Vol. 4 No.2 November 2011
As we approach the end of the semester and the subsequent end of 2011, change is on people's minds, The New Year ushers in the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, as well as, some believe, the possibility of some sort of actual apocalypse, This issue of Ink focuses on that possibility of change, be it astrological, metaphorical, historical, or actual. It Also focuses on the poignant art, music and literature that has come out of this movement, as well as appreciation for the music and art that we have always loved, but possibly underappreciated. From end-time mythos, winter depression and apocalyptic lore to a semi-hilarious, semi-scary D.I.Y. Survival Guide, let this issue be your guide to The End Times, be it a personal disappointment, a lull in school activity, or a full-blown Armageddon. Addison Herron-Wheeler Executive Editor
We forget to credit Lena Sinanlan in the September Issue for her amazing work writing the Richmond is Haunted story. We also failed to include Isabella Althoff in the Staff listing.
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Winter Depression
FEATURED MUSICIAN:
1I What To DO ... Final
OCCULTIST
Time at VCU
& Interview with the Apocalypse
8 Epidemic Musings 9 Age of Aquarius 10APOcalyptic Mythos and Art
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D.I.Y. Apocalypse Survival Guide
1& Featured Artist: lIya 18
Stuff to Do Before You Die: Reviews
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New Years Apocalyptic Finery Photo Shoot
Margaret Amonette Copy Editor
Hannah Swann Designer
Emily Eason Managing Editor
Marleigh Culver Designer
Rachel Kiscaden Photo Editor
Ying Cheng Designer
Rachel Maves Art Editor
Hunter Nye Designer
Isabella Althoff Fashion Director Teddy Gregson Ad Director
Staff:
Corey Martin
Carlista Martin
Danielle Harvey
Lena Sinanian
Katherine Cantolina
Amaris Lemus
Kathleen Vick
David Osnoe
Corinne Tilley
Shannon Cruse-Ranson
Hal Dockins
Takira Goss
Zoe Kinney
Peter Pagan
Contributing Photographer:
Shelby Mertens Sarja Hasan Kristeen Hadeed Ismail Vera
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campus life
,
II~ By Shannon Cruse-Ranson Illustration by Rachel Maves It never fails that as soon as you get pep in your step, things are looking up, and it seems like your ducks are starting to fall into line, you get blind-sided by some troubling news or an intense event that trips you up and sends the flock scattering. Figuring out how to withstand the blow and to regain your breath and senses is always difficult. no matter how many times disapPointment may fall at your footsteps. It's also no exception when you see that train wreck coming a mile away. The pain and disorientation of a setback can knock you to your knees and give you the feeling that it might just be the end of the world ... your world. Upsetting circumstances like getting a failing grade, witnessing a tragic accident, suffering a break up, getting pass ed up for your dream job or being rejected from your top grad school pick are the kinds of events that will test your resolve and ultimately, your character. You see, an underlying lesson of college and the transition into adulthood (beyond suffering through over-cooked Ramen and grueling all-nighters) is the ultimate test of how you deal with and recover from these ."my life is over" situations.
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campus life
, I II After the initial shock of the blow, allow
some deep funks, but that prescription
seem a bit intimidating and still has some
y ourself the chance to be upset, to cry,
is not strong enough for the truly soul
antiquated social stigma attached to it, but
to beat a pillow or kick rocks in the alley,
crushing disappointments.
but limit it to an hour tops. Take a deep
Sincerely, there is no shame in reaching
you'll genuinely be surprised how helpful it can be if you embrace the process and are
breath, get composed and then begin
out for a lifeline. Whether it's a simple
looking for positive activities where you
call home to hear the comforting voice
committed to working through whatever issues are keeping you from running on
c an recharge yourself. What activities do
of family or spending time with a trusted
all cylinders. To start the program, simply
you most enjoy doing in your life? Identify
friend, just knowing someone is there for
take a short online assessment in the
them. It can be writing in your personal
you may be all you need to turn your grey
waiting room and you'll get a prompt
journal, playing video games, going for
skies clear. However, from time to time,
response from a counselor that's been
a run , or watching a funny movie. If you
your issue may be best attacked with the
assigned to you based on your individual
fi nd that reading your favorite book uplifts
help of a professional; someone who can
needs. The rest is up to you .
you , then pick up the book and start
earn your trust. lend a consoling ear and
reading it. If taking a stroll through your
give you the tools and coping skills you
n eighborhood makes you more relaxed,
need to help you get back on your feet
t hen get out of your house and enjoy the
again. Thankfully, we have such people
whatever lump of bad news has gotten
breeze outside. Do whatever makes you
here on campus to fill those shoes, and a
you down, it will not be the end of your
lot of them would be thrilled to talk things
world unless you allow it to be. Nietzsche
feel better.
