Verse Magazine Edition #7 | November / December 2015

FREE Edition 7 | November - December 2015 Your Student Mag

Inside This Edition Are You Okay?

Swimming With Giants Muffin Top Or SoufflĂŠ?

The Shameful Struggle No Is Not A Dirty Word

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Edition 7 | November - December 2015

contact@versemag.com.au www.versemag.com.au Head Editor Jacinta Mazzarolo Editor Holly Byrne Communications Editor Kaitlin Kavanagh Graphic Designer Storm Warman Contributors Elle Hoult, Thom A.R. Smith, Melina Scarfo, Heather McGinn, Holly Byrne, Martin van Aswegen, Claire Gordon, Liam Burtenshaw, Piper Denholm, Bianca Iovino, Alyssia Tennant, Daniel Zander, Sarah Shafeera Mohd Hassan, Storm Warman, Kaitlin Kavanagh, The Coconut Kids, Nicole Chia, Jacinta Mazzarolo, Jon Wah, Tristan Kerr, Kate Power, Grant Hancock, Kate Marlais, Charlotte Rollinson, Adelaide Davison, Bridget Kerry.

Cover Martin van Aswegen Printer Newstyle Design & Production Consultants Tom Wilson, Georgie Smith The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily representative of the views of USASA or the editors.

Artwork, image production & generation (unless otherwise sourced or stated) by Storm Warman. instagram.com/versemagazine facebook.com/Versemagadelaide @versemag_adl Verse Magazine is brought to you by

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Editor’s Letter Jacinta Mazzarolo | Head Editor

Last week I spotted a man hanging up Christmas lights outside his house – yep Christmas lights – there was even a blow-up reindeer and sleigh to complete the scene. Disgusted at how premature and early this all seemed, I just continued on the way to my lecture. There, however, I noticed a collective look of pure terror somehow mixed with exhaustion in the eyes of every student around campus. It’s exam time and everyone’s finishing off the last of their assignments. And then it dawned on me. The year is coming to an end very, very quickly. In fact, this is our last edition of Verse for 2015.

As the year winds down everyone seems to get a bit more introspective and sentimental as well. This is definitely reflected in this edition as our contributors have a lot to say about revaluating your life – specifically in the form of toxic people. In her piece, ‘Miracle of Seeing’, Sarah Shafeera Mohd Hassan looks at the nature of toxic friendships, while Daniel Zander discusses identifying such relationships and the power of forgiveness in ‘Are You Who You Were A Year Ago?’ Heather McGinn also sheds light on toxic people to drop in ‘No Is Not A Dirty Word’ when it comes more intimate scenarios.

The end of 2015 also means that our time at Verse is – devastatingly – coming to an end. Watching the magazine grow over this past year has been one of the greatest pleasures. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to Verse in any shape or form – it would not be what it is without you. It has been an absolute honour to read your stories, receive your artwork, and help put this magazine together. So, for one last time…

Happy reading!

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Contents Edition 7 | November - December 2015

02 Letter from the Editor 04 The Shameful Struggle 06 A Prideful Raven 08 A Journalling Journey 10 No Is Not A Dirty Word 12

Swimming With Giants

18 Get Active This Summer With Activism 22 Muffin Top Or SoufflĂŠ?

24 Fame 26 The Geographically Challenged 28 The Miracle of Seeing 30 Are You Who You Were A Year Ago? 32 An Interview With The Coconut Kids 36 Are You Okay?

38 In[ter]view: Tristan Kerr 40 #USASAsocial: 21st Birthday Celebrations 44 Imag[in]e: Kate Power 52 Vox 56 Reviews: Film / Music / Video Games

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The Shameful Struggle Words ▶ Elle Hoult

Eating disorders often go unnoticed until bones start to peek out from under the skin. But Elle Hoult explains what happens when the physical manifestation of the illness is not the emaciation we have come to expect.

Sat across from me wearing an oversized, striped buttondown to match the chic décor of the lovely breakfast place she picked for our meeting, Genevieve Smith happily munched on her eggs benedict while she chatted away. In fact, Genevieve showed no signs of harbouring a debilitating secret that has jeopardised her happiness and ability to lead a normal life for more than a decade.

“I really struggle to talk about it sometimes, it’s rough,” she laughed awkwardly.

