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here is certainly no shortage of student-run publications on the King’s campus, but Brittney Teasdale and Molly segal believe there is one niche that has not yet been explored. Teasdale and segal, both in their fourth year of journalism, are launching scopophilia late this month, a magazine focused on women and the arts in halifax, and written primarily by King’s students. “all content is about women, published for all,” says Teasdale, in email interview. “anyone who likes to read fun articles and check out interesting photography” will enjoy the magazine, she said, not simply women or those involved in the arts scene. although the halifax-centered magazine is not specifically a feminist publication, segal considers it a great opportunity to shed more light on women’s issues and accomplishments: “Most news stories and articles are about men, and this gives us a chance to focus on women and their contributions to the arts.” The magazine, besides its many features and profiles on notable halifax women, will be characterised by “a strong interest in photography,” says segal, adding that the first issue will contain three major photo-shoots done over the past few months. These shoots feature models from King’s and clothing from boutiques in halifax such as Kick ass shoes, elsie’s, The Clothes horse, Put Me on, Frida, and Lost and Found. Natasha hunt, creative director and publicist for the magazine said the shoots were chaotic, but fun. hunt said what astounded her most was the willingness and participation scopophilia received from local businesses. “The support from the community has been really great. I mean, here’s an untested stylist and a new magazine and yet they were really enthusiastic.” although fashion may be a large component of the magazine in this issue, segal is quick to warn that she and Teasdale are not totally sure of the direction the magazine will take, and that their focus is not fashion, but the arts in general. “By the end of the issue, we’ll see how we feel and what we want to change. It’ll be really based on what we want to say. I do want to strike a balance, but what that balance is depends, I guess, on what there is to report,” segal said. Though the future of the magazine is unsure, the enthusiasm needed to propel it forward is not lacking. Teasdale and segal are both in their graduating year, and Teasdale says they plan to step down from their leadership positions next year, adding that she would like to see the reins passed to hunt. hunt is currently in her second year of journalism at King’s and has big plans for the new publication. she responded without hesitation when asked about the future of scopophilia. “I definitely see it getting bigger and better.” Disclosure: Natasha Hunt is the Watch production manager and the creative director and publicist for Scopophilia.
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