issue 9

Issue 9 MARCH 2025

An art and creative writing collaboration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction........................................................................................................................ 1 ELEPHANT | Brianna Benozich................................................................................ 2 A FLOWER’S KISS, A WING’S TOUCH | JaBarr Graves................................ 3 TERROR FROM THE DEEP (RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!) Katie Dempsey....................................................................................................... 4 INSECT INSIGHT | Lou Paige................................................................................... 5 NOTE | Stephanie Skatz................................................................................................ 6 DEVIL’S BACKBONE | Ivy Mercer............................................................................ 7 JACK-A-ROE, VERSION 3 | K. Briggs....................................................................... 8 FOR MY OTHER BROTHER | Jay............................................................................. 9 ABUNDANCE CONSCIOUSNESS | Daniel Barry.............................................. 10 TREES AND CLOUDS AND BIRDS AND THINGS | Maddie Robinson...11 I AM | Juicy Judy................................................................................................................ 12 PHOENIX RISING | Gabrielle D. Veneziani........................................................ 13 BEETLE IN RESIN | Sierra Moran........................................................................... 14 THE ADULT MENAGERIE | Ayden Mateo Herold.......................................... 15 SEEING RED | Jay Shifman.......................................................................................... 16 NUMB | T.............................................................................................................................. 17 NU | Dmitriy F. March..................................................................................................... 18 CHICKEN FINGERS | Jake.......................................................................................... 19 REFLECTION | Alina Amador.................................................................................... 20 A BODY IN MOTION | Tara Lerman........................................................................ 21 CREATOR SPOTLIGHT: MR. SCOOOT................................................................ 22 CUPPA BLUES | Mr. Scooot......................................................................................... 24 TRANSMIGRATION OF A LOST SOUL | Jeff Cunningham........................ 26 GHOSTS | Luise Armstrong........................................................................................ 27 DANTE PROMISED THE UNORTHODOX A TOMB OF FLAMES Maia Brown-Jackson........................................................................................... 28 LOOKING GLASS HERETIC | Becca Dent Hanagan...................................... 29 TRANSIT DEATH SPIRAL | Margaret Mahoney.............................................. 30 REMEMBER (JAN 6) | Melinda Rice....................................................................... 31 DEAD HORSE BAY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK | Mallory Edelle................ 32

ONLY SAY THE WORD, AND MY SOUL SHALL BE HEALED Olivia Nikolidakis................................................................................................. 33 CHOPPED N SKREWED | Ziera “Scumboinani” Laenae............................. 34 THE OUTLIER | Eugenie ‘Eve of Strategy’ Elie................................................. 35 AN ARRIVAL | Samdi Ajangri..................................................................................... 38 HELD | Lindsey Gill......................................................................................................... 39 DISPARITIES IN CHRONIC PAIN CARE | Jihan A. Thomas....................... 40 THERE’S NOTHING LEFT | Laura Price............................................................. 41 MY ARTIST FRIEND | Lauren Seales..................................................................... 42 BLU WITH THA’ PEARL EARRING | Blu Luna................................................. 43 ASK ANYONE FOR DIRECTIONS | Jess Heron................................................. 44 LA NOUVELLE HÉLOÏSE | Janos Korodi.............................................................. 45 YOU COMFORT ME WITH THORNS | Jenna Gares...................................... 46 WHEN WE TALK ABOUT LOVE | William E. Heston.................................... 47 Contributors....................................................................................................................... 48 Creators................................................................................................................................. 53

Collide Literary Magazine Issue 9 Published March 2025

Thank You! To all of our business partners: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lot 49 A Novel Idea Partners and Son Wooden Shoe Books Jade Forest Pretty Green Terrariums Long in the Tooth Records Nice Things Handmade Launderette Brooke Lanier Fine Art People’s Gallery Project Philadelphia Small Works Iffy Books

INTRODUCTION Dear Readers, In 2022 I discovered a new way to connect with the artistic community I had lost after my college years and Covid 19. Something called “open mics” where poets gathered to share their stories. I became entranced by the way these people would share their whole hearts and dreams, their pain, and their raw experiences on stage to a group of strangers through notes from their phone or journals. It brought me back to my humanity after a year of lockdown. It lit a fire in me to do something that brought people together again through art and poetry. I felt inspired again, but I needed to find a way to connect the two that was a collaborative effort across disciplines.

