How Zines Can Help You Heal

Zines have a political history. Many think of feminists or RiotGrrl when the topic of zines arises. They were created to disseminate information to people when the mass culture had limited access to alternative perspectives. Corporations still control a huge amount of media in our lives, so small publications and zine culture can still promote a wider world view for consumers. 

Although currently, most zines at zine fests are creative outlets for artists, every now and then, you will come across a politically-inclined zine. Zines can be powerful and healing. Publishing is not as expensive as it used to be, but it can still be costly. If a person just wants to share their writings or their stories with others, zines can be a more cost-effective way of doing so. 

How Zines Can Help You Heal:

When you come from a community or population that does not have a strong voice, creating media to have your stories heard can help develop empowerment. This is the case for many who choose to use zines and zine culture to share their stories, and the stories of those whose voices have been oppressed in the past. Representation is important, and continues to be a concern and struggle for most minority groups. 

There is a larger cultural norm that is represented in the media, and this includes forms of art, film, and publications. Zines help those with minimal means to have their stories and identities validated and heard. One of the difficult parts of coming from small and underrepresented groups, is that it can feel like you do not exist in the eyes of the greater culture. Zines can help remedy these feelings of being less than.

Attending zine fests can also help promote community. It can be isolating not being able to find others who "get" your story or struggles. Zinesters usually come from life experiences where they were born fighting, and wish to encourage others to speak out on injustices or share their victories over hardships. Solidarity is part of this community, and I am thankful to have discovered and participate in it. 

You can make your own zine to share your story, your creativity, and insights into any cause you are championing. 

These photos are from OC Zine Fest, and it was held in Santa Ana on July 2015. Most of the works are inexpensive, so it's easier for a consumer to support their local artists. I like stickers and they usually range from $1 to $3. Many times artists give them away for free :)

These events usually draw out a younger crowd, around college-aged, and it's a treat when families visit. Some works have mature content, but most works can help inspire creativity in young artists. Exposing children to possibility can help them create a clearer image of how they want to be when they grow up. Conversing with local artists can help encourage success and prepare young artists with the right tools and expectations. 

Fur Babies!

Who doesn't like photos of cats and dogs? They can help alleviate stress, become lifelong companions, and even family. Here are some photos and words on some of these wonderful fur babies. 

(photo in banner) Very cool! Thank you for posting Jasper's photo. He's truly a therapy dog... This three-legged goof helps me understand that things aren't so bad. My lil man.  <3

- Christine Nam

This is yangkong-berry.

He is 3.2 kilograms of furry good warmth at night. a live purring musician in the bathroom. and a sweet licker of my wounds and feels when I'm down.

- Jiyoon Jessica Ahn

Sometimes you just need someone to listen n my dog is one heck of a listener.

- Jessica Song

Jax has been my best friend and constant companion through the most difficult time of my life. I had never owned a pet before her. She makes sure that even through the darkest times, I am never alone.

- Ray Valee

He was a very loving and communicative cat, I meowed to him and he meowed back. He loved to play and fight too and often brought home all sorts of things as gifts: small dead animals, underwear, branches, leaves, basically anything he liked he brought to us after his strolls. He always greeted me meowing while walking in my direction after hearing me opening the gates and then walked with me curling my legs until I got inside, took off my shoes and gave him a little love troking my feet on his back and belly. He was a great company in my life and I consider having another cat in the future as it is my favorite pet.

- Ivan Barreto

Örkki (the orc) is a dog.

- Tomi Viktor Varjonvmmi

This is my dog Kai. He's not very smart but he is soft and cuddly, which is fine by me.

- Sid Tsai

This is Nala. She lives at dad's place but is loved equally by all of the family, no matter how far we live. Happily I live really close, so I go for walks and cuddles pretty often. She calms me down, and helps me remember there are purely good things in this world too.

- Emmi Eriikka

This is Sampa, she judges me often and swears up and down that humans are crazy. She is my everything <3

- Sadi Thann

This is Dozer. He was a stray someone abandoned when we were having sub zero temps. Ours now!

