Clementine Magazine, Issue 02: TOUCH by clementinemagazine

Cover Photo by Mimi Guan IG: @qingying.g

$ & ' "" "# "$ "& "' %" %# %$ %' #" ## #$ #& #' !! !' $" Letter From The Creators

Clemen Tunes Playlist

Our Touch

“The Homes Found Along the Way” & “Endless”

The Difference Between...

“Sun Burn” & “Opal Bodies”

“A Mother’s Hand” & Untitled

Iliana Arocho & Alanna Floreck

More Than Physicality Photo Shoot

Local Artist Spotlight

Calling It Love Assumes

LGBTQ+ Resources

Graphic Art Spread

A Generation of Tattooed Bodies

The Art of Recon nection

Fall Horoscopes by black satin venus

Sculpture Spread

Astrology as Connection

Fishing For Elephants

Thank You!

LETTER FROM THE CREATORS

As we drift into autumn and all it has to offer, we are happy to share with you Clementine Magazine’s second issue: Touch. It has been quite some time since our first issue was released, and we could not be more pleased with the response we received from the community of people who have uplifted and supported us since. Whether it be from art submissions, poetry open mic nights, or Instagram DM’s from creative strangers, we have met so many wonderful people while bringing Clementine into being. Although in its infancy, Clementine has already become a community of artists, writers, readers, and friends. We are honored to connect with an abundance of talented people and to facilitate a space where your creative work is celebrated and cherished. This second issue was a long time coming, with the theme conceptualized

during a hopeful chapter when the Covid-19 pandemic seemed to be on its way out, and a resurgence of what was once familiar on its way in. As we settle into September, uneasy for what is now a new kind of familiar feeling, we hope this issue reminds you of what links us all together. So, meet up with a neighbor, call a lover, confess feelings to a friend, Touch the life of a stranger with a random act of kindness. Or just sit back and keep on reading. Please enjoy our second issue, entitled

‘T o

c u h’

All of our love, Clementine the Magazine

Hanna

MEET OUR ART DIRECTOR

MEET OUR CHIEF EDITOR

Erin

Abby 5

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

THANK YOU T O OU RT EAM OF HE LPE RS

Mary-Kate Corbisiero IG: @marykate_corb)

Sydney Tate IG: @sydneytateb Social Media Manager

WHO MA DE CL EM ENT INE S

Sammi Mahoney

IG: @sammimahoney

SEC OND ISSUE POSSIBLE!

WHAT IF WE ****? A PLAYLIST BY CLEMENTINE MAGAZINE

O U

R T

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by Meghan McLaughlin New Windsor, NY IG: @meghmclaugh

Connection to one another, Or connection to a thing. Touch isn’t always physical, Touch can make your soul sing. Anyone can Touch another. Could be a stranger or a friend, Or even an object or a place, Or things we may not comprehend.

Photo by Sydney Bradford @sydneybtate Models: Karlie @karliechickmoss & Ivy Mae Mccomb @ivy_mae_mccomb MUA: Beth Beauty @bethhbeautyy

What is it To Touch a soul? To feel a connection, Something so bold?

That feeling when your inner self Feels full of love and light You radiate a gorgeous glow, And everything feels right. Emotions truly run so deep When experiencing life. But what becomes of that graceful Touch, When we’re experiencing strife? Touch could be something So graceful & sweet, But on the other hand, Can be so deceitful & weak. A Touch of love, A Touch of hate, No Touch at all, Makes one insane. Some prefer to feel any way, As long as it's not lonely, Sometimes things turn to gray When all you want is someone to stay. One can Touch the lives of many, Or many lives can Touch one being, It all depends your way of seeing others, And recognizing a true purpose of living. That’s why we must be conscious Of how we interact With every being in the world So our universe can stay intact. There’s so much more to life, Than money, work, or school. We must Touch each other mindfully And use this as a tool To see that we are in this together. To embrace and uplift each other. There’s nothing more important in this world, Than to be united with one another.