To all the artists, writers, poets, musicians, and local businesses that have supported us through Collide’s early stages,Katie and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are the backbone of this project, and Collide persists due to your endless encouragement, donations, and constructive feedback.

That is how Collide zine was born. Now, just three years later, we have printed nine issues, and published the work of over 300 artists and writers. Collide has become not just a zine, but a thriving community in its own right; with open mics, art shows, and gatherings. It is always a huge accomplishment to create each issue, and we always learn something new through the process.

With love, Lindsey Gill & Katie Dempsey Editors and Creators Collide Zine LLC

Our mission remains the same:

Every artist is valid.

Every creative person deserves to be seen.

Want to be in our next issue?

Scan here here to submit! u

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ELEPHANT BRIANNA BENOZICH

Trigger Warning: depression and suicide

I’m only still breathing for them For my family My parents My sisters Because if I was to be buried So would their hopes and dreams Of how I would grow and shine But I lost that gleam But pretend I’m fine

But I swallow the lump in my throat Like the pills that don’t work And I smile So that they can smile So I can see them smile So I can really smile Even if it’s just fleeting Even just a second But my heart is still beating Despite the elephant’s foot Despite being the elephant in the room

My death would destroy them Shatter their dynamic Like scissors to a rose’s stem Like dropping a ceramic An ax to the family tree Elephant in the room At every family function As I can barely function Everyone wondering Concerned Is she okay?

Are you okay?

Am I okay?

I stay alive for them So they don’t fracture at the seams Even if I don’t live up to their dreams I stay alive for them So I can see their smiles Even if I’m gone for miles I stay alive for them Cuz even when I’m shoved I know that I’m loved I stay alive for them

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A FLOWER’S KISS, A WING’S TOUCH JABARR GRAVES 3

TERROR FROM THE DEEP (RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!) KATIE DEMPSEY 4

relatable traits to compare with— their skeletal bodies, uniquely designed.

INSECT INSIGHT LOU PAIGE

Maybe insects are the real mirrors, projections of something crucial for us in moments we cannot access ourselves. They tap into our fears, spike our anxieties, and wriggle under our skin in pursuit of our attention. In secret, they climb our walls, roam our floors, and follow us into our beds. Hidden eyes in the blackness of an apartment. A speck camouflaged under an otherwise standard set-up of picture frames.

Anomalous entities creeping into our subconscious until the moment we catch sight of the bent wings on the bedside table lamp or the blown-up shadow hovering over the wall.

There's something about pests and parasites that shakes up something wild and feral in us.

Making us feel discomforted, exposed, invaded. They've been here on our Earth a long time, much longer than most of us, and they hold ancient secrets and sacred insights within them. They're true survivalists, whip-sharp predators, and intuitive lurkers. If you know what questions to ask and where to look, you may find some of that covert knowledge where you least expect it.

My tortoiseshell cat, Twigs, is a particularly insightful insect hunter. She knows just where to find insects and how to catch them, and she does so with ease, relishing the chase.

I've noticed recently that certain insects have a way of influencing changes or transits in our lives.

They penetrate at the most curious moments. What is it about them that is so affecting? Why do they stir up so much emotion?

Have you ever tried to observe one up close, focusing on their numerous eyes or spindly legs.

There's seemingly no recognition to be found in insects, few

The Ghost of a Flea by William Blake (1819-1820)

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CREATOR SPOTLIGHT: MR. SCOOOT We recently spoke with muralist and illustrator Mr. Scooot, who has been working in Philadelphia – “the greatest city in America,” as he calls it – for 12 years as an illustrator and muralist. Although he has been drawing and painting since before he can remember, he discovered his passion for illustration as a career while studying graphic design in college. In his words, he “simply sought out the type of work [he] wanted and put [him]self in situations and places [he] wanted to be seen.” Mr. Scooot cites his past, background, and culture – living in Italy until age 6, then moving to Ambler, Pennsylvania until his late teens, before finding his way to Philadelphia — as the inspiration for much of his work. He enjoys the camaraderie and communication that comes with being a part of Philadelphia’s thriving artistic community: “…being an illustrator in Philly is amazing. Such a great

community of artists/illustrators. I’ve reached out to lots of artists across the world… [and] artists in Philly always answer and are willing to talk.”

Where do you get the most inspiration for your characters and drawings?