- Don Ostrom

Buddha. The coolest cat ever!

- Don Ostrom

And last but not least, Bruno, who thinks he's a badass, but loves to cuddle for naps.

- Don Ostrom

Henry. I didnt want him, he was pathetic, tiny (4lbs) and terrified. Now he's healthy (15lbs), happy and we're inseparable.

- Rand Melvin

Sargent Pepper. The dog Henry replaced. 120 lbs of love and joy. No dog is a better lapdog than Sarge was.

- Rand Melvin

On Art003 - Dino Perez

I've been attending Santa Ana's art walk for the past three months (with a fellow artist partner in crime), and have met some wonderfully talented and humble creatives. Dino Perez is one of them. You can see him chatting it up with attendees, smiling, and freely sharing stories on his process and inspirations. 

There was this one piece that caught my attention:

I kept looking at it at Dino's booth, and asked myself, "What does it remind me of? Why do I like it so much?"

And then it hit me: The Little Prince! 

We shared a mutual love for The Little Prince, and I appreciated the honesty and genuineness Of Dino's story (I might have jumped once or twice after finding another adult who enjoys this book as much as me). Dino read this book as a child, and has gone back to it over time as an adult. He shared that,

"There are some things that stay with you." 

He also shared one chapter that especially resonated with him. It was about an adult who collected stars and was visited by the Little Prince. The Prince asked about the stars, but the adult was busy collecting and checking his inventory of things. The adult had no idea what he possessed, and was focused on accumulating things instead of experiencing them. 

Dino wholeheartedly spoke on how this has stayed with him and has shaped his perspectives in life. I appreciate his work because he weaves optimism and joy that children naturally have into his process. He also layers a darkness and color palette that brings the work balance. We ended our conversation agreeing on many things. We agreed that it's rare and difficult for many of us adults to keep our inner children alive, and we agreed that there is a beauty in creating work that reflects the humanity and playfulness that life gives us.

“For the travelers the stars are guides.

For others they are nothing but tiny lights. “ 

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Thank you for the conversation, and thank you for the art, Dino. I look forward to seeing you and your work at the next art walk. 

Titles of work:

• "Happy Valentine's" acrylic paint on wood panel - Winter 2015

• Day of the Dead 2014 edition of hand painted wooden coffins and framed paintings on wood 

• "Dream Chasing" acrylic paint, ink, and wood burning - Winter 2015

• "When You Will Not Open Your Eyes" acrylic paint on wood panel, Fall - 2014

For more of Dino's work:

Instagram DinoPerez

Etsy | DinoPerez

Santa Ana Art Walk 

On Art 002 - Paul Iannucilli

paul iannucilli, artist, poet, infj

Paul Iannucilli is a wondrously curious poet-writer, and I'm lucky to have scooped up an artist statement before he takes off onto big things in life.  

Paul Iannucilli's Artist Statement:

Stories have been around as long as there have been living things. All of us have them, and all of us tell them. From Neanderthal cave paintings to a cancerous cell; from the drunken musings of poets to the loud mouthed polemic of politicians, these are all stories. I am of a mind that these stories define us. Our society tells us a story of how to appropriately behave, philosophy tells us a story of what is right and wrong, corporations tell us a story of what is cool, or what we need, a romantic partner shares their story with us and informs us on how to share our own with them; this is intimacy. Also important are the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves. If a person tells him or herself that they are a loser, then eventually they are going to start to believe it.

Made up stories tell us who we are as well. When we relate to, or empathize, with a character or characters, that informs us of who we are as individuals in a very pertinent and real way. You yourself are the embodiment of a beautiful and unique story that gets to have fun and interact with everyone else’s unique story. Some people are much better at telling stories; they are able to see, and tap into, and express these wonderful qualities that all of us share. They find these common threads and express them in ways most anyone can relate to. This is why I tell stories. It is the loudest expression of my humanity that I can think of. It allows me to relate to the world, other people, and myself. It lets me tell someone that they aren’t alone. It lets me see that neither am I. The poem I am including is part of my story it is my hope that you will be able to find some of your own in it as well. Thank you for sharing with me.