Someti~es,
simply spending
However, before this begins to read like a PSA for therapy, the reality is that
time alone might be the best way for you
over while sharing some Ben & Jerry's with
is famously quoted for observing, "What
to clear out your mental clutter and regain
you, provided you BYOBJ, and spoons, of
doesn't kill us makes us stronger," and
personal energy, but don't wallow in
course.
good luck finding anyone that disagrees
solitude for too long. Also, avoid listening to R.E .M:s "Everybody Hurts" or "It's the
with that statement. Dealing with The University Counseling program
disappointment is an opportunity to
End of World as We Know It" on repeat.
offers a range of services to meet all
move forward from the experience as a
It's too cliche , even for those of us that
needs . The website is an excellent resource, and has a unique self-help tab
better person. You will become a stronger
that can give you a wealth of information
of awareness, consciousness and growth
relish being purposel§" ironic. For some, the seemingly obvious solution is to numb yourself through
individual. You will reach a whole new level
on how to deal with common college
that you lacked before. You will rediscover
problems like eating disorders, test
your favorite pas'times and build deeper
substance or alcohol abuse, but after the
anxiety, relationships, and of course, stress.
bonds with the family, friends or therapists
bliss of the fuzzy buzz and subsequent
The counseling offices are tucked away
that lent that consoling ear. You might
mind·thumping hangover wears off, the
on the second floor of the Commons to
even have that "ah-ha moment" when you
problem is still there, sinking in your
ensure privacy, and rest assured, what is
hit the bottom of the lee cream pint and
gut, and you're left back at square one.
said behind closed doors stays that way.
realize that Ben & Jerry were geniuses
§ ometimes it's going to take a lot more
VCU students are entitled to twelve free,
of our time. Or... if you did not heed my
than downing a pint of Ben & Jerry's and
one·on-one sessions with a dedicated
warning about playing REM on repeat, you
watching your favorite guilty pleasure
counselor or unlimited group therapy
might even be lucky enough to master one
movie twice in a row to cheer you up.
sessions throughout each school year.
of the hardest karaoke songs of all time . It
Personally, Chunky Monkey and The
Yes, FREE. Come as often as you feel
may have seemed like the end of the world.
Breakfast Club have gotten me out of
you need . The thought of therapy can
but trust me ... you'li feel fine . •
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campus life
End af the orL at ,VC
campus life
f to do re the End
A ttend a Weekend Campout Music Festival!
contemporary issues
EPIDEMICS:
AMUSING By Emily Eason
Illustration by Corey Martin
It is a world of paranoia that we all live in, especially when it comes to diseases and sickness. Living in a Western culture, we live in constant fear of the effects of some new disease that might sprout out of nowhere and wipe us all out. We have all kinds of anti-bacterial sanitizers and other means of keeping diseases at bay. But does anyone ever stop and ponder what may happen in the future? As we have always learned in biology, organisms constantly evolve and produce new defense mechanisms in order to survive. Is it so crazy to believe that one of these diseases could still mutate, even with our emphasis on cleanliness and sanitation, and produced some sort of super disease?! This idea is not some sort of huge breakthrough, the threats of "zombie invasions" and walking dead super-viruses are just a few of the premises for horror films produced every year. It is clear that we are all terrified of this happening, so we better start preparing now! Hurry up and learn how to fight these diseases off now, before it's too late! Board up the windows, hide the kids, and hide your wife, because the next deadly virus is coming! And it is going to turn us all into zombies ...... nom nom nom!