A lot of my characters are based off my background and experiences. I definitely pull from pop culture and my sense of humor as well. I always find it hard to answer this question because inspiration I guess is more spur-of-the -moment for me… If I’m working on a comic, it’s based off humor, pop culture and everyday events. If I’m working on a series of paintings, it might be about something I’ve gone through or am feeling that could be a plethora of different emotions. Right now I’m working on a series of paintings that are reflecting over the past 10 years as I’m about to turn 30 and all the characters are tomato people. Tomatoes make me think of home and comfort.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had while creating or displaying your art in public?

It’s hard to think of a specific moment, but I will say that when people find your [street art] and share them, it always feels nice [that] someone stopped to take a picture and share it with others.

I think every artist knows what that

“Tomato Portrait #1”

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sketch on my iPad, and then projecting onto a there are going to be extreme highs canvas. Sometimes I paint the idea directly onto the and extreme lows [in a creative canvas. For client work career] and it’s going to be emotional. that’s digital, there’s lots And that’s ok. And maybe take a of research done on the business class, get someone to do your topic/theme/product/ etc. and looking at references. taxes. I have no idea what I’m doing.

Ultimately my sketching, creating process is mainly based around composition; filling feels like. Also just working on murals. in the space with the general shapes Whether it’s my own or assisting. It’s I want and where I want them. Then kind of a surreal feeling, waking up evI can go in and start adding details. ery day for 2 weeks to a month to that But every project is different, so evas your job. It also feels supernatural ery time the process is a bit different. because here’s this thing you love and Sometimes my sketchbook is just filled are good at and you’re getting paid for with notes and outlines before I even it. It’s not an easy place to get to, so any start drawing anything. For example, mural I work on is an amazing opporI’m working on some paintings now tunity and experience. that are based around this feeling of “being enough” [in which] all the charWhat do you believe is the number acters are, like, humanoid tomatoes. one thing to remember as a freelance So I’ve been writing all these feelings artist? and moments in my life and others That’s a tough one to answer. Any adrelating to this feeling or insecurities. vice I have to give is incredibly based Then I’ll sketch out and solely off my own expetry and capture it. And just rience. I always feel like kinda go from there.

I need people to sign a disclaimer when they ask Do you have a favorite for advice because the piece you’ve created? best advice for me could What makes it special to be the worst for you. But I you? guess something general My favorite piece right that might be important now is a blue hand holding to remember is that there a tea bag and a cigarette. are more creatives than It’s called “Cuppa Blues.” I creative opportunities, so think it kind of sums up my if you want this to be your 2024 and has some percareer you’re basically sonal meaning to me. Also going to be always workI just wanted to try someing and there are going to thing new to end 2024 be extreme highs and exand start 2025. Maybe it treme lows and it’s going means 2025 will be filled to be emotional. And that’s with new experiences. It’s on display ok. And maybe take a business class, right now at Chapter House. get someone to do your taxes. I have no idea what I’m doing.

Are there any upcoming projects or pieces you’re particularly excited How do you typically approach creabout? ating a new piece? Can you walk us Yes! I’m working on some client projthrough your process? ects that I’m excited to share, both for It’s kinda different every time. Not local businesses/organizers. I’ll be dramatically different, but sometimes sharing them soon on insta. Working it’ll start with a sketch, perfecting that

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on a collection of work too. All based around tomatoes and feeling like “enough.” Also working on some comics, who knows when those will be done. I’m starting a ceramics class soon too, so that should be fun. I’d like

to start branching out with different mediums.

What are your cats’ names?

My cat is 6 & a half and his name is Inuyasha. And I love him so fucking much.■

Mr. Scooot’s work can be found on Instagram/threads @m.scooot, and is available for purchase at mscottstudio.com

CUPPA BLUES MR. SCOOOT 24

TRANSMIGRATION OF A LOST SOUL JEFF CUNNINGHAM

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GHOSTS LUISE ARMSTRONG

There’s a ghost in my apartment I know I know Everyone says that Yesterday She came in the night Looking for a fight She Backed me into The spiral staircase I fled Running up and down no longer could I discern was I chasing her or was she chasing me I woke in the morning Curled on the floor At the base Of that staircase Clutched in my hand A scrap of paper That was fun Can we do it again tonight?

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MAIA BROWN-JACKSON

DANTE PROMISED THE UNORTHODOX A TOMB OF FLAMES

I loved you, and that was rare enough, and then you told me you loved me, too, and then somehow — then somehow you taught me to believe you.