Written and Designed by Erin Larkin Reconnecting with ourselves is not always easy. For some, it can point to solitude and paying close attention to one's inner needs. For others, it can mean expressing their creativity through outward needs. If you have trouble understanding and finding yourself, art can help you explore your mind, as the act of creating helps us access the hidden parts of ourselves. It allows us to activate something we might not have noticed before – our subconscious needs. When accessing your emotions, there is no better way to do it than making something you can connect to. During the beginning of the pandemic, I was struggling to remember who I was. Many people claimed to have lost themselves during the pandemic but it turns out I found

myself. Sounds cliche – I know. But it’s true. I had a lot of time to reflect; we all did. And I think we can all agree that we aren’t the same people we used to be. Although I like to think of myself as a pretty creative person, once the pandemic started I wasn’t really creating much of anything. Thankfully I realized what was missing. In May of 2020 I decided to order some tubes of gouache paint along with some essentials. Gouache is a water-soluble paint that combines the best aspects of both watercolors and acrylics; it’s also relatively easy to use so it felt like the perfect starting point. I was skeptical at first but if I’m being honest, I impressed myself. Don’t get me wrong, my work is certainly not going to be hung up at the Museum of Modern Art, but I’m not half bad for someone without

any proper art direction. My first painting was more of a test to see what I’m capable of, but I’ve realized it’s important to do what makes you feel the most like yourself. After a few months of practice, I decided to use my new passion as a way to connect with others. In a time when we can’t see family and friends as much as we used to, it’s hard to find a way to stay connected. I wanted to show my family that although I can’t be with them I still think of them often. It gave what I was doing meaning, which was hard to find at the time. Take a look at what I created to let them (and myself ) know I’m still here.

Here’s to ART. Here’s to FAMILY. Here’s to RECONNECTING.

Flowers for my mom

Portrait for my grandparents Little critters for my sister and her newborn son

Created for myself, my first gouache painting

Created for myself, an oil paint trial

“I am recreating a fond childhood memory of Christmas morning spent searching for a hidden gift in the form of a snow-covered crate of clementines. Reindeer hoof prints and remnants of chewed carrots encircled the buried treasure.” — Daniel Giordano, Newburgh NY

IG: @danieljgiordano

“This sculpture depicts a strong woman and two friends who are owls create a circle of grace around a large egg-shaped stoneware vessel.” — Laurie Goodhart, Cambridge NY IG: @lauriegoodhart.art

“The Homes Found Along the Way” Brandi Persutti New Paltz, NY IG:@ _bransai

“This piece is called The Homes Found Along the Way- all the places & things that have touched me within the past 2 years. The main figure is reaching out to another.”

“Endless” Pam Ellick San Francisco, CA IG: @pamellick.art

“This piece was inspired by the need for community and the endless journeys pursued in attempt to find something that isn t tangi e.”

The Difference Between Fucking and Making Love by Sydney Tate Bradford Well, what exactly is it that you’re trying to say? Darling, I love the way we move effortlessly together, and I’ll demonstrate it any day. or Babe, you’re a vessel that works just fine for right here, right now, let’s make it happen. Is it a tuft of the ego, a relief of stress, or a genuine solace in the solitude of bodies intertwined?

Is it an homage to their essence— an absolute dedication to pleasing the particular soul in your arms, mouth, or hands— crafted with profound intention behind each tease of a touch? Regardless of labels, making love is not just for longtime, committed lovers, and fucking isn’t solely for strangers or friends. Fucking is not devoid of intention, however that priority lies more in the act of general pleasure and sexual expression for both parties. And some parties are surprisingly gifted when it comes to providing or receiving said pleasure— unrelated to what comes after. One is intentional; designed for the appreciation and expression of a particular connection, and the other is a bit more self-serv-