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contemporary issues
Every so o ften I make the two-mile pilgrimage up Main Street to Cary Town to v isit Chop Suey, a popular loca l used bookstore. The amount of activity in Cabell library is often intimidating, and I find the unique co llection of books in this dimly-lit old building to be far more satisfying . About a month ago, I chose a novel I wou ld have normally scoffed at, but I was feeling particularly dejected after passing windows of c lothing that had teased me for selecting a low-income major, and I wanted to be ballsy. The book was entitled Positive Magic, by Marion Weinstein, and it unlocked a new world of thought that I had never previously enterta ined. Now, we're all hung up on thi s idea that the world is going to end in 2012 because the Mayan ca lendar allegedl y ends, but within the first chapter o f this book, Weinstein suggested a completely alternative scenario. 2012 will not be the end of the world, but rather a shift towards a New Age: the Dawn of Aquarius and the end to the Realm of Pisces. Hold on there a minute ... horoscopes? That's cocktail party stuff' The
kind of thing solely regaled when I say I was born in May and people smirk, "Oh so you're a stubborn-ass Taurus." Well yes, I think I am stubborn as hell, but I attribute that less to my birth date and more to my genetics (sorry, Dad). After exploring its contents, however, I found this book to be quite different from what Western philosophy and religion has christened it to be, and if nothing else, an interesting discussion piece. Weinstein suggested that every Astrological term is separated into 2000year segments separated by Cusps, or transition times, and conta in unique characteristics specific to its era. The Piscean age, according to her, is dist in gu ished by, "following orders, duality of religious beliefs, good vs. evil, outer authority figures, allegiance, nationalism, racism, sexism, regimentation, and patriotism." In other words, for the past 2000 years we have been in a fundamental, institution-driven dark age (think Crusades, WWII, inequality, euro-centric male domination, OPEC, and im perialism). It's encouraging in that the 2012 phenomenon is not the cataclysmic degeneration of humanity into flesh-
eating zombies that Hollywood has so gracefully portrayed it as, but rather a major, positive, spiritual transformation into the "New Age," or as the internet defined it, "drawing on both Western and Eastern spiritual and metaphysical traditions and infusing them with influences from self-help, holistic health, parapsychology, consciousness, and quantum research." So what is it exactly that we have to look forward to these next 2000 years? Accord ing to Weinste in, "Men and women dressing al ike, the Gay Movement, the Women's Movement, transsexua li sm, lega lized abortion, sex education, self-government, God as an all-encompassing being, meditation, air travel, interplanetary commun ication, psychics, conservation of earth and acceptance of interdependence, solidarity, space exploration, and marijuana," most of which we are already beginning to transition into. Oh hey there, Aquarius! So next time you're talking and hear someone say "the Mayans said we're all just going to die in a year anyway," know that that's just old-school, Piscean thinking.
contemporary issues
APOCALYPTIC MYTHOS •• Lore Throughout History and the World
Apocalyptic Art: Gisiebertus ZOE KINNEY In addition to
his excellent name, Gislebertus is worth remembering for his wonderful stonework in the Autun Cathedral of Autun, France. A sculptor working in Burgundy from 1100 to 1150 A.D., he illustrated the Last Judgement in the best of Romanesque Medieval style, presenting the viewer with great gargoylecaliber imagery of angels, devils, and
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various biblical scenes that mix comedy with horror. On the West Tympanum, rather humorous looking, stockingclad figures cower, hoping for mercy, and wailing sinners are grabbed head-first by gigantic hands from the heavens. In the Weighing of the Souls, also on the West Tympanum, the Archangel Michael puts some of his weight on the soul scale to help people get into heaven, while
a devil tries to pull his side of the scale down to send some citizens Hell's way. Nearby, a woman guilty of Lust must suffer the devouring of her breasts by snakes. Gislebertus also carved a noteworthy image of Eve in the cathedral, a rare nude figure in Medieval Art. Her body stretches out like a mermaid's as she reaches for that infamously problematic apple.
contemporary issues
End of the World: Myths and Beliefs Across Time Katherine Cantolina In the strictest etymological sense, the term "apocalypse" is derived from the Greek word apokalyptein, w hich directly translates as uncover. Sim ilarly, the book of the Christian Bible that references the apocaIypse is known as the Book of Revelation. This is mainly due to the fact that in traditiona I eschatology, the apocalypse is meant to refer to a time during w hich the true nature of the world wi ll be revealed. In Christian mythology, the prophet John predicted that Jesus, the Mess iah, wou ld return to earth and sepa-
rate the good from the evil. The good would be rewarded with an eternity in paradise, whi le the evi l would be condemned to burn in a lake of fire known as Gehinnom. The Hinduist interpretation of the apoca lypse is referred to as Kali Yuga, the final stage of the cyc le of yugas, or eras. During this period of time, the moral fabric of soc iety is sa id to deteriorate-wives would order husbands to do their bidding, and sons would hold power over their aging fathers. At the end of Kali Yuga, it is said that Lord Vishnu wi ll return to earth, and the cycle will begin again.