Could you really have any doubt that when the worst came I would damn myself to the sixth circle of hell, right behind you?

Set my bare, bleeding hands alight to free you from your burning tomb?

We’ll break that looking glass and dive into this quicksand and eat these fetid beetles raw, crush the p o m e g r a n a t e s e e d s

between our fingers so we might be condemned even to Tartarus itself now, timeless and undying — I can’t even be entirely sorry because I’m here with you and even now you still touch me like I’m spun sugar (melt me [command]) (melting me [action]) and destroy me with your mouth.

I no longer wish to be saved, understand?

Let me be your collateral damage.

Even if we can’t run forever; even when our time is come; even when the devil draws nigh to collect; even when we’ve become halfway feral

and forgotten the feeling of sunlight

as we fall deeper and deeper,

trying not to examine the shadows too closely: somehow we stay together.

Here, it feels almost like prayer.

It won’t matter if the blood turns to mercury in our veins: we’ll continue to fight and run and we’ll keep on cleaning each other’s wounds just the same.

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LOOKING GLASS HERETIC BECCA DENT HANAGAN 29

TRANSIT DEATH SPIRAL MARGARET MAHONEY

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REMEMBER (JAN 6) MELINDA RICE

Remember, if you can, We hold each other We hold each other to the flame and in our hearts.

Remember, if you can, We reap each other We reap the garden that we have all sown.

Remember, if you can, January 6, And 7 and 8, and the rest of the year.

Scan here for an audio version of this poem

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CONTRIBUTORS Alina Amador

Becca Dent Hanagan

she / her

she / her

Alina Amador is a multi-media intuitive artist. She was born in San Jose, Costa Rica and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. This is her first year in Philadelphia. Some of Alina’s favorite things to do are painting, making jewelry, and collecting dead bugs.

IG: @3tsitra | web: www.alinaamador.com

Ayden Mateo Herold he / him

Becca Dent Hanagan is an emerging artist living in Philadelphia. Since receiving a BFA from Moore College of Art and Design in 2005, Becca has been working at the Free Library, promoting the arts and molding young minds for the LEAP After - School program.

She works in a variety of mediums including photography, collage, illustration and embroidery.

Becca’s work is inspired by her love of classic horror, religious symbolism, culture heritages and The Divine Feminine.

IG: @angelpunk1 | web: www.mementoviverevignettes.com

Ayden is a recent graduate looking to write and be read. He is actively looking for a job to make big money soon, and scoops ice cream for a little money now. He hopes writing will make him the most money in the future.

Eugénie 'Eve of Strategy' Elie she / her / hers / beloved

Eugénie, affectionately known as Eve of Strategy, turns to poetry during life's major milestones Say hi if you see him. Despair if you don't. Join the and moments of revelation. For Aydenation on Instagram for spooky vibes in the her, poetry is less a constant meantime. craft and more a returning companion, offering a space to IG: @ayden_1a | @aydensportfolio process, reflect, and express. A Haitian medical web: https://nedya02.wixsite.com/my-site anthropologist by trade, who is currently a researcher, she weaves her human experience into the verses that find her when she needs them most. She also dances, travels, and is a professionhe / him al joy cultivator.

William E. Heston is a poet, web: https://linktr.ee/eveofstrategy painter, composer, and filmmaker from Philadelphia. He has been previously published in Empyrean Literary Magazine, featured as the New Moon Speshe / they cial for Volume 1 Issue II, in Collide Magazine Issue #7, and in Soup Can Magazine #15. He is an Melinda loves circles, metalum of the Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency aphorical and literal. Recent for January 2025, having been awarded both the collaborative projects include Emerging Artist Grant and Denis Diderot Grant. looped string music with spoken word and cem-

William E. Heston

Melinda Rice

IG: @space_monkey_media web: https://www.thehiredmanfilm.com/

etery history, a personal history of water in song cycle, and a solo acoustic violin series with a live siren from a nuclear generating station.

Ivy Mercer

youtube: melindamyrrh | web: www.melinda-rice.com

they / them

Jess Heron

Ivy Mercer is a 26-year-old she / her illustrator in South Philadelphia who creates detailed pen-andJessica Heron is an ability-queer ink drawings. Their work often features surreal pizza bagel poet and applied linportraits, symbolic animals, and dark aspects of guist from Staten Island living nature, blending realism and whimsy. Utilizing at the Jersey Shore. Her work has appeared in Hot almost exclusively the technique of hatching, Pink Mag, BRUISER, Let’s Stab Caesar!, Horror they add a unique depth and texture to each piece. Sleaze Trash, Tiny Spoon, and others.