“You just don’t expect someone of my size to have an eating disorder, so it’s just laughed at and belittled and for something that is so personal and such a massive deal to me, that can be really hard to take,” she said.

The eating disorder Genevieve is referring to is Binge Eating Disorder, and her destructive relationship with food and dieting started at an early age. As a result, it is something she has battled for more than half her life – and now she is in her early twenties.

“I struggled with my weight from a young age when I suddenly put a lot on,” Genevieve said.

“My parents were obviously concerned so they sent me to a bunch of doctors and dieticians. I never thought I was super affected by those early appointments, but it set off a horrific cycle of dieting and restrictive eating I could never keep up with or sustain.”

“The guilt from that constant failure and idea of being fat and what that means in society led me down this awful, dark path I’ve never been able to shake.”

Binge Eating Disorder is a mental illness characterised by eating excessive amounts of food in secret and shame.

It is not counteracted, however, with restrictive

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behaviours such as overexercising or purging, common in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

This means the almost 4 per cent of Australians who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder usually display symptoms that are not commonly associated with eating disorders.

Taryn Harris of The Butterfly Foundation, who work to provide support for Australians with eating disorders, said, “The physical effects of [Binge Eating Disorder] tend not to be as dramatic as those associated with Anorexia Nervosa and therefore it is more likely the illness will go unnoticed.”

I thought it was character flaw in myself that I couldn’t lose weight or stick to healthy eating.

The fact that Binge Eating Disorder was only included in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013 is incredibly disheartening, considering it is the most common of all eating disorders.

The fact that it took so long to be medically recognised and continues to be tragically under publicised, compared to its counterparts, is a demoralising, yet an interesting insight into the way weight is treated in our culture.

“I beat myself up for years, I put myself through absolute hell, because of the size I was,” said Genevieve as she finished up her berry smoothie.

“I thought it was character flaw in myself that I couldn’t lose weight or stick to healthy eating, like no willpower or self-control. It never occurred to me I was sick because I was fat and that meant I was viewed as lazy and disgusting.”

“It has only been the past year when I have actually done some research and realised I’ve had this disorder that has caused so much, kind of, distress and depression in my life.”

It’s hard to glorify overeating, so it’s often the most shameful eating disorder.

Being in such a state and not having the knowledge or access to appropriate help while existing in a body that is culturally unacceptable, only adds to the detriment of the issue, as the causes of Binge Eating Disorder are usually mental.

As Taryn Harris explained, “The reasons why someone develops an eating disorder differ from person to person.

For some people it may be a way of exerting control over their lives, while for others it can be a way of expressing frightening emotions.”

This means Binge Eating Disorder it is a physical manifestation of internal problems and an intense predisposition to low self-esteem.

“You’re immediately labelled lazy and disgusting and gross and all these things and for someone going through the emotional and mental turmoil you experience with mental illness, it makes it so much worse,” Genevieve said.

Alexandra, also in her early twenties, has suffered from Binge Eating Disorder for years. She purely binges now after she was Anorexic during adolescence, and “dabbled in a bit of Bulimia”. Having experienced all three eating disorders at different times, she does recognise a difference in the way each disorder is treated in our culture.

“Anorexia and Bulimia are the two big ones that everyone knows about but binge eating isn’t talked about as much traditionally at school and in the media, so it can easily be overshadowed,” she explained.

“Not many people know about it as a true eating disorder also because not being about to stop eating simply looks like laziness or a lack of willpower.”

“Some people glorify starvation and it’s hard to glorify overeating, so it’s often the most shameful eating disorder.”

The fact that Binge Eating Disorder currently debilitates almost 4 per cent of Australians is reason enough to shake the stigma. The shame associated with such an illness needs to be combatted and not a moment too soon.

Alexandra knows the depths of Binge Eating Disorder all too well. But she also knows how to deal with such lows and has some words of advice for people currently in the midst of the shameful struggle.

“If you are struggling with Binge Eating Disorder know that there isn’t anything wrong with you. I can’t tell you the cure, but don’t isolate yourself, don’t stop looking for a way to recover that works for you,” she said.

For more information on the symptoms and help available for Binge Eating Disorder, please visit www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au.

“You just end up embarrassed and not talking about it or facing the issue.”