Little Boy Flies Across the Moon

When one is a performer

in a traveling circus sideshow

one can learn all sorts of things:

How to properly take care of animals,

or how to do a back flip in a clown suit

while drowning in cheap whiskey,

or even in some cases, how to fly.

 

By starlight and red fire glow

they gather, after the performance.

Crying away their pasts;

never forgetting them entirely.

Always there are reminders of what has been lost;

a scent, an accent, the turn of a mouth.

Little Boy drinks alone, in a pile of hay near the elephant pen.

And he drinks it all in.

Strongman’s raucous laughter and

Tarot Reader’s bitter tears and foul language,

curses hurled in Hungarian,

her native language from a life

lived long ago.

 

Little Boy flew tonight, across the trapeze

and the safety net waiting below.

He has flown all over the world.

Always finding the waiting arms to grasp him,

and then eager to pass him off to another.

Little Boy has flown for many reasons.

Money, sheer joy, bowel shaking terror,

and even for something as silly as love,

though it turned out to be the end instead.

Which all the cheap whiskey burn,

and cotton candy sweetness on his tongue

cannot ever replace.

 

The moon is big and silver and bright.

Winking down on Strongman, and Tarot Reader,

and all the rest of them.

It is taunting Little Boy.

It is calling his name in high and crystal tones.

Clear and ringing in Little Boy’s brain.

He wants it, the silver moon.

He wants to soar across its face,

across the dunes and craters.

He wants the silver light to burn right through him.

He wants to be free of the trapeze

and the ever present safety net.

Little Boy wants to let go of the bar

and fly free, across the face of the moon. 

---

To follow Paul and his future works visit: 

• https://pauliannucilli.wordpress.com/ <<< READ HIS STUFF <3
• https://www.facebook.com/paulianwrites <<<LIKE HIS PAGE <3

photo credit for forest image: Kristin Mullinax, the gentle INFP, photo credit for awesome shot of Paul: Rowan Fluttertree from Seattle :), moon wallpaper: Google search, will gladly attribute if source is identified.

On Art 001 - Hoa Han

Hoa's background, and the art he makes:

Born in Vietnam and raised in LA since about the age of 4. I attended Art Center College of Design, where I received my Bachelors Degree in Entertainment Design. I have been working since as a Concept artist in the advertising and marketing field.  Being a concept artist I tend to make art that most people do not get to see. My job involves generating sketches and the pre-visualization of what a game idea or a web site may possibly look  like. Images can range from character design , environmental background art, and scene illustrations to help a client see the grand scheme or the world. As for my personal work I tend to lean towards fan pop art and fantasy just because it's really fun to create. 

What the best and worst things about being an artist? 

The best thing about being an artist is really simple, I get paid to do what I love. It is a great outlet to translate your thoughts and expressions into something visual which could be shared with others. The worst thing would have to be friends constantly asking to have something created that goes to no general purpose. I enjoy drawing and painting, but I like living life as well. 

What does it mean to make art? 

Pretty deep question. To me it means just expressing your personality through your work. This can range from any form of artistry whether it be pottery, wood working, or a few strokes on a canvas. As long as the artist has a thought in what they are putting out.

What do you think the benefits of art are?

Art can have great benefits to the person creating it. Personally I find it to be very therapeutic. It allows me to put on mental blinders where I am able to fully lose myself in the process.  Leaving out the stresses from the day or perhaps the ones to come. Art is just a great outlet for anyone really to freely express themselves. Art can also benefit the observer as well. For myself  being the observer helps inspire me to keep creating new work. 

If you could give advice to people thinking of exploring art, but are hesitant to, what would it be? 

To that I would say just give it a try. It does not hurt to be creative. From my experience I have found many people want to become artists, but are doubtful of their abilities.  With patience and constant practice anyone can become a great artist.  I would also advise that art is very subjective; you just have to find your niche.  For those who dive into the art world, develop  a thick skin. Criticism is everywhere--you just have to listen to the ones that will help benefit your art. 