IG: @ivmercer | web: skunksinlove.com

IG: @signature_trash | web: jessicaheronpoetry.com

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CONTRIBUTORS Luise Armstrong

K. Briggs

she / her

they / she

Luise finds it hard to stay in one place for too long. She has called seven different states home and visited 33. She is an avid bicyclist, reads books of any genre and enjoys striking up conversations with strangers. Though she has yet to have her fiction published, she gleefully collects rejection letters because each one represents a risk taken.

K. Briggs is a comics witch, art teacher, and zine-making forest hag based in the Greater Philadelphia area. Their love affair with comics began in 2012 while pursuing an MFA at Dundee University, Scotland. Her most recent work is a full text comic adaptation of Macbeth from Avery Hill Publishing and The New Chapter Tarot.

IG: @Arkhikernc

IG: @kbriggscomics | web: k-briggs.com Bluesky: @kbriggs.bsky.social

Margaret Mahoney

Lauren Seales

she / her

Margaret Mahoney is an artist and designer living in Philadelphia, PA. She primarily creates digital art, with the occasional venture into painting and block printing. Her work is inspired by the everyday life of those living, working, and enjoying the city around her.

IG: @badly_drawn_buses web: https://margaretmahoney.portfolio.site/

she / her

Lauren Seales may often be found dancing, spinning house and garage (as Buxta Høøda), playing with words, riding her bike, or experiencing ecstatic union with nature. She is currently putting her doctorate in music composition to good use in her unrelated career as a data engineer. Awe and wonder are her bread and butter.

IG: @buxtahooda

OPEN MIC EXPERIENCE @ Two Locals brewing open mic for all artists & fans | free | 2pm - 5pm February 23rd march 23rd april 27th

May 18th June 22nd july 27th

august 24th september 28th october 26th november 23rd

two locals Brewing: 3675 market st. (corner of 37th st)

powerstreettheatre.com 49

CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Cunningham

Juicy Judy

he / him

she / her

Jeff Cunningham is a Philadelphia-based artist specializing in graphic design, painting, and illustration. His work, influenced by surrealists and illustrators like Magritte and Rockwell, delves into themes of alienation and disconnection, blending sharp visual language with rich color.

Juicy Judy is a creative writer and visual artist who brings forth the unseen and what has yet to be told. She favors the bold. They touch truths and hearts through words and visual expression.

Juicy’s artwork strikes cords of complexity and multiplicity to embrace all the layers and spaces between us.

A graduate of the Creative and Performing Arts High School and University of the Arts, Cunningham’s work has been showcased in various group exhibitions in Philadelphia.

IG: @boomingfruits

JaBarr Graves he / him

IG: @transient_visions | web: jeffcunninghamart.com FB: the art of Jeff Cunningham

JaBarr Graves, a 27 year old emerging Philadelphia artist dedicated to creating and exploring the significance of art based education through painting. His work plays with the differshe / her ent value and planes of the face, specifically exZiera Laenae (all so known as pression then juxtaposed with very bold pigments.

Scumboinani) learned that if IG: @art_bxrr_ you want your story told right, you must be the writer, or in this case, the creator. Tired of not seeing stories that captured her childhood, she began to he / him create them herself. Scumboinai's work is heavDaniel Barry recently completily focused on Blackness because without it she ed his first year as a teacher on wouldn’t be who she is. the Pine Ridge Reservation in IG: @scumboinani South Dakota. Children gravitate towards him, because he knows how to play like one. He keeps a dream journal and has an unreasonable love for fava beans and figs. He's currently loving his work she / her as a preschool teacher in the greater Philly area.

Ziera “Scumboinani” Laenae

Daniel Barry

Tara Lerman

Tara Lerman is a poet based in South Philly. Diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at nine years old, she uses her writing to raise awareness about the condition that is still widely misunderstood.

She is the senior managing editor of branded content at Business Insider, where she collaborates with writers, producers, and designers on large content programs.