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A Prideful Raven Words â–ś Thom A.R. Smith

Here I sit within the covers of mistaken, burned out, lovers. Peering in at crimes committed, sinned these crimes of passion raw. Though in absence love’s retreating and a soul who is now speaking, begging for the loss of heating that his body so adores. Now I hear a cry of anguish, hearing still a love be vanquished – languished be the fool’s own language, a careless word then nothing more: This Careless Word, then nothing more.

Now I sit upon a table, though the legs are far from stable. Rocking from the loud decorum of the occupants it bore.

Now in puddles, they are sitting, no more noises, no more hitting, from both sides the point was missing, a point with humour at its core. Laughing loud I sit and ponder, laughing still I start to wonder: could they not go on for longer, to rock a sudden life asunder, the sullen life which yearns for war: This Careless Thought, then nothing more.

Pride I call the distant curtain of emotion I am certain, certain of those sins I saw. Within passion, so abiding, within the heart that is subsiding – hiding from the sins of binding, sins I’ve seen destroy the core. Now I hear the voices whisper, in his head as he does kiss her, like a putrid, boiling blister which harms the heart and further more: This Careless Act, then nothing more.

A Journaling Journey Words ▶ Melina Scarfo

After some soul searching, Melina Scarfo has discovered that sticking pieces of your day into a journal can boost your mood and help develop your identity as an individual.

I think we’ve all tried to keep a journal at some point in our lives. I optimistically picked out a fancy notebook and pen at my local newsagency. I opened it and breathed in its fresh, blank pages. I envisioned how I would be a proper writer now – one of substance and authenticity.

University of Texas spearheaded a study that has shown writing down stressful events can help you to deal with them. Journaling creates mindfulness, being aware and paying attention to the present moment, and can improve your mood.

I believe it is important to have a space where you can write without a filter.

So I started with something simple. I wrote down three good things each day. Some days were easy – others not so much, like February 10 when I supposedly had a cramp in my hand. My next step in becoming a journal pro was to buy multiple copies of out dated National Geographic magazines. Not for reading, but to hack into pieces. I can’t draw, so collaging was the only option left.

It is soothing to create something new from disregarded scraps of paper.

As a teen I tried and failed many times to keep a journal.

After a few days the task grew tiresome and I abandoned my notebook. I felt so silly writing down my feelings.

Everything I wrote was contrived. I thought someone was going to steal my journal in the dark of night and expose me for the fake writer that I was.

At the beginning of this year, January 1 to be exact, I decided to try again. Inspired by some journal pages I saw online, I was going to do this for real. “Not a diary!”

I argued. Well, it’s kind of like a diary, except now I have neater handwriting. Journaling actually has mental and physical health benefits. Dr James Pennebaker of the

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Journaling is easy now. It is simply a way to record what you are experiencing and feeling. I believe it is important to have a space where you can write without a filter. No editing, no backspacing, and no censoring. I’m writing this in my journal right now to prove it. Okay, I did edit this, but a pen and paper is still a writer’s best friend (along with the notes app).

Here are my tips for journaling/collaging/sticking stuff in a notebook that no one will see:

• Keep everything. Bus tickets, receipts, the insides of fortune cookies, and stickers.

Instead of shoving them into that draw everyone has but doesn’t acknowledge, stick the pieces of your day into your journal.

• Create a journal kit. You will need pens, pencils, markers, glue, tape and, glitter.

Honestly, it’s just fun to go stationery shopping.

• Write everything down; things you hear, a song lyric, poems, quotes, that weird message from your friend at 1am in the morning. I guarantee you will need it all one day.

• Don’t be critical. We are so used to tearing our work to shreds. But don’t treat your journal that way. Your journal is you. Love it, even though it might be a bit crappy sometimes.

• Just write, don’t think. At your desk, in a café, on your bed, on the bus (if you’re brave enough to risk uneven handwriting). Choose a place to write and do it often.

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No Is Not A Dirty Word Words ▶ Heather McGinn

Heather McGinn explains why consent matters. Good sex is more than having a banging body. It’s about communication, trust and respect, and most importantly not being a jerk.