Various other peoples have developed similar apocaIyptic tales. Norse mythology tells of the great wolves, who will devour the sun at the time of the Ragnarok. The Zoroastrians believed that once humankind has completely purified itself, the world wi ll reach complete perfection, but not before much of the land mass of the earth is submerged beneath the ocean. Traditional Jewish sources predict the coming of a Messiah , and the subsequent end of the world, in the year 6,000. In modern times, the end of the world has becorne a subject of rnuch
speculation- from sensationalistic prophesies of the world ending in 2012 to explorations of the apocalypse through fiction. Works such as Cormac McCarthy's The Road, or H.G. Wells' The Time Machine explore the emotional and physical impact of the end of times. Suffice to say, the end of the world is a subject that has inspired countless works of fiction and the mythology of many cultures. Some wou ld argue that in the end, a universal death is simp ly another way through which we are able to understand and appreciate life.
Photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
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arts & culture
~=========-SURVIVAL
KIT
Shannon Cruse-Ranson Photos by Shelby Mertens Word on the street is that it's all gonna be over in 2012, and some are hedging bets that whatever nuclear radiation sweeps over the Earth will surely create some flesh-eating zombies that the unlucky survivors will be left to fight off. While waiting for that dark day to fall, it might be fun and functional to gather some necessary items to create your very own Apocalypse Survival Kit. Seriously, don't be like most of Central Virginia that waits until the night before a weak snowstorm to get milk and toilet paper. Do yourself a favor and stock up now. Who knows how long family-size boxes of Twinkies will stay on the shelves, right? You'll need a sturdy box to stow away your necessities, preferably metal, but for our purposes today as a "fire drill," we're using a big recycling bin . Chances are we're going to use most of this up over Winter Break and we'll need something to throw dirty laundry or empty cans in next semester anyway, but for the serious survivalists out there, here's some necessary items to get you through the first 24 hours post Apocalypse ...
aTts & culture
CANNED FOOD & OPENER : We gott a eat ri g ht? TWINKlES : App arently, t hese tasty suc kers can last t hro ug h an at o mi c bo mb. WATER: Clea n, unta inted, H20 will bu y you at least three m o re d ays th an your com rades. W INE & OPENER : No refrige rati o n required. In Vi no Veritas' TISSUES: To w ipe yo ur tea rs away w hen you rea li ze you're about t o fend f o r yourse lf. FRESH PAIR OF UNDIES: Fo r after you crap yourse lf. BLANKET: Th e Nuc lea r w inter is a co ld, cold rea lity. MOIST TOWEL-ETTES: To wipe your face, feet , p it s and behind the ears. MOUTHWASH : Trust us, your brea th is gonna be k icki n' " FEMININE SUPPLIES": You rea lly, rea lly d o n't want the wi ld ho unds t o ca t c h you r scent. HAMMER/WRENCH/ SCREWDRIVER: Tools t o fi x and/or fu c k stuff up. CROW BAR : To bu st into aba ndo ned ca rs o r loo t st o res. ROAD ATLAS: Yo u'll need t o know w he re all th ose back roa d s lead t o as you sea rch fo r safe hideouts. JUMPER CABLES: Th at Hummer isn't g o ing t o start itself. GRENADES & AMMO: Launc h 'e m if you got 'em. FLASHLIGHT & EXTRA BATTERIES: Use o nl y if you're brave eno ugh t o see w hat's lurking in th e d arkness.
FIRST-AID KIT: Selfexp lanatory, but it' ll just cover the basic cuts and bru ises. DUST MASK: To help fi lter contaminated air. PROTECTIVE EYE-WEAR : Gogg les, g lasses, or anything else to keep yo ur peepers clear from the fire and b rimstone. HOUSEHOLD CHLORINE BLEACH : Good for mu ltip le uses real ly. To clean up after a zombie kill maybe? CASH : In the event 7-11 is sti ll open, you' ll need lega l tender to buy that fo rty of PBR. SLOW-BURN EMERGENCY CANDLES: For w hen you want to g ive the flashlight a rest. MATCHES: Gotta start those t rash-can fires somehow. BATTERY- POWERED OR HAND CRANK RADIO : To know when the toxic winds change or to hear the last dig itally recorded set-list on a Clear Channel station fizzle ou t of existence. SURVIVAL MANUALS : Any emergency reference material such as a first aid book, or a copy of The Zombie Survival Guide cou ld come in handy if you have time to read whi le you' re ru nni ng for your life. NERF GUN : To entertain yourse lf or shoot at rad ioactive roaches. STUFFED ANIMAL: You'll need something to squeeze when you're scared and lo nely, right Mr. Teddy?
Alright fair Rams, stock up, be prepared and we'll see you w hen the smoke clears ... maybe.