IG: @dnlbptry Medium.com: @danielthepoet

Gabrielle D. Veneziani she / her

Indigenous Spirit Weaving Intuitive Intelligence Through The Eyes Of A Visionary Artist When Tara is not working or writing, she enjoys - Gazing Into Gabrielle better rock climbing, biking, and coffee. known as Gabrielle D. Veneziani is a Psychic Medium & Visionary IG: @taralerman13 Artist based in Philadelphia, PA. web: taralerman.com | https://medium.com/@taralerman13.

She is a self taught artist primarily focusing on using her gifts as a Psychic Medium to channel and create through her artwork. Her craft is in the worlds of Sacred Geometry, Ornamental Design, she / her Surrealism, and Abstract artwork.

Blu is a poet and an illustrator IG: @_gazingintogabrielle (who may or may not be a carFB: Facebook.com/GazingIntoGabrielle toon character).

Etsy: https://gazingintogabrielle.etsy.com/

Blu Luna

IG: @deswithblu | web: https://www.dhallharper.com

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CONTRIBUTORS Jay Shifman

Jenna Gares

he / him

she / her

Jay believes no one is free until we are all free. A photographer and writer, when he’s not creating beauty on the page he’s photographing it in the world. He lives in South Philly with his primary partner/ wife, Lauren, and their dogs Nell and Crash.

IG: @SouthPhillyJays | web: www.JayShifman.com

Maddie Robinson she / her

Piped Dreams started as a little passion project Jenna had to spread joy with her cakes. She loves baking and has a passion for decorating vintage style cakes! This soon inspired Jenna to take her work to the streets of Philadelphia, and share that joy even more with others, by sharing her fake cake art. It became an amazing outlet for all of the stresses that life threw at her, and even at times where it felt hard to keep pushing and creating a piece of art that others can relate to felt amazing.

IG: @Piped_dreamscakes

Maddie Robinson is a queer tattoo artist working out of her private studio in West Philly. She specializes in fine-line, nature-inspired designs. she / her Her work focuses on complimenting the body and Olivia explores the effect that maintaining an organic sketch-like quality. She is the external world—and the very interested in capturing complicated textures expectations it implies—has on with simple lines, and offering a novel, more delithe internal worlds of women and how they view cate style to the world of tattooing. themselves. Dealing with topics such as growing IG: @off_world_tattoos up catholic, deep-rooted fears of losing purity, and hyper sexualization, Nikolidakis confronts the everyday anxieties that have become prerequisites of womanhood.

Olivia Nikolidakis

Laura Price she / her

Laura Price is an 11th dimensional energy healer and clairvoyant divine channel raising the collective consciousness. She is blessed with access to the Akashic records and is dedicated to breaking taboos around talking about sex and self-love.

She lives intuitively, purely and honors her soul’s purpose as an artist, musician and author of a forthcoming book sharing the ancient healing wisdom of the V. She is pro-porno and anti-hypocrisy.

IG: @livxnikolidakis | web: www.olivianik.com

Samdi Ajangri they / them

Samdi Ajangri is a Haitian-born, American-raised resident who does hard things like walking along uneven floors without falling, writing (and editing) words and creating things, and being in community with people who can be a little annoying sometimes. They think these hard things are worth doing.

IG: @remixedbylp | substack: @remixedbylp web: LauraPricehealing.com

IG: @ajangri.me | bluesky: @ajangri.me

T

Brianna Benozich

he / him

she / her

Brianna Benozich is a writer, filmmaker, and comedian. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Brianna writes relatable and humorous stories about her personal life, city living, and the awkwardness that comes with being a human being. You can see Brianna perform comedy throughout the city.

IG: @briannabigby web: https://www.brianna-benozich.com/

Hello reader, I’m T! If you’re reading this, it means that I’ve finally been published! With that said, however, I regret to inform you that I’ve opened the gates to despair. Most of my poetry has to do with loss, sadness, and the world’s endless supply of both. Sometimes, it’s not so bad and one can appreciate the beauty of the universe... when life stops beating me over the head!

IG: @pastduepoet

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CONTRIBUTORS Maia Brown-Jackson

Dmitriy F. March

she / her

he / him

After the incredibly practical Dmitriy is a not really a writer; literature degree from the Unibut as a former English major, versity of Chicago, award-winhe feels he owes it to his student ning, pushcart-nominated Maia debts and teachers; he hears the call once every Brown-Jackson braved the myri- full moon and thinks that maybe he (still) can be. ad esoteric jobs that follow, unIG: @boogle_woogle til straying to Iraq to volunteer with survivors of ISIS genocide. Inspired with new focus, she caffeinated herself through a graduate degree in terrorism and human rights and now they / them investigates fraud, waste, and abuse of humanitarian aid in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Also, Lou Paige is a trans writer, orshe writes. ganizer and editor, living in the

Lou Paige

Philadelphia area. Lou is interested in dissecting big feelings, defeating the Big Bad curse of perfectionism and labor unions!