University opens us up to many new experiences; some of them exciting, some nerve wracking, and some that are downright terrifying – such as sex. Sex can be as confusing as it is pleasurable, and it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious, self-conscious, and embarrassed as you negotiate the minefield of sharing your body with another. As a thirty-something, I feel duty-bound to offer reassurance and guidance to my younger peers, and to help dispel a few myths about sexual intercourse.

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You are asking that you share a sensual, pleasurable time together, and recognise that to do this, you need to trust each other, and respect each other’s choices and bodies.

Let’s begin with expectations versus reality. Most of you will have been exposed to porn, and so have a fairly good idea of how sex is supposed to work and what people get up to when they’re getting it on. Except that porn has about as much to do with what really happens between the sheets as a mushroom has to do with rainbows – pretty much nothing. The body types that are shown in mainstream porn represent a very small proportion of the population, so the first thing to do is forget about ridiculous beauty standards.

To clarify, “No” means no.

“I’m not sure” means no.

“I don’t like that” means no.

“Stop” means no.

Your body is perfect as it is, and deserves to be treated with respect. In the same vein, if someone is showing you their body, treat it with respect and dignity. So let’s say you’ve been with your partner for a while, had a few heavy kissing sessions, and you’re ready to take it to the next level. Take a moment and recognise what you’re asking of one another. You are asking that you share a sensual, pleasurable time together. Recognise that to do this, you need to trust each other and respect each other’s choices and bodies. This includes practising safesex, which involves much more than using a condom or a dental dam.

This brings us to communication. To clarify, “No” means no. “I’m not sure” means no. “I don’t like that” means no. “Stop” means no. If you can’t trust someone to stop when you ask them to they’re not a suitable sexual partner. If you cannot trust yourself to stop when someone asks you to, you’re not ready to be having sex.

If you’re not ready to have sex, or to try anything else, be honest. It’s part of respecting yourself. If your partner tells you they don’t want to do something, accept their choice. Do not try to convince them; this is coercion and it is a breach of consent, which is just a nice way of saying sexual abuse.

Everyone is different. Just because your best friend is having sex and trying all kinds of wild positions doesn’t mean you have to. Just because I’m attracted to brown eyes, strong thighs, and absurd laughs doesn’t mean my girlfriend has to be attracted to the same things. And just because your partner wants to try to emulate a Brazzers clip doesn’t mean you have to. Sex is about connection.

It’s at its best when the connection between two people is one that is genuine, fully present, and built on a foundation of trust, respect, and the red hot magnetism that no doubt brought you together in the first place.

So what are the keys to a fun, happy sexual experience?

Communication, trust, respect, and consent. Plus condoms or dental dams. Most of all, don’t be a jerk.

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Swimming With Giants Words ▶ Holly Byrne | Images ▶ Martin van Aswegen

One of our very own editors, Holly Byrne, travelled to Tonga earlier in the year for an awe-inspiring experience with a couple of cheeky humpback whales.

Here she recounts her incredible experiences.

When you leap off a tiny red speedboat into the middle of the ocean and land just metres above four fully-grown 40-tonne humpback whales, words truly fail you.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver and underwater photographer like Martin, uncoordinated farm girls like my sister, Jaime and I, or a 60-something year old stroke victim who struggles to walk unassisted yet dives as though he himself is a fish, the absolutely dumbfounding sensation running through your body is universal.

I managed to sleep most of the way from Sydney, but woke just in time to look out the window and catch a glimpse of at least 20 out of the 170 odd islands that make up the Kingdom of Tonga. The flight from Tonga’tapu (the capital) to Vava’u (the whale watching island) had me wishing they served alcohol on board.

However, knowing that the airport terminal is a shed and

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the boarding gate a rusted outdoor bench, it was never going to happen.

It didn’t help my anxiety when the pilot couldn’t figure out how to close the plane’s only door and repeatedly bumped the horn instead, giggling and muttering oopsy daisy to himself each time. Upon landing, I almost expected to see a pterodactyl fly past, as the limestone island resembled Jurassic Park. I’m not entirely sure if it was the rich vegetation or the turbulence knocking us around, but there was certainly some Jurassic vibes happening. I could tell Jaime was feeling the same by the wide-eyed glance she gave me across the aisle.