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arts & culture
Featured Musician:
Occultist By Addison Herron·Wheeler Photos Courtesy of Sarja Hasan
O ne of the most exciting upand-coming metal bands in Richmond right now is Occultist, an extreme crossover-style band combing the genres of metal and punk to create a sonically shattering and musically varied dystopian soundscape. Infused with growling guitar work, rumbling baselines and blast beats, and topped off with the bleak, aggressive vocal stylings of their new, female vocalist, Occultist are taking the scene by storm.
Kerry Zylstra ............Yocals Nathaniel Acker ...... bass Kent Jung ................gultar Jim Reed .................. gultar Leland Hoth .............drums
1. Kerry, when and how did you join Occultist, and how do you think your presence has affected the direction of the band?
Zylstra: Occultist was already well on its way to becoming a wellknown and established part of the underground music scene when I joined the band. I joined in June 2010 when Kent. my roommate at the time and guitarist of the band, approached me asking if I'd like to tryout for vocals as they were going through a line-up change. I had seen Occultist play quite a few times and loved their sound. I was also friends with the other band members and it had been a longtime goal of mine to front a punk/ metal band, so the answer was a definite yes. Since then, we've played numerous shows and gone on a tour with the band Hot Graves. I'm fortunate to be a part of a band where my opinion has always been taken seriously and respected, and I have played a part in refining and perfecting our sound and the songs we play currently.
arts & culture 2. How would you describe your sound? Who are your biggest influences?
Jung: Our sound is an amal ga m at io n o f black metal, d eath m et al, thrash and cru st. It's a little hard t o pinpoint exactl y what our sound is, but that's what I like about it. Hopefully, the people that are jnto us feel that's a good thing as well. I think if you were to use a singl e word to describe our sound, the word relentless comes to mind. As far as m y influences go other than the obvious Black Sabbath, Metallica etc., proba b ly Motorhead and the Misfits have had the biggest impact on my playing, tone and just g enerally how I approach song writing. Acker: Our influences, musically, are different for each m ember of the band. We like to referen ce old school Florida deathmetal, thra sh and speedmetal from the 80's California and European scenes. We're interested in t he Swedish and Norwegian metal scenes, along with old-school UK and Scandinavian raw punk. Ultimately, our sound is dark, primitive, and relentless.
3. What are your lyrics mostly about, and where do you get inspiration for them?
Reed: Our ly ri cs m ostl y revo lve around th e darker side of thi ngs and are often m o re arc het ypa l th an perso nal express ions . Everyt hing from ca nniba l cu lts on t he Ganges, Or well ia n nig htmares comi ng t o f rui t ion, t o t he c lass ic "fuck-you-t o -the-powers-that -be" t y p e stuff. No t all of t hi s is new subj ect m atter by any m ea ns, b ut t hat does n't diminish th e releva nce o f th ese subject s t o us.
4. Kerry, as a female vocalist in an
extreme metal band, how do you think your performance is received? Do you ever feel like people focus too much on your gender?
Zylstra: I do fee l as th oug h people focus o n m y gender q uite a b it, but w ithin th e underground pu nk and metal sce ne I have yet t o encounter any negativ ity fo r it and my pe rformance is usuall y very well rece ived. Unfort unat ely thi s leve l o f respect ca n differ w it h crowd s at shows feat uri ng m ore popular bands. There have been a few occas io ns at shows li ke this where I have been to ld of peop le making sexist comments when they find out we are fema le fron t ed. My g uess is tha t these
peop le sp end t oo much ti me wa t c hing MTV and aren't comfort able see ing a wom an on st age w ho's not dancing around in a skim py o utfit fo r th eir v iewing p leasure. I'm no t o n st age to be obj ectified sex ually. I'm th ere fo r the music.
S. What Is your opinion right now on the local music scene? What Is your favorite venue to play, and what do you think could be better about the scene?
Zylstra: I love the music scene here. For years Richmond has upheld the reputation of having one of the strongest punk scenes in the country, and that's the reason I moved here to begin with . I'm apprec iative of any venue that will host a punk or metal show, but I will always enjoy playing house shows th e most. I love being right there in th e middle of the crow d, feeding off of the raw adrenaline. I want to be in your face and I want you in mine.
Hoth: Richmond, VA's local scene is one of the best in the United States for punk and metal. There are so many strong, active bands here it's sometim es hard to keep up with. There are constantly new proj ects emerging f ro m different g ro ups o f mu sicians w it hi n th e c ity th at pro m o t e d iverse qua lity. It rea lly is a rare t hing. O ur favorite venue is p ro b ably Strange Matt er, w here we ca n p lay o n the floor, in "t he p it" w ith o ur audiences .