How can we contact you or find awesome works you've created? 

I have a site people can check out, as well as a Society6 portal. 

  http://www.hoahan.com

  http://society6.com/hoadraws

Feel free to email Hoa at Hoadraws@gmail.com

On Art 000 - Bill LaBrie

POEM: THE BLANK PAGE IS A LIE DETECTOR

The blank page is a lie detector
More strict than we’ve ever known.
When you compose or blather on,
Your inner truth is shown.

Stop short of telling everything
And they’ll know it in the end:
Too cowardly to share the tale
Of what you did back then.

©2014 Bill LaBrie

Boonie: Can I bug you about writing a blurb and how you do art? I'm curious about your creative process and how art has helped you heal. Do you think there's a stigma associated with being an artist? Why or why not?

I think depression -- at least sub-clinical depression -- is oftentimes the result of falling into one's self. It's a deep sort of loneliness where all one can see is oneself. One of the worst kinds of torture is the isolation chamber, after all. 

When you make art -- whatever it is -- you're projecting something of yourself on to the world around you. That can be affirming. C.S. Lewis has that line about why we read: So we know we're not alone. I think that's why we write/paint/sculpt/perform as well. 

My work with Release The Fear has further convinced me of the healing power of the arts. We have these kids--participants from horrible backgrounds--whose lives are often transformed by a few hours of encouragement and a couple more with a blank canvas. It's happened in hundreds or even thousands of cases.

There will always be a stigma that comes with being an artist among certain people, but to me that bespeaks a certain poverty. It's saying that we are so desperate as animals that we can't do anything for its own sake, and that everything we do must be justified in terms of utility. It's a slippery slope, I find, since by that reasoning most of us ourselves can't be justified. I guess I see love itself as the ultimate axiom that needs no justification, and art is a sort of path towards realizing love. 

Thanks!

These lovely photos are from Bill's Instagram. :)

---

About Bill

Bill's MBTI preference is ENTP and he is awesomesauce. I consider him as authentic as it can get. He's an encouraging fellow artist, lifting others in the community, and I hope his works are shared with more. Thank you, Bill.

More of Bill's lovely writings:

 BillLaBrie.com: I Question Your Questioning

Like Bill on FaceBook:

Bill LaBrie Writes

Follow him on Instagram:

http://instagram.com/billlabrie

The Mental Mind [Poem by Marcus Mercado]

Anime Death Squad

Hangout Season 3

I thank Marcus for his transparency, and words. Art can offer an emotional outlet for many creative souls. If you'd like to check out more of this fellow geek and artist's shenanigans, you're in luck! He's a YouTube partner.

Anime Death Squad with Nortrodamus & Friends

Marcus' MBTI preference is ENFP, and he's got a soft spot for warm fuzzies and geeking out with other geeks. 

You think that you're the only one who lives in deep despair, but there are those who think like us and hardly even care.

You try to find out the reason why you act this way so much, but there are so many questions out there that you can only clutch.

Even though the road is dangerous, it's dangerous in your mind, but you keep on trying to escape it even in the ends of time.

But you're finally at the breaking point and it's not a very good sight, but your fighting for a little something, something that is right.

- The Mental Mind  by Marcus Mercado

Age 16 or 17

---

When asked about the importance of writing, and life his at the time, Marcus replied: 

"I felt like no one understood me, just knew what buttons to push and not to push. The teachers tried their hardest to understand me but they always give up because they had other students to deal with. I felted sad and anger and no one that I could talk to at my level, so I got so bored and tired and no one understanding me I made that poem, half of the teachers were impressed and tried harder to get to know me and the other half... Let's just say they wanted to keep their distance away from me and from their students."

What advice would you give your teenage self? Would you change anything you did in high school if you could?

Personally, I would punch some common sense on my younger self for being a little unruly brat and a big hug and tell him that everything is alright and that he would get so many friends if he because more friendly to others.