Phil, who I had been emailing back-and-forth for months organising the trip, greeted us. I had wondered if he was a Tongan or maybe just a fly-in-fly-out tour operator from Australia. The last email said, “I’ll be wearing a red

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When he got into the water, he came to life again. Any ability and fitness robbed from him after suffering a stroke were camouflaged once he immersed himself in the ocean. cap, no shoes, and I’m about 6’11”’, and sure enough there he was. From a quick first glance, I still couldn’t guess his nationality – not until he greeted us with a big friendly, “G’day!”. I guess spending all your winter months in this tropical paradise guarantees you a year-round tan.

We toured the small town of Neaifu with Phil and two more of his guests, Yolande and Warren. After about a 45-second drive we had covered the main street and settled for a coffee with a view over the harbour. The beautiful, calm water was peppered by visiting yachts.

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We soon settled into our guesthouse with which my luxury-obsessed sister was less than impressed. She was desperate for a nice, long shower after the long flight.

What she got was a quick, cold rinse in a shower that, even I wanted to wear shoes in.

In a place like Tonga, you want to maximise each minute of your time, so the mornings were always early. We were to meet at the harbour by 7.30am even after a lousy post-flight sleep. When we arrived via boat to the Mystic Sands Resort, I feared for Warren. He was barely able to walk or stand with out the assistance of his tiny wife. How would he get on the boat? More importantly how would he get off in a hurry when the time came? He surprised us all.

After only half an hour on the water, we spotted our first of the 40-tonne locals. Warren was too slow jumping in and missed out, my heart sank for him. He wasn’t about to let it happen again though and soon dispelled any doubt we had about his swimming capabilities. When he got into the water, he came to life again. Any ability

and fitness robbed from him after suffering a stroke were camouflaged once he immersed himself in the ocean. The smile on Warren’s face when his head bobbed above the waves was something magical to see.

The thrill is addictive, and as the Tongan laws restrict the number allowed in the water with the whales to four people, sitting back and watching from the boat is almost agonising.

A few hours later, the second time Jaime and I got in the water, we experienced what may have been the beginning of a heat run. We didn’t see them for long, but we saw four male humpback whales powering through the ocean below us, chasing a female out of sight, driven by nothing else but the natural desire to reproduce.

“DOWN, HEAD DOWN GUYS,” Seoni yelled. We’re told he’s best whale spotter on the Island of Vava’u.

Just when we thought spending our days swimming with humpback whales couldn’t get any better, we pulled up at a small, sandy and very remote beach. I’m not very

good at directions so I don’t know how far out we were from Vava’u, but it felt like we were completely alone in middle of the ocean. Phil and Seoni dragged a large esky off the boat and onto the beach, filled with freshly made bread rolls and sandwich fillings. They even had vegemite (I don’t know the science, but I’ve rediscovered it as a cure for seasickness).

The week we spent in Neaifu, Vava’u absolutely flew. We began to get so obsessed that each day that Phil’s boat wasn’t fully booked, Jaime and I ended up jumping on board. Of course, these bonus days turned out to be the best days!

A very large, sleeping mother lay on the surface of the water. We jumped out of the boat at her tail, and after at least five minutes of swimming we finally made it to see her face – these creatures are enormous. There her baby greeted us, and by baby, I mean a mini-van sized whale calf. It’s an image I’ll never get out of my head – how could I? The gracious and generous mother was not fazed by our presence; we were in the water for so

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He tumbled and turned, belly flopped and played dead floating on his back.

He waved to Phil driving the boat and then he rapidly swam away… long my hands resembled dried prunes when we finally moved on. I don’t remember much of a conversation for the 10 minutes that followed, just wide eyes, ear to ear grins and a lot of ‘Wow’s.

On our last day in Tonga, dark and miserable clouds polluted the skies. It was horribly windy and the water was so choppy I had to double dose on my Travelcalm, causing some pretty serious drowsiness. Out on the boat, in my drowsy state, appeared the natural highlight of my 20-year life so far. It turns out that whales, especially teenage boy whales, really love to come out and play in those same crazy waves that were making me nauseous.

One pubescent bull took an interest in the tiny humans floating beside him. Like most of teenage boys I’ve met, he was an absolute show off. He tumbled and turned,

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belly flopped and played dead floating on his back. He waved to Phil driving the boat and then he rapidly swam away… Well, so we thought. He didn’t get more than 100 metres away before he abruptly turned around and came straight back for us as we were on our way back to the boat.