6. How did Occultist originally come about, and what inspired you all to play music?
Hoth: Occulti st st arted in th e fall of 2009 in Jac kson Ward w ith Jim and myse lf b lastin g th e ne ig hbo rhood . A po li ce o ffi ce r came t o th e house and t o ld us th at we had t o st o p p lay ing, and th at we were, in his words " b rut all y lo ud ." We th oug ht t hi s was quite hilari ous and took it as a p os iti ve ind icator fo r th e future o f th e band . Occultist: We are all inspired by our personal expe ri ences growing u p wi th music, b e it in Virg inia, o r in J im's case, being p art of t he Flo rida p unk and met al scene d uri ng th e last few decades . We are ded ica t ed t o m elting faces and playin g rag ing g igs!!! As most m us ic ians can onl y hope fo r, we love what we are doing and are const antly f inding new ways to express ourse lves . ink . 15
By Ra chel Kiscaden When you glance over Active Soul Design's page. you will see numerous works of personal expression. The work ranges from photography, to graffiti-style sketches to stylized caricature drawings wrought with specific detail. These are the works of artist lIya Mazurkevich, a third-year art student here at vcu. When did you start drawing? I always remember myself drawing. Ever since I was a little kid, I've been inclined [to draw.] I go through myoid family films and always see myself drawing. What inspires your work? Haters. I don't know what really motivates me. Sometimes I won't have any motivation to do anything. Sometimes I'll just wake up and randomly know how to do things that I just don't know how t o do. It kind of sucks, one day I' ll really be strugg li ng and I'll just stop drawing fo r li ke three months and then I'll go back to it and be like 'oh, I can do it now.' I guess everyone needs a li t t le break. Where did you learn/develop your style? I've always been interested in t hat urbani graffiti style, because in Russia t hat was like, the big th ing. It was cool, everyone loved graffiti. One of my friends t hat I met
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when I was a kid in Russia taught me how to do graffiti and graffiti style drawings. I learned a lot from him and I developed that into my own style. The great power of the internet allowed me to see different artists and different styles and take a little bit out of each style and mash it into my own. I get inspired by a lot of different artists, they motivate me because I'm trying to get on their level. How do you like to work/what type of environment do you prefer? I'm not really too particular about the place where I work, as long as it's comfortable to work in. As long as I have a good surface to draw on I don't really care. Sometimes I like to work in quiet, sometimes I like to work with loud music and a bunch of people around me. I like to draw in my own house for some reason. What medium do you prefer? Graphite and paper. I do like digital media, but I'm just getting a little bit more into it. I haven't been really experimenting that much with it, but it's something I really wan t to learn. I normally prefer pencil and paper because I'm a lot better at it. I try to experiment with paint and markers and all sorts of stuff. I either dood le with pencil or ink. What is your dream project? I wou ld love to get together with other
artists and do a huge mural. It doesn't necessaril y have to be with other people, but I can just do something big in public for other people to see. Or, get a bunch of naked ladies and draw on them. Professionally, what is your goal? To succeed and strive be a better artist, or get recognized, get noticed, get rich. [For] people to buy my artwork. I just want to get my name out there and become a little bit more involved. What made you want to come to VCU? VCU was the only school I applied to. I didn't really know what I was going to do after high school; I did not plan on going to an art school either, until someone told me to apply to VCU because they have an art program and I should probably try something with art. I did and I got waitlisted, and after a long ordeal and [a lot of] paperwork and whatnot, I got in. What moves you most in life, what inspires or upsets you? Seeing other artists work inspires me a lot. The re is a certain group of artists that I strive to be like; their wo r k inspires me and makes me want to progress and become a little b it better. I hate snobby art students, they upset me. Th ere are a lot of those people here that don't appreciate anything but their own work.
What is the role of the artist in society? What is the place of your work in society?
Which is more important to you, the subject of your work, or the way it is executed?
To make things a lot more fun, not as dull. Sometimes you need some extra juice. My artwork is there to please people. It's th ere for people to look at it and like it an d hopefully wear it. Whether it's part of clothing or a tattoo, I want people to wear my art. I work so people can look at it and say 'that's tight, I want that tattooed on my back, or on my ass'. I like making art that people will appreciate.
The way it is executed is more important to me. The subject is important. but I don't stress it that much. In the process I pay extreme, careful attention to the detai ls and how crisp it looks. I want it to stand out. If my lines are not clean I freak out; I go back into it and make it cleaner. I like when people spend more than five minutes on my piece; when they look at all these details and see so much they didn't see the first time. There is no hidden meaning in my drawings. I don't have to explain my work; it speaks for itself, sometimes literally.
