Feb
22
Smart Art Heaven
Hailing from the hip hop culture, being raised in the skreets as a club kid and having worked in the music industry will get you exposed to plenty of posturing, petty ego’s and pretense. I had problems. I was a street girl. I was raised on street culture. Coming up, you had to actually have some sort of street cred vs social media followers. Twitter and Instagram didn’t exist. Today, everybody street. Everybody hip hop. Everybody drinking the Kool-aid and don’t know the flava.
I trust my struggle. I sense it’s time to set it off with my knowledge and love for everything I’ve learned through rap life. What better way to represent than to make a zine? If you’re not knowing, the original term back in the day was “fanzine.” A fanzine is a small booklet of hand drawn art, poems, photographs and specific content created or curated by the zine maker, usually photocopied. Typically, a zine was something you gave away to your friends for free, just to do it. It was something small you could do that gave you a sense of accomplishment. Kids made zines about anything and everything. Whatever you were into, that’s what you made your booklet about. A homegirl I knew made pencil drawn comics about having crushes on deejays, particularly The Beat Junkies. One dude always printed up his bad drawings, but they were his and we knew and loved him for them. If you think about it, making a zine is kinda like throwing a club. Instead of making flyers for your event, you’re making a newsletter for your lifestyle.
Located at Helms Bakery Complex in Culver City, LA
Being around zinesters, it’s a cool vibe. The LAZinefest is all about that life, to the next level. People still care. There’s still seems to be a real sub-culture there. The essence and passion of expression through print can be felt. There’s probably a jaded zinester somewhere thinking, “Man, it’s just not what it used to be, zine culture has really changed.” However, I didn’t experience or encounter that from anyone. Upon meeting Daisy Noemi and asking her why she does it, she expressed that it’s more about making the connection and building with others. She told me that if you ever feel unappreciated in whatever you’re doing or whatever community you’re in, making a zine will help with that. For her, it’s not about money or getting more work–it’s about creating the community you seek. Her sentiments resonated with me. Daisy was generous enough to flow me a zine to keep! It was hand-drawn with ribbon holding it together. This gesture welcomed me.
Faces zine by Daisy Noemi
Faces zine by Daisy Noemi
Anything you can think of, you’ll find pamphlets and periodicals filled with pages of it. You name it, it’s there in print. There’s usually something for everyone, no matter how diverse or eclectic your taste. You can come just to look, check out zines, support, listen to music, meet cool folks, hear a lecture, buy zines and even learn how to make a zine!
KXLU 90.7 in the building
What you know about a zine hut
Just what I was looking for…
Every girl needs this…
Always trust your gut feelings…
One of my favorite zines, Teen Angel’s exhibit
Who needs a Nomad Certificate? *raises hand*
Classy ladies…
Alex Scramble and his pocket posters…
Lettering ladies
Miss California…had to buy this one for myself
Slaps. Copped myself and “Art Life”
Kenzo Martinez!
I was in smart art heaven. I felt like I found a dope flyer and made my way to a fun club. Inspiration comes when you least expect it, in all forms. Take notes. Make a zine.