---

Tips on Choosing a Preschool

What to ask:

• How many years has this site been open? What makes this school a better choice than others?

• What educational background does the director and staff have?

• How long have the staff members been here? (poor sites have high turnover and very young staff who lack experience)

• Is there a requirement for staff to continue education beyond the required 12 units ECE?

• What will the ratio be for my child’s class?

• What kind of curriculum should I expect for a normal day?

• What are some ways the teachers promote language, & interests in science & art?

• Do teachers play with the children or is it always free play?

• Do teachers scaffold/introduce “shy” children to social opportunities?

• How many staff members are trained in CPR and on site?

• What is the school’s policy on biting and aggression? How do teachers address this with parents?

• Do you potty train?

• What is the school’s philosophy on positive reinforcement and developmentally appropriate consequences? What are some examples? Do you implement time out? Why or why not?

• How often do teachers communicate with parents, and what are some concerns teachers immediately address with parents?

---

What to look for:

What kinds of foods are offered during snack and meal time? Are there whole-grain and low sugar foods (canned fruit with or without syrup, fresh fruits and veggies offered)? Or bleached grain and high starch foods (ritz crackers and goldfish = no nutritional value) Is meal time family style? How do teachers encourage children to try new foods? Do teachers eat with the children?

What is the school’s philosophy on neutral colors in the classroom (browns, whites, woods, and plants, as natural as possible)? Look for calming colors. Too many bright colors leads to over stimulation. Imagine if you had to be there all say staring at bright red, yellow, or blue furniture & toys.

How are adults interacting with the children? Are they kneeling, at eye level to talk to the children? Or are they chatting together and on the phone. Are there adults helping the children develop language skills by talking to them and helping them solve problems with words? Is there any singing or music?

Diversity & language acquisition: Are adults facilitating language with the children? Are adults modeling polite communication, and respectful exchanges related to temper tantrums and crying? Are second-language-learners allowed to speak in their original language, or is it a full immersion program? (I was a second-language-learner forced to speak English in preschool, so language acquisition and respect for diversity matter to me.)

Look for how the kids are playing: Are there many options available, or are there “closed areas” that kids can’t play in. Are there any “loner” kids not getting any attention?

If there's an outdoor sandbox: See how clean it is. Neighborhood cats sometimes use them as litter boxes and it can be very unsanitary. Ask staff how often they rake and clean the sandbox.

Look at the library: Are there books covering many topics and cultures? Does it look like the books are being treated with respect? How clean and organized is this area? If you can see teachers during reading time, are they actually reading, or are they playing a recording. Is the teacher asking kids to participate with the book? Are kids engaged?

Look at the walls: Is there plenty of artwork on the walls, photos, and maps or sight words at the children’s eye level? Is there cultural diversity on the walls: flags and photos, or ethnic toys. Is there writing in multiple languages?

OVERALL: Does it feel like a home? Is it clean? Does it smell inviting or like cleaner? Are kids playing safely and appropriately? Do teachers look happy? If the classroom feels comfortable, it can work. 

What other questions would you ask during a preschool tour? What would you look for in an ideal preschool for your child? Please share :)

---

Additional readings:

• Working Papers on Child Development | Harvard

• Does Preschool Matter? | Wired

• Literacy & Preschool | GreatSchools.org

• Waldorf Preschool | Organized Messes

• Attachment & Preschool | Education.com

• Child Development Permits | CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing

• NAEYC Standards For Early Childhood Professionals | NAEYC

Comic Con 2014 - Cosplay Makeup 101

Going to Comic Con 2014? Cosplay and like makeup tutorials? Check out the Cosplay Makeup 101 panel on Friday, July 25th! It's at 2pm in room 29A. 