None of that 'this curtain is blue because I was feeling sad: No, if I'm sad I'll draw something sad. Do you see yourself changing the face of art? No. I might be able to introduce something new, because when someone asks me what type of wo rk I do. I tell them caricatures and they say 'oh you do cartoons: Cartoons are very underappreciated. I'm not drawing L oony~Tunes . I'm drawing extremely detailed, almost realistic looking, but disproportionate drawings.
arts & culture
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Breakfast.tTflrany'S By Danlelle Harvey Audrey Hepburn stars in this romantic comedy based on Truman Capote's novella. As Holly Golightly, played by Hepburn, takes on the concrete jungle of Manhattan, she finds herself searching for a millionaire to marry. Golightly captivates the audience with her carefree spirit and charm. However, she is always searchIng for the next best thing, and she can't be truly happy until she figures out there is more to life than diamonds and money. Will she find the man she thinks she wants to marry, or follow her heart? She doesn't disappoint with her fashion choices either. As she steps out of a cab in the opening scene, her little black dress designed by Hubert de Giventhy instantly sets the standard for women wearing little black dresses for years to come. However, there is more to Holly Golightly's life than eating a pastry and sipping coffee in front of the iconic jewelry store known as Tiffany's. As the film progresses, her relationships help her transform il)to the per son she has always wanted to be. This classic film, is a must see for anyone interested in romantic comedies or fashion.
Casablanca By Corinne Tilley Casablanca (Curtiz, 1942) is by no means my favorite film of all time. It doesn't even crack the top five. Regardless, it has everything that makes a movie a great one. With the all-star cast of Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Peter Lorre, director Michael Curtiz, and the iconic script that makes the film the brilliant love story that it is, Casablanca is a staple of 18 : ink
American film and without a dqubt the one essential film that everyone should see before tti'ey die.
.ter.rsunshlne of the $PQt"QMi~ By Emily Eason
Since the world is rumored to be coming to a close, one thing you should do is to try and reflect on thosif memories you have bottled up. It's a healthy way to come to grips with the fact tnat everyone has people, events, and places that we all wish we could forget, bur It's best to just re'member all those things that have helped to create who you are now. This kind of idea is addressed inside and out in the If you're really thinking about things Michael to do before you get into that eternal Gondry slumber, I suggest you watch Spike film, EterLee's "Do the Right Thing" (1989). nal SunNot only does this movie have acshine of tion, comedy, and romance, It is also the Spotvery profound. Lee conveys messages less Mind . to the audience through each of his It tells characters who, ironically enough, the story never actually do the right thing. Lee of Joel presents two options: to do the right Barrish, who meets mysterious and exthing as Martin Luther King, Jr. envitremely spontaneous girl named Clemsioned it- through peace and nonvioentine. He is immediately attracted to lence. The other option, through any her, and struggles with familiar feelmeans necessary, the way Malcolm ings, as if he has known her for years. X condoned. The movie's underlying You soon realize that they were in tone and message also serve as the love before as the story moves backgreater message of peace within a ward from the enq of their relationship racially and economically divided comto the beginning. The twist is that the munity: I push for you all to watch this story is revealed through the mind of movie Qefore you die only because , Joel during his session to get ClemenI consider it a classic. While I'm no tine erased from his memories, after Roger Ebert when 1t comes to critiq1Jhe discovers that she has done the ing movies, I can tell you that you will same to him. This film is utterly beautiprobably enjoy this movie, if not for ful. especially because of the message;o the messages Lee attempts to convey, it sends to its viewers: you can try so then for the comedic stylings of Lee hard to rid someone or something himself, Ruby Dee, and Ossie Davis, as from your mind, but you mu;;t unwell as Samuel L. Jackson and Martin derstand that all your memories are Lawrence. In short, instead of reading special because they help you discover this with a confused face wondering yourself and what you, as a being, are who Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis are, capable of. This film definitely helps why don't you just do the right thing you ponder what is important in life. and watch this movie.