ing; designed for the appreciation and expression of sexuality at its finest. They are not necessarily in competition with one another, it’s more so dependent upon an individual’s desires and intentions for their rituals. They each could lead to the other— a deep care built over time that transforms into seemingly magical touch, or an eventual loss of love made worse by the ghost of routine. A case for both, as follows. Our primal nature helps identify potential mates appropriate for procreating. Honestly, babymaking is so catastrophically far from my genuine hopes or desires when it comes to great sex (and matter-of-factly, has no current place as it relates to my own identity or perception of what intimacy should look like for the next few years, at least), but I understand there is a biological need to relieve physical tension in some way, and the hormones we sense from others can influence those decisions. Passion has a place in sexual experience regardless of our

commitments, feelings, or overall dynamic with others. You could be safely fucking a stranger and have the most compelling connection you’ve experienced up to that point— and I’d argue that strangers can make love, too. It is not shameful to seek out the fulfillment of our physiological needs through sex, though making love seems to advance a step further in combining larger themes in our overall “needs” hierarchy. I’ve heard of long term partnerships where they enjoy having sex with one another and know how to provide for their partner(s), but maybe it doesn’t feel quite as intentional as making love. Scheduling isn’t necessary, either, because making love could be in the heat of any moment. Making love can communicate words unspoken, strengthen existing declarations, or simply underline the reciprocity of souls. It feels… terrifying. Making love is vulnerable; shown through tousled sheets, carefully placed lips, and “I love you” spelled out in every way our bodies could possibly paint. It meets us exactly where we are, for exactly what we need, and provides satisfaction despite our fears. The act of “making love” is not dependent upon a relationship status or a strict agreement of what the connection represents, and we can exchange that deep care for others without being fully “in love.” It is a safe space that takes great

care to be nourishing, sensual, and liberating. There is a sweet sense of euphoria that feels less like “getting the job done,” and more like an embracement and acceptance of deepened connection. Sex, as a simple act, can serve as a great realm for the exploration of ourselves. It requires a certain level of bravery to be physically intimate with others no matter the terms, but focusing on how our sexuality persists with others is all sorts of enticing, and you don’t need a declaration of love to do it. Hell, you don’t need to orgasm to do it either. Again, your sex life is for you, and that means you decide what you need and want. If exploring sex is about seeing what you’re into, go for it. If it’s about deepened human connection and showing up unapologetically with the utmost passion, vibe out. And if you’re not quite sure what the experience means for you yet, you’re not alone.

although I’m comfortable providing that for someone else or for myself in private— that keeps me from crossing a boundary between sex for the sake of it and the intentionality of that specific exchange. We are gifted with the unique pleasure to exist as we please. What takes priority in most scenarios involving human connection is communication. Albeit, there are some complex narratives we may find ourselves tangled in, so long as we are existing as honestly as we feel able to with others, the necessities and duality of fucking and making love are for an individual to decide.

The Difference Between Fucking and Making Love I’ve not prioritized my orgasms when it comes to sex with others. There’s something a bit more spiritually intimate on my end --

And the difference overall? Well, I think you’ll feel it too.

SUN BURN By Brooke Hamling High morning sun Cresting soft freckled shoulders Peach skin and back dimples Exfoliated fingertips rolling sand Like money Warm blanket Cool cotton draped and wrinkled Over salt crusted rayon and elastic Hot cheeks and dirty feet Asleep in the back seat Halo sunset Midnight heat lamp Chilled sheets on bare skin Flat pulse of heat Along the sun's red autograph Etched along tan lines

OPAL BODIES By Julia Ramirez In this light we have opal bodies. Look how we shimmer with every touch. Veins of green and blue, Like the ocean. Pinky cheeks and lips, Like the blossoms. Pearlescent privates, Like a treasure. You on me, Me on you. We dazzle, darling. We glow in the night. Me on you, You on me. We wear each other. We are timeless jewels.

