster. Use this to show your support by bringing it to the riot or just hanging it on the wall in your room to spruce it up.
The fifth and final item in your ration can is this book. It contains everything you would want to know about the resistance and has the most important item, the map. On the next pages you'll learn our plans and the location of our meet up.
They have taken our tomatoes! Our government has wronged us. Until they agree with the rest of the world we can't have it back. We know the truth! You know the Truth! Tomatoes are a fruit, science proves it! WE are PATCH and we will make them believe.
At exactly Noon on the dot, we'll meet at one of the biggest cities in our country. Formerly known at Tomatotopia. Bring your friends, bring your brothers and sisters, this is the day that we prove our point. The government will have no choice, they'll have to listen to all of us. I promise we won't be alone so do not fret fellow PATCHer. Before the creation of this can we had over 5000 pre-orders from concerned citizens just like you. Bring your posters and your voices we will be heard and seen by the masses and gather more for our movement. Even if they do not listen to us this time, we will keep trying. Never stop, never surrender and most importantly keep your eyes and ears open.