This was taken from Siryn's FB post:

Join me, @misschrissylyn @themadmasker @goldiestarling @danielabernotas and moderator @strangelikethat for #cosplaymakeup101 Friday at #SDCC #comicon learn about beauty makeup, character and stage makeup, special FX, prosthetic applications, blending, body paint, sculpting and molding your own prosthetics and wig mods! From makeup artists in the biz and cosplayers who use these skills every time! Join us at 2pm in room 29A Friday July 25th!! Come early as we met capacity at Wondercon!

 

 

She is amazingly gifted, down-to-earth, and deserves recognition for her talents as a skilled make up artist. 

For examples of Siryn's work:

Make Up by Siryn - YouTube

MakeUp by Siryn BLOG

MakeUp by Siryn on FaceBook

Please share the panel with fellow cosplayers and lovers of makeup! Take care and have fun at SDCC 2014!

10 Tips For Self Care

Sometimes it's easier to care for and identify what needs to be done to help others in our lives. We can forget to take care of ourselves first. The problem with caring for others first is that it can lead to burning out or caregiver fatigue.

It is not selfish to care for oneself.

The healthier and happier a caregiver is, the more productive he or she can be with the helping of others. It's a win:win to practice self care. There are many lists for self care online, and here is one that I've composed. Hopefully, this list will get longer from contributions from awesome readers like you :)

Some Self Care Tips:

1) Have a moment by yourself. Do nothing and enjoy it :)

• Try sitting in a beautiful space. Whether it's plants, art, or people, find time to be around beauty as often as you can, and just enjoy the moment. Focus on your breath and how the world can slow down in this moment. 
• Don't have lots of time? Try 10 minutes a day. Try 5 if 10 seems difficult. 

2) Organize your living space.

• Decluttering or organizing your home can help with reducing stress. This is a great reason to go shopping for some pleasing furniture and art for your home. Moving books, or other items in the home can help get excess energy out.

3) Have a hobby.

• Don't have a hobby? Ask friends or family what they enjoy. Some options: hiking, walking, biking, swimming, drawing, reading, sewing, watching movies, filming, gardening...
• Make time to do what you love. It is important, and so are you.
• Play games. Think of things you loved doing as a kid, and try doing them again. Video games and board games can be a great way to relax.

4) Drink plenty of water.

• There are multiple health benefits of drinking water. Being hydrated can relieve headaches, and help clear complexions...

5) Exercise.

• Don't like exercising? There are creative ways to stay active. Go for a brisk walk with a friend. Play with children, run around your office on a break. Many studies link exercise with improved mood and decreased risk of heart disease. 
• If your work incorporates lots of sitting at a desk and computer, please take breaks to stand up and stretch. 

6) Listen to music. If you're bold enough, sing along!

• Plenty of articles have been written about the health benefits of listening to music. Now you have an excuse to listen to some of your favorite beats, and to make some for a jam session.

7) Dance.

• Really. Give it a shot :) Don't want others to see your awesome skills or lack there of? No problem! Dance by yourself! Dance in the bedroom, in the bathroom, in the living room... 
• Health benefits of dancing.

8) Have a safe place.

• Designate a place just for you to unwind. It can be a corner with a comfy chair and book, or a special spot in the park under a shady tree.
• If your safe place cannot be reached, try creating one in your mind. Don't have an amazing imaginary safe place? No worries! Keep practicing. Your imagination can build on the safe place over time, and it can become very detailed. 

9) Interpersonal connection.

• This is a big one. Chatting with loved ones can reduce huge amounts of stress. It is something to intentionally work on. Many of us are so busy with work schedules and errands, that we forget to check in with important people in our lives.
• Phone calls, conversations over lunch or tea, movie outings, group sports activities, volunteering... 
• Plenty of hugs, smiles, and laughter are important as well. A smile can change a person's day, and it most definitely can help improve your health as well. 

10) Start and End your day on a positive note.

• There are going to be crummy parts of the day, week, month or even year. Setting the tone for the start and end of your day might help with increasing gratitude.
• Having one or two positive things to reflect on every day can help promote an attitude of gratitude. 
• Being around positive people can help maintain this attitude of gratitude. Some people are just energy vampires, and it's okay to spend less time with certain people.