IG: @excusemeimjulia

“A Mothers Hand” 36” x 48” oil on canvas Alexis Connors Central Valley, NY IG: @alexis_connors_art

Untitled Kat Bricourt Goshen, NY IG: @katleen_bri_33

Astrology as a means for onnnection WRITTEN and DESIGNED by Hanna Wickes ART by Mary-Kate Corbisiero

“Are you an earth sign?” I ask the bookstore cashier as she checks out my friend’s order at the register. “You’re giving me heavy earth vibes,” I say, then realizing how insane I probably sound I begin to apologize, but instead her eyes light up: “I’m a Cancer--but I have a Virgo rising!” This kind of happens to me a lot. With the growing love of astrology as a means for digital and interpersonal connection, younger generations have started to use it as a way to introduce and identify with one another--and also as a guide into understanding themselves. What is a birth chart? When we think of astrology, we usually think of its most surface level: sun signs. Sun signs are what we respond with when people ask what our “sign” is: a Gemini, a Leo, etc. But that is only a snippet of our astrological makeup--and if you know anything about

astrology, feel free to skip over the next paragraph as I’m sure you’ve heard the same e p anation phrased do ens o di erent ways. The key to astrology lies within your birth chart. A birth chart is a screenshot of the sky the moment you too your first reath. The sun might have been lying around in the constellation of Scorpio when you were born, but the moon might have been resting in Aquarius, and mercury may have been chilling in Sagittarius. Each planet (yes, in astrology this includes the sun, moon, and pluto), represents a di erent aspect within your persona ity, and the constellation it lies in determines how you express it. There’s also the matter of Houses, but I will avoid that conversation because that’s not the point of this article. The point is, astrology is not a one and done answer. It’s a multi-faceted study into the art o human se re ection and the ce estia bodies that rule over it.

Our obsession with self-examination To be perceived is no longer a choice in a digital-heavy society where to not share yourself online is as much of a statement as doing so. What was once a quiet self-realization is now an awkward awakening within an echo chamber of Instagram posts and Tik Tok’s infallible For You Page.

reveal the nature of your life without any kind of judgement attached. Your astrological makeup is a neutra re ection o your i e much i e a mirror. n y the person oo ing at the re ection judges it; the mirror simply reveals what is there. Astrology reminds us that we are exactly as we are supposed to be for good reason. On purpose and with a purpose that we must live out i we want to ee any ind o u fi ment.”

Enter: severe self-examination.

Astrology as a means, not an end

Generation Z are as obsessed with the idea of being perceived just as much as their predecessor, Millennials were. Whether it’s Buzzfeed quizzes, Myers-Briggs tests, enneagrams, capturing someone’s essence through an aesthetic Pinterest board: welcome to the era of selfperception.

stro ogy can mean something di erent or everyone. For me, it’s a method to consciously focus on patterns of my personality I can impro e and ocus on to se re ect and ho d myself accountable (can you tell I’m a Virgo?). I have friends who use it to predict areas in their i es they may ha e con ict in or and get this concept--to simply have fun.

It’s not hard to see why astrology has gotten so popular. So many of us want to know what we look like through an astrological lens just as much as we want to know how many people saw our Instagram story from the day before. Or rather, we want to understand the innermost parts of ourselves through a celestial body that probably isn’t as self-critical as your own head. Chani Nicholas, expert astrologer and author, explains this concept well in her book, ‘You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical SelfAcceptance.’ “The positions of the planets in your birth chart

No matter how you use it, there is one factor that is bound to happen: connection. Like with the cashier at the bookstore, I have met so many new and interesting people by asking them for their zodiac sign. My friends have all memorized each other’s birth charts, and love to guess anyone and everyone about their own. It may be a ‘trend,’ or a result of a generation obsessed with self-scrutiny, but whatever it is, I’m grateful for the friends I’ve made on the ride. And now with that out of the way...what’s your sign?