Mary and Max By Krlsteen Hadeed The style of this film could be described as Tim Burton meets Wallee & Gromit but don't be fooled by the quirky animation style of this award-
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winning Au,tralian dramedy, it's som ber tone transcends sepia-hued screenshots, and the lack of color throughout the film is a subtle indicator that it isn't geared toward kids. W ith that in mind, the story is about a young girl, Mary Daisy Dinkle, and the pen-pal friendship she develops with Max, a 40-year-old, obese Jewish man w ith Asperger Syndrome. The coming-of-age story that results is as compelling as it is unconventional. Writer/director Adam
Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride & Prejudice, is a romantic masterpiece that every person should reael before they die. Pride & Prejudice is considered one of the mosl cnerished love storie s in Engljsh literature. Young orc, old, Austen's wit agd humor will satisfy the thirst of any reader. This satirical novel follows protagonist Elizabeth Bennet of 19th century rural England " as she deals with controversies over manners, social class, reputation, marria ge, and true love. W hat draws modern readers to the
novel is it's continuing relevance to today's· culture and relatable characters, such as the Bennet sisters, Romance novels capture readers through emotionally satisfying plots, and leave them with feelings of hope and exhilaration. Before the apocalypse, be sure to pick up a good romance novel such as Pride & Prejudice, to have the emotionally satisfying experience your mind craves.
Visit Sugar Hollow By Zoe Kinney
Sugar Hollovy is my Walden Pond. Full of mountain springs and creeks and swimming hotes, it hosts diverse populations of plants and animals, and a variety of hiking trails wind through its forests. It's a great place to just be and think. Each ·season brings forth a different set of organisms and natural features. In winter. icicles decorate Iichen-spottea cliffs; early sprinSl me;;!ns vibrant redbud and pale blue hepatica blooms; white-flowered yuccas grow to ten feet near the reservoir while crayfish shovel alg.,e into their mouths in Snake Hole during the sUmmer; and sometimes a pheasant can be startled out of the typically gorgeous fall color of the Bide Ridge Mou(ltains around November. Located on the borders of Moorr(lan's River in Charlottesville, Virgihla. Sugar Hollow has been my favorite hiking place since I was seven year~ old. I would warn. though, of the thriving snake populations in the area, however good-natured they've been when I've encountered them. Watch out for copperheads fishing' in the creeks and rattlesnakes in undisturbed piles of leaves and rock crevices, and you should be good.
As a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan since B;ge eight, I was confused and sUrprised ~hat they released a summer album this past ~ugust. Wait Really? How did I miss that? MaY be it's because, oh yeah, didn't everyone get the memo? They kind of suck now. While I admittedly did not listen to every track on their new album entitled I'm With YoU; I did listen to the few singles that got some buzz, and I was simultaneously disappointed and relieved that no one told me about the new record. "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" and "Look Around" may sound okay to, people that have never listened to the Cbili Peppers, but to longtlme fans they are tired, unoriginal, and way too reminiscent of previous albums, especially Stadium Arcadium (which was alright, though nothing compared to earlier greats). Addition ally, JOhn Frljsciante is once again not a part of the band , which has always been a deal breaker for me. I nev~,f E;onsidered them the Chili Peppers without Frusciante, ya knoW? So, I urge YOU fel i0w students awaiting the apocalypse, listen to something el5e in your remaining time on.....e.."..ct..h........__
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@.. r/nto the 1f/~ ~ '''''........ dre_af"""'"""'''·.20I~''''', after the holiday party the night before. Looking at the day deeply and steadily, she learns whatever dreadful
infonnation it contains, accepts it, becomes $ part of it, not as a victim, but as a survivor. ·referenced £rom Ruth Whitman In H.......J MapzIne (1975)
arts & culture
Fashion Director &: Lead StyUs" Isabella Althoff Assistant Styl.ist! Jennifer Mawyer Photographerl Cameron Charles Lewis Hair &: Makeupl Carly Childers at Blackbird Salon Modell Brittany Burfield Special thanks to The Dominion Club Long sleeve sequin top, Fan Tastic Thrift Lac. dress by Ameri<anAppatel, American Apparel in Carytown Nude shapeweM by U. Bien,
Macy's at Short Pump Town Center Slwll cameo;"";fICS by ZaIS)I www.etsy.comlshophaisy SiZ- knuclde ""II by Forever 21, Forever 21 at Regency Square Mall Spind metal ""II by A140 Shoes, Alclo Shoes at Short Pump Town Center
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arts & culture Black face dres.~, Lex's of C<lrytown
Feather ear cuff by Uarth Jelwl A.t/omlJlt'nts. ctsy.comtshoplEa.rthjew{'}AJI)rnmellt s Rhinettallt' stud$ by }.(Jrell.:, j .Crc\\ at Short Pump Town Center Siil 'er f.:tlrti/(/gc-earring,
stylist's (}\\O Silver meta/armor ring by Urban Outfitters, Urban Outfitters al Short rump Town Center
GUJlmetal rhinertolle armor ring by Forever 21, Forever 21 at Regt-ncr Square A.laJ/ Metl~l t..'uff by Silver riffw Jewelers. SilYer Time jev·.eiers at Shorl Pump "roV!-'1l
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