BLOCKS Magazine

BLOCKS

[ISSUE 01]

Just as city blocks morph in appearance with each turn, Blocks showcases how artists from varied backgrounds and walks of life bring their unique perspectives to the creative landscape. With a keen focus on inclusive and cultural richness, Blocks serves as a platform where the vibrant tapestry of humanity is woven into every page. Join us as we explore the ever-changing landscapes of creativity, where every block tells a story waiting to be shared.

Amyl and The Sniffers [Music]

Derrell Spencer [Fashion]

Smokey [Photography]

Tiffanny Pech [Art]

Aketch Joy Winnie [Lifestyle]

Creative BLOCKS

The Cover Uncovered

Amyl & The Sniffers

They are a four-piece punk rock band from Melbourne, Australia and consisting of Amy Taylor (vocals), Declan Martens (guitar), Gus Romer (bass), and Bryce Wilson (drums).

I really like the song ‘Security’. What’s that all about? Were they not letting you in a bar or something?

: It’s kind of like a love song about falling in love with a security guard but the security guard is just like, “you’re drunk trash.” But it’s like I’m in love with a security guard basically. Is this based on a true story?

: No, it’s not. But I’m sure it’s true to someone somewhere that’s not me personally.

Are there any weird or funny stories you’d like to share about things happening on stage or on tour?

: I feel like something happened recently, but I can’t remember what.

: Last night Gus went for a piss and Bryce did a shoey out of a cowboy boot.

: Do you know what a “shoey” is?

: It’s a fucking disgusting Aussie tradition. But it’s like you get someone in the audience to give you a shoe. So, last night it was a big old boot and you pour a drink into it and then you drink it out of the shoe. Who drank out of the boot?

: Bryce, our drummer who just came in. And our bass player went for a piss. : And we have Gus playing on this tour recently and he tried to do something fancy. He’s never done it before. He tried to like, what do you call it? You swing your bass around like 360 degrees. So, he went to swing it and we all moved out of the way and he’s like, “move everyone! I’m gonna try it!” and went to swing it and it just fucking flew off his

: It’s got a big bend in the headstock now.

Maybe it sounds better now. So, doing a big tour across the US involves lots of traveling. What are you all listening to when you’re on the bus?

: Mainly if there’s music playing on the bus it’ll be like party mode. So, Amy plays a

: Yeah, I play a lot of hip hop and stuff. Last night I was listening to Posseshot, which is like a Melbourne rap crew. They’re friends of ours. Listening to VV Pete, she’s an Aussie rapper. Listening to BigKlit. She’s a rapper. She might be from Austin but I don’t know. She’s sick.

What else am I listening to?

A band from Australia called Cupid and the Stupids. They just put out a new album which is pretty good. And what else have I been listening to? I feel like there’s been some other shit that’s new that I’ve been like “hell, yeah.” Bob Vylan. They just put out a new song. They’re from the UK, they’re a great band.

Interview Questions by Noelle O’Donnell

Derrell Spencer

Meet Derrell Spencer, a native of Boston who now calls Brockton home. Currently immersed in a journey of creativity, Derrell's passions range from indulging in great music and delicious cuisine to engaging in modeling and photography, all while seeking inspiration from captivating art. With a vision to instigate positive awareness and catalyze change across Massachusetts, Derrell aims to leave an indelible mark on the community in multifaceted ways.

Describe your fit today.

Its business casual look featuring a turtleneck to protect my neck from the wind and a hat reminiscent of 101 Dalmatians, adding a distinctive twist to the ensemble.

How do you choose your outfit?

It’s a simple process. I never pre-select my outfits; instead, I create them on the fly. I usually get dressed in less than five minutes.

When did your interest in fashion begin?

In elementary school, I didn’t care too much about my appearance. In the sixth grade that feeling just came out of nowhere. I just wanted to dress nicer. But I didn’t care about the materialistic stuff. It became a way to express myself. I didn’t have money, I just had to work with what I had. But even then I was able to mix and match things. As I got older, I got more into it. In high school, I wasn’t wearing the most outlandish outfits but I was known for my fashion sense.

camera holds so much without someone images, we’d on witnessing itself.

You recently picked up a camera. What has photography taught you?

It’s the photographer’s role to freeze moments for us to witness. Holding a camera isn’t just about pressing a button; it carries preparation even before taking a single shot.

The camera weight; without capturing images, miss out on history itself.

Can you describe your block growing up and how has it influenced you?

I grew up in Dorchester, a neighborhood with a unique upbringing you know. Just because you see more of the raw side of life including its share of crime and violence, but I still cherish it. It was still home at the end of the day — a GREAT home. Dorchester gave me a unique spin on creativity. Being able to see different cultures in one area as well as being exposed to the more rugged side of things gave me a different perspective. Even in terms of art, seeing a lot of graffiti was really interesting as a child.