A note on symbosis: Love A note on Love Written bysymbiosis: Iliana Arocho

IG: @gardenart_illy

Sitting in your trunk, a tangled tumor of dirty clothes. To it's left: a pair of hiking spikes, the scene reminded me of a still life both stained with chlorophyll and smelt of sweat, soil, saliva and snow. I pretend to fill a tin can with water, I pour rain over the swelling— “waiting for pairing” you asked for a kiss, during which white bearded irises mixed with bright daffodils bloomed “Paired”

“These two images serve to balance each other. They both depict touching the earth in opposite ways, above/buried under, warm/cold, active/passive.” — Alanna Floreck Warwick NY IG: @alannafloreck

than

physicality 27

Photographer: Sydney Bradford @sydneytateb Models: Sarahphina Patterson @sapo215 & Dylan Medina @dylan_cheyene MUA: Beth Beauty @bethhbeautyy

Local Artist Spotlight: Emma Hines WRITTEN by Matt Moment DESIGNED by Hanna Wickes When we arrive at a tea shop in New Paltz for our interview, Emma Hines greets the tea sommelier by name. As he prepares my $10.00 beverage—in what feels like at least 10 minutes—she remarks that everything, given time, can only get better. Time is a particularly important factor for Hines, 21, a recent graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a BFA in painting. Rewind just a few years to her enrollment in college, and she hadn’t even known what her major would be. And after a foot injury in her freshman year, she was forced to step back from the school’s volleyball team and do some “soul searching.” Around the same time as her injury, she took a painting class at the college, wanting to indulge in her childhood talent. “I was good at it—I already had that skill built up.” And with the availability of new mediums like oil paint, she would propagate her hobby into a career path. In that class, Hines discovered how inte ectua y demanding fine arts can e. t was a lot of philosophy: the philosophy of problem solving, what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. I never realized that art could be that hard.” sense o phi osophica curiosity is not di cu t to find in her paintings which are most y ripp es waves and tsunamis of color. Hines’ work highlights the complicated nature of beauty, painted with hues that re ect her deep o e or the natura world. Hines—who characterizes her own work as a stract” in genre is in uenced y nature ut isn’t compelled to paint your ordinary landscape. Instead, she engages in the tradition of nature painting with a bird’s eye view. Drawing from the aesthetic qualities of topographical maps, Hines

marries the familiar with the supernatural, simultaneously grounding and challenging the viewer. In “Fearless Mattress,” one of the paintings Hines chose to display at her thesis show, the use of color and texture is just that: fearless. A tight, oily rainbow is threatened by impending waves of brown and black—applied in indulgent, discernible strokes—that create a juxtaposition suggesting Hines’ understanding of beauty itself. I was curious to know what she thought of that a too common a ront towards a stract painters: “My four-year-old could do that!” Her retort is simple: “But did they?” She continues, “Once you engage in [painting], I think people realize there’s much more to it than splattering things around.” For her, discipline is “everything.” She concludes, “The proof is in the pudding. Even if I’m in a rut, I show up to my studio as early as I can get there, and I stay as long as I need to. I take it very seriously. Because it is serious.” I spoke to Hines as she was in the midst of packing to leave New Paltz. For now, she returns home to Long Island, and looks forward to eventually relocating to Berlin under an artist’s residency. We can anticipate more work that asks the viewer to look at beauty from all angles, depths and heights. For Hines, seeing is not only essential to her craft—it is a way of experiencing each moment. “I pay very, very close attention to details. My whole life is about aesthetics, right? Everything, all the time, I’m always noticing it. And it’s made my life really beautiful.” To view Emma Hines’ visual work, visit her Instagram page @emmahinesart or her website https://www.emmahinesart.com.

Fishing for Elephants Written & Photographed by Matt Moment Yesterday morning I went fishing for elephants in the Gulf of Great Undersea Elephants where hooks star the water’s surface, supine above glistening tusks. Me and we sit, drink a whole hurricane of beer and jeer at tourists and complain about life in the off-season, but: For three months, afternoons are spent on big boats parked in the open salt, following radar with cultlike devotion.

IG: @matt_moment

Our boats are far too small. Our cabins are low and fragile. Even our equipment is only for show. But we do not harp on all that, for what else is there to do? Children shout, “I see one!” One leather after another, marooned grey in blue. Little-kid heads lean out over the stern, competing to see, heads that daydream of casting, catching, seeing unrefracted. In the Gulf of Great Elephants, we are at home, we are at our marigold best. We shine back at the sun in reply. Tusks cross gallons of sea beneath our hulls untouched. In a pretend triumph, one boy tugs his hook with a ready spasm.