IG: @tilting.at.windmills web: maiabrown-jacksonwriting.com

Janos Korodi

IG: @igatherdreams

he / him

Janos was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1971 and has lived in Philadelphia since 2015. A visual artist, primarily a painter, he also explores printmaking, murals, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Over 30 years, his work has been exhibited across Europe and the US. Recently, he returned to industrial environments, a recurring theme in his work, explored through panel painting and as medium for a public art project.

IG: @yaanchhee | web: http://korodijanos.com

Jihan A. Thomas she / her

Jihan A. Thomas is a Black visual artist, artivist, Mother, comic illustrator and arts educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To Jihan, art can be a conduit for empowerment and self-actualization. She shares her art and creativity wherever art is needed throughout Philadelphia through art making and cultural experiences.

Sierra Moran

As an art educator, Jihan believes in the power of Black imagination and how it can support classroom student engagement in learning.

she / her

IG: @mindsmine3 | web: originalseedexpressions.com

Sierra is an artist who uses bones and bugs found outdoors to create unique pieces of art. he / they With a deep love for animals and nature, their Jake is a visual artist, sculptor work reflects a connection to the natural world and illustrator who is very pasand a passion for creating. For Sierra, art is a way sionate about line and form. to explore and honor the beauty of life, death, and everything in between. All of Sierra's bones are Their art is an exploration of subconscious form ethically sourced and found in the outskirts of creation in order to invent new and interesting forms that hopefully bring joy to the viewers.

Philadelphia.

Jake

IG: @makingandjaking

IG: @sierrasbones

Stephanie Skatz

Mallory Edelle

she / her

she / her

Stephanie has lived outside the Mallory is a poet and essayist Philly area for over 48 years. living in Philadelphia, PA. She She has been writing poems for was raised in upstate New York her whole life. America, the land of hopes and in a house with three attics. She recently co-audreams, is starting to wear her down. thored a book of essays on gender and horror. She is a Taurus.

IG: @Sskatzz3793

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CREATORS Lindsey Gill

Katie Dempsey

she / her

she / her

CREAT I V E DI RECTOR

ART DI RECTOR

Lindsey Gill is a freelance artist, muralist, and yoga teacher living in Philadelphia, PA. Her drawings, watercolors, and digital paintings are inspired by her love of nature, storytelling, typography, and mental health. She is a little bit of everything and aspires to travel the world helping others through art and expressive therapy.

When she is not out and about at one of her multiple jobs, Lindsey tries to write poetry, reads, and meditates with her cat Abba. You can find her work in the storefronts of Pretty Green Terrariums and Nice Things Handmade, both shops in Philly that support local artists. She also teaches yoga at a studio in Queen Village, the part of Philly she loves most and calls home.

Katie Dempsey is a graphic designer from New Jersey who has been living in Philadelphia since November 2020. She graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 2015, and chose to pursue graphic design shortly thereafter. Between 2016 and 2018, she took several design courses at Brookdale Community College, and has been working as a graphic designer since May 2018. Her favorite aspect of graphic design is organizing the various elements on a page to fit together in an aesthetically pleasing way, much like a game of tetris. She also enjoys creating collages (both digital and traditional) and exploring her beloved neighborhood of Queen Village, where she lives with her cat Wolfie.

IG: @katiedempseygraphics web: katiedempseygraphics.com

IG: @lindseygillart | email: lindseycgill@gmail.com

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about this zine Collide is a collaborative project born out of the idea of providing the intimate art of spoken word poetry and open mic culture with a larger stage. It is made by creatives, for creatives, with the objective of bringing visual creators and writers together in a unique and exciting way that permanently records their stories.

Writers and visual artists who apply are matched with a partner for one spread of the zine, and if they are interested, can create new work based on each other’s concepts.

Collide is proud to be a staple in several local Philadelphia bookstores, and seeks to open doors for creatives; not just by publishing their work but also by hosting events, gallery shows, and art markets across the greater Philadelphia area. Keep up with our latest events via Instagram or Eventbrite.

@collidezinephilly Collide Zine LLC