Introducing Chris White, aka Smokey, a visionary photographer who fearlessly ventures into the forgotten corners of urban landscapes, uncovering the haunting beauty within abandoned buildings. With an unyielding passion for exploration and a keen eye for detail, his photography skillfully documents the hidden stories and intricate textures that define these neglected spaces. He invites viewers to see beyond decay through his captivating lens, finding inspiration and allure in the forgotten.

What inspired your fascination with abandoned spaces?

Between ages ten to twelve, I started to learn how to use basic tools, like hammers, screw drivers, and screw guns. Over time, my expertise expanded to build frameworks, stairs, roofing, siding, and windows. These skills have made me appreciate buildings and architecture a lot more — especially knowing how much time, energy and effort it takes. It might be cliché but "blood sweat, and tears" go into these magnificent buildings. Even if they are in such neglect and decay when I encounter them, beyond that grit and grime, there is still so much beauty. They are beyond beautiful at that point still.

[1]

[2]

beyond that grit & grime, there is still so much beauty.

What is your favorite sound while exploring an abandoned building?

My favorite sounds would have to be the patter of raindrops echoing or gentle trickle of water droplets. Sometimes it rains, and certain areas lack a roof, creating a unique auditory experience. Other times you just hear the soothing rhythm of water droplets. I like those dripping sounds. Laughter is a good sound. You don’t always hear it but when you hear a laughter you know it’s a good time going on.

What are your least favorite sounds when exploring?

The sounds I don't like are security alarms or sirens. Other times you hear someone over an intercom asking you to leave, and that can be unsettling. Scary sounds like the crunching or the crackling on the floor underneath your feet can be nerve-wracking but I don’t necessarily say I don’t like that noise. It's just a reminder that you are alive.

leave nothing

but footprints.

Photo Credits [1-8] @smokeys_excursions Chris S. White

Tiffany Pech

Tiffany Pech (she, her, they) is a multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in Stockton, California. She earned an AA in studio art at San Joaquin Delta College and a BFA of mixed emphasis at CSU Stanislaus. She predominantly works in sculpture, printmaking and bookmaking media. Her work explores her identity as a second generation Cambodian-American, unpacking inherited generation trauma, gender roles, domestic/manual labor and absurdist ideology through creating assemblages with disparate materials. She has exhibited work in Stockton, Sacramento, Turlock, and Nevada. She currently teaches book making and printmaking to local after school program students. She teaches workshops at Tuleburg Press. At HATCH Workshop, she is Shop Generalist, Residency Coordinator, and host for Button Night and Rage Cage. Outside the studio, she enjoys bicycle rides, cooking and long walks.

I like creating domestic objects mixed with construction materials. I feel like I have so many lives: my home life as a mom, cooking and doing home things. Then I come here and build stuff in the metal shop to fabricate art. It's like a mix of my worlds colliding.

There is always a story behind the materials I get. This stone core has a messy story. There was a whole fiasco of an alumni trying to donate all this marble and stone to the university and no one wanted to accept it! This stone felt like a souvenir from being around when the drama unfolded.

I am obsessed with doilies. They make everything elegant. These are made with brick dust salvaged from previous sculptures. I layered a transparent base onto paper and delicately flocked them with brick dust.

What is your creative process like?

I mainly work in sculpture but I like a little bit of everything. I do a little bit of printmaking and some bookmaking. But I think my heart is mostly in sculpture. I love collecting found objects. Breaking things apart. Piecing things out and using that material for something else. I'm a bit of a hoarder, but it all comes in handy. Some stuff I'll hold for years but it will ring something in me, I'll see it and I'm like oh I need to save that.

A lot of my work I don't plan. I try to keep it spontaneous and just lean into what I'm feeling at the moment. I was feeling a certain way the other night and you know... The best way I can cope with things that bother me is to make some art about it. I like cleaning when I'm feeling angry or neurotic. I was in the studio cleaning and moving stuff around. I looked at the chair and thought I could do something with this chair tonight. I've had this chair for a while. At one point it was sitting outside with no back getting weathered every day and I was like aw man that chair is begging to be made into a sculpture or something! And the piano wire had been sitting for a long time too. I knew I wanted to weave something onto it.

I want to call this piece Trustfall. The piano wire used is rigid, but it's not very secure. You can fall out the back if you trust it and lean back. Sometimes you think can trust people but they let you down.