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Dutchess County Pride Center opewe unction ead youth groups the Trans ami y ies group T groups arent groups among others To get in touch or find out more dutchesspridecenter org te t (call) dutchesspride

To get in touch or find out more new urgh g t center.org (845) 616-2870 new urgh g t center

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LGBTQ+ RESOURCES The

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“As you wish”/”Petal soft” Christine Yates Saugerties, NY IG: @24elysse

“I thought about the energy and Qi that is felt through touch and how that feeling can be magical even if the object you are touching is inanimate.”

“Invite me” “It’s not what it seems”

“Piggy” Carol Radsprecher Brooklyn, NY IG: @cradsprecher

“Bumps”

“All but one of these was drawn and colored in Photoshop (the one exception is “It’s Not What It Seems;” that one is ink and acrylic on Claybord). I love to have my images published or exhibited, for my own esteem and to keep my work alive and “breathing” through the eyes of others.”

Photo of Lee’s arm 40

AN EXPLORATION OF THE CULTURAL PHENOMENON

HAPPENING WITHIN GENERATION Z Written by Abby Ridgeway Tattooing holds a special place in the traditions of multiple cultures across the globe, and dates back millennia. Tattoos were used as protection, markers of status, conviction, or fertility, and often remained quite similar in design year after year. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the history of tattooing in the United States began with indigenous peoples and their tattooing traditions symbolizing age, position within their community, or simply for added ornamental beauty. Traditional meaning depended greatly from tribe to tribe and geographic location. After being colonized by European settlers, tattooing, as regarded in American society, became more of a phenomenon and less of a rite largely due to Eurocentric standards of beauty and purity. However, as the years continue on, certain generations are breaking down this limiting standard that has entrenched the land since the first European foot stepped ashore. GENERATION Z: MOST INKED GENERATION EVER? Generation Z, defined by the Pew Research Center as the demographic cohort born between the years of 1997 and 2012, have quite literally made their mark in the world of tattooing. It is important to

Photo of Cory’s leg

perverse way media creeps into the psyche of its users, ultimately influencing them to feel comfortable with ideas and information based on pure exposure. It’s an insidious little marketing tool, but it can have its advantages like destigmatizing traditional taboos and raising community awareness. It is possible that social media has changed the way Americans think about who has tattoos and why people get them. While social media can introduce many to interesting new concepts, it also cocoons users in a fine tuned, personalized online world of their own. In a 2018 poll conducted by IPSOS, 26% of Gen Z had at least one tattoo; however, at that time the oldest members of the group were only 21, leaving much of the generation too young to be accounted for. Their data suggests that in time, Gen Z could become

Photo of Vikki’s shoulder

again emphasize the rich history of tattooing within the indigenous communities of the United States when describing Generation Z’s propensity for being tattooed. They are certainly not the first generation of tattooed bodies to be present on American soil, but within the modern American framework they are becoming quite unique when compared to other generations of the last two (or so) centuries. In recent American history tattooing belonged to certain subcultures within the larger society, but the lines between what types of people are and aren’t tattooed are beginning to blur and rapidly so. It can be argued that two factors influence the likelihood that Generation Z gets inked: progressive values and the liberated world of social media. Gen Z is truly the first generation to be raised with the internet as a common staple in homes, schools, and libraries making computer and internet literacy prevalent since childhood. A poll from Business Insider shows that 59% of Gen Z sources their news from social media, with 97% of them using a major social media platform according to a 2018 Pew Research Center poll. Social media algorithms exist to align users with their preference of informational sources, aesthetics, and overall like-minded people and accounts; simply interacting with a single photograph of a tattoo can set the algorithm to continuously recommend other tattoo related content on the user’s feed. This is the

Photo of Maya’s sternum

the most tattooed generation in recent history. CONSENT, AWARENESS, AND SAFETY Independent and community taught tattoo artist of Harlem, N.Y., Lee Atkinson shared their thoughts about the personal nature of tattooing, “Tattooing is an intimate, high pressure service so it is essential to be conscious of the client’s feelings and comfort level.” Since tattooing involves physical and emotional closeness, it is important for the tattoo community to provide insight about potentially harmful community members, including abusers and those with bad technical skills, to keep each other safe. Dani Di Pietrantonio, tattoo artist and owner of Aesthetic Tattoo in Kerhonkson, N.Y., stresses

Photo of Elana’s back

the importance of creating safe spaces for artists and clients within the tattoo community. She also emphasizes always “making sure the client is comfortable, and checking in on comfort levels or if breaks are needed.” Elana Lipkin, abolitionist and graduate student studying social work, finds that tattoos build community and create the opportunity to connect with others. In her experience as a consumer, she feels most comfortable with artists who check in and practice active consent. Such a touchy and often painful experience requires sensitivity to and awareness of the needs of the client. SOCIAL MEDIA AS A WORKSPACE AND CULTURAL DOMAIN For a cohort of people so focused on connection, tattooing can often bridge the gap between the IRL and URL. Finding an artist on social media, booking an appointment, and vulnerably sitting and chatting with, oftentimes, a brand new person while getting art etched into the skin makes tattooing a truly special and intimate art form. However, for some young artists maintaining a balanced presence online can be tricky. Lee specifically cites that social media can be a Catch 22, “Instagram became the platform for tattooers.” Since most of their clientele come from Instagram the exposure is essential for business, but keeping up with the algorithm to stay

Photo of Lee in front of their previous studio, Port Chester

Photo of Elana’s legs 44

relevant makes it difficult to take social media breaks. Dani shares similar feelings with most of her clientele coming from social media, primarily due to the tendency people have for sharing photos of their tattoos online and garnering interest in her work. With the ability to share anything online and have it be adopted into the mainstream, the question begs to be asked: how can subculture still exist? “Social media accelerates trends and the spread of them, but there will always be extremes. Still subcultures exist with certain kinds of, and rituals for, tattooing. People have an inherent need for belonging and subcultures provide spaces for expression,” Elana argues. As tattoos become more popular and less unexpected, the culture within tattooing is changing as well with Lee noting that “As stigmas fade people are more comfortable getting tattoos in highly visible areas like the hands and neck. This goes directly

Photo of Dani in front of her studio, Kerhonkson

against many conventional tattoo rules that are upheld by ‘traditional’, typically older cis male artists, who believe that these placements must be earned through tattooing all of the other areas of the body [first].” A generation of change-makers and system destabilizers, Generation Z is not only predicted to be the most tattooed generation in modern history, but to change the way tattoos are perceived within society and how the industry of tattooing operates and makes space for people. Building a safe community for artists and clients alike is paramount, and Gen Z isn’t one to shy away from calling out dangerous customs, people, and ideologies. Every tattoo can be seen as one step towards a future that is less stringent and better aligned with the needs of the current American society: creativity, care, liberation, and community.

THE CORNERS OF THE INTERNET FOR THOSE MENTIONED ARE AS FOLLOWS: Lee — @grapefruitjoose on IG or at lee-atkinson.com Dani — @aestheticallynotpleasing on IG or at aesthetictattoo.com Elana — @babypoeit on IG

Photo of Erin’s wrist

CLEMENTINE MAGAZINE

fall FALL 2021

HOROSCOPES

CLEMENTINE MAGAZINE

FALL 2021

HOROSCOPES

CLEMENTINE MAGAZINE

FALL 2021

HOROSCOPES

CLEMENTINE MAGAZINE

FALL 2021

HOROSCOPES

BLACK SATIN VENUS

On May 8th, Meadow Blues Coffee in Chester, NY hosted Clementine Magazine’s first ever event, an open mic

poetry night. A huge thank you to Gina Stafford, owner of Meadow Blues, for

letting us steal her cafe for an evening full of sonnets, great coffee, and even better company. Thank you to all who

came out, and if you didn't—don't worry, there will be more chances to hang with Clem. Please look out on our social media for more events to come! be sure to follow @meadowbluescoffee on instagram !

THANK YOU.