[1] Relatives, 2022, 6x12’, acrylic & oil on canvas

[2] Room on Fire, 2018, 48x60” oil on canvas

[3] Under the Influence, 2018, 48x60” acrylic & oil pastel on canvas

Photo Credits [1-3] Tidawhitney Lek

Who is one artist that inspires you?

I had the pleasure of connecting with Tidawhitney Lek, a talented Cambodian painter, during my time in Long Beach. Attending an art show in So Cal and encountering the work of a Cambodian artist was the coolest thing. I had never seen pictures or scenes that looked like my life. It was affirming to see someone reflecting the complexities of growing up in a household marked by intergenerational trauma and the baggage from how they got to this country .

[2]

[3]

Something about being by the me. Listening to the water, listening feeling small —it's always a good

What is a place that inspires you?

Besides here (@hatch.workshop), I love going to the ocean when I can. My house is right by the freeway, and some people can't deal with that. I think about how the collective sound of cars can sound like the ocean. I close my eyes, and I can just imagine being by the ocean. I can be inspired right next to the freeway, too.

the

water is grounding for listening to the roar, good reset for me.

Remixed stills from Aketch's video "Old school way of making tamarind juice"

Raymond Pettibon , Goo cover artist: I had magazine, and I saw that picture on the time I didn’t know it was a depiction of England. That didn’t register with me because crime aficionado like I am now. It was pretty facsimile of that magazine’s back cover and Smith and Maura Hindley. I think the dialogue well. Usually, I change quite a bit. I have mainly reading and art.

The dark truth behind Sonic Youth’s ‘Goo’

Emerging from New York’s experimental nowave scene in the early 1980s, Sonic Youth finally began to attain widespread success with the release of their fifth album, Daydream Nation, in 1988. Experimenting with lengthy instrumental sections, unorthodox guitar tunings, and unconventional song structure, the album paved the way for their next release, Goo.

Acting as the band’s first major label release, Goo combined the band’s trademark innovative instrumentation with more accessible song structures – although very few of the tracks could be considered ‘radio friendly’.

Goo is an incredible album known for hits such as ‘Kool Thing’, featuring Public Enemy’s Chuck D, ‘Dirty Boots’ and ‘Tunic (Song for Karen)’. Yet those that are unfamiliar with Goo’s track listing will most likely know the album’s iconic cover art, arguably one of the most recognisable in alternative rock.

The black-and-white cover depicts “I stole my sister’s boyfriend. It was album’s release, the artwork can be has led to countless comedic parodies replacing the original faces.

had this True Detective the back cover. At the the Moors Murders in because I wasn’t a truepretty much a reasonable and the photo of David dialogue was the same as have sources from life but

depicts an ink line drawing of a man with his arm wrapped around a woman, with a small caption reading, was all whirlwind heat, and flash. Within a week we killed my parents and hit the road.” Since the be found on T-shirts, mugs, posters; you name it. Furthermore, the album art’s recognisable status parodies and interpretations, with characters from Peep Show, Rick and Morty, and Stranger Things

No Title (Overcast. A change...), 1995

Breakdown,

1997

Nervous

(Album Cover for Black Flag)

motherfucking

Michelangelo, okay?

the comic books because

I’m not

I borrowed my drawing style

from

Yet, many people are unaware of the dark history behind the sketch. Raymond Pettibon, the man behind multiple Black Flag album covers, based his drawing on a pre-existing photograph. The couple in the image is Maureen and David Smith, the sister and brother-in-law of Myra Hindley, the notorious Moors murderer. Along with her partner Ian Brady, Hindley killed five children, sexually assaulting four. Much to David Smith’s horror, he witnessed the murder of the couple’s final victim after he was invited to their home. The following day he informed the police, leading to Hindley and Brady’s arrest in 1965.

The image of the sullen-looking Smiths was taken during the 1966 murder trial and published in a newspaper shortly after. According to Pettibon (via Spin), “I had this True Detective magazine, and I saw that picture on the back cover. At the time, I didn’t know it was a depiction of the Moors Murders in England. That didn’t register with me because I wasn’t a true-crime aficionado like I am now. It was pretty much a reasonable facsimile of that magazine’s back cover and the photo of David Smith and Maureen Hindley.” Drummer Steve Shelley added, “I didn’t know about the context of his drawing. […] But when we first saw the original photo, I was blown away.”

Vocalist and guitarist Thurston Moore told Spin, “I had seen the original news photo that Raymond drew from, and I just thought there was something very evocative about this image where you could weave different narratives into it.” The now-iconic image has attracted many fans to the album since its release in 1990. Captivating, mysterious and exciting, Pettibon’s artwork is the perfect choice for Sonic Youth’s thrilling masterpiece.

Aimee Ferrier FAR OUT Magazine