In the water I always made sure to follow Martin instead of our guide, Seoni. Being an underwater photographer, Martin always positioned himself to get the best views and angles. When this teenage whale approached us again, he came within a metre of Martin and I. As incredible and breathtaking as it is to come face-to-face with a giant of the ocean, it was also terrifying. With waves knocking us about, and a 20-tonne, navy and white, teenage boy in my face, I froze. A mixed bag of fear, shock, and pure amazement absolutely paralysed me. Martin, on the other hand, had hit the jackpot as far as photography goes.

When I made it back to the boat, checking my back every two seconds that we weren’t being pranked by a whale again, Phil asked enthusiastically, “How was that?!”

Like I said, in these moments, words fail. I just shook my head and smiled.

JOIN UNISA SPORT AND BECOME A PART OF TEAM UNISA Participate in campus sports programs including Sports Fix and Fitness Fix offering free exercise classes such as Pilates and yoga as well as social sporting competitions on campus.

Join Team UniSA in one of the many community events including the City to Bay and Bay to City fun runs and much more. GET INVOLVED NOW!

Go #TeamUniSA unisasport.edu.au /unisasport /unisasport Edition 7 2015

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CRICOS PROVIDER NO 00121B

UniSA Sport is your gateway to all sport and recreation at the University of South Australia.

Join one of the many sports clubs, from soccer, tennis, hockey, basketball, karate, judo, rock climbing and many more. Compete at one of the national or state intervarsity competitions and represent Team UniSA.

Get Active This Summer With Activism Words ▶ Claire Gordon | Images ▶ Storm Warman

The power of activism is often underestimated, but Claire Gordon makes a convincing case about why we should be lending our voices to the causes we care about.

The fact is, we don’t live in a perfect world. I am sure there are many things about this world you would like to change, and you can. That is what activism is all about, to effect change in the world.

Activism can be done in a multitude of different shapes and forms, no matter what you are standing up for or speaking out about. Activism is important, it gives people

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the opportunity to speak up for their rights and the rights of other people and non-human beings.

Many changes in history have happened through activism, including abolishing slavery, The Australian Government recognising the land rights of Aboriginals, and legalising same-sex marriage in America.

Activism in this form is only one of many ways to help the causes or movements you care about. There are a huge variety of different ways in which you can speak up and help make change in the world. You can volunteer with different causes at the University, hand out leaflets, volunteer at stalls for charities or organisations that align with your goals and beliefs, send letters to your MP and members of parliament using your voice to make a change, or even signing petitions online.

To be part of a movement you truly care about is amazing, to feel you are making a difference, even if it is small.

Through the experience I have had with activism, particularly animal activism I have had the fortune of meeting Rodney Fox, a man once attacked by a great white, who lived to tell the tale and went on to work on movies such as Jaws, at an Anti-shark cull rally, I have joined protests on the steps of Parliament House in Adelaide, marched at a Ban Live Export Rally along Rundle St and Rundle Mall and much more. These are all things you can do too.

To be part of a movement you truly care about is amazing, to feel you are making a difference, even if it is small. You don’t have to strip naked and cover yourself in red paint to protest fur like some organisations, and activism doesn’t mean doing something illegal.

Within Adelaide, so many protests and marches take place for a huge variety of causes and movements.

These are anything from Ban Live Export, Jumps racing, Anti-racism rallies, to protests to stop the closure of remote communities. Whatever it is you are passionate about, and want to give your voice to, you can be part of a community that believes in the same things as you do and make change happen.

Whatever way you chose to become involved in activism, it can be an amazing way to meet new people, especially if you are new to Adelaide. There are so many great, passionate people out their giving their voice to so many wonderful causes. Get online, whether that be through facebook or checking out USASA and find groups you want to become part of, lend your voice as there is strength in numbers and make new friends whilst doing it.

If animal activism is your kind of thing, one of the best books to read is ‘Striking at the Roots: A guide to Animal Activism’, or you can go online and check out Animals Australia, they have an online Action Network you can join. UniSA now also have their very own Animal Rights club which you can check out through USASA or on Facebook.

No matter what you are passionate about, get active this summer and give your voice to those who need it most and make a change in this world. It may be small, but you have no idea how many lives you could change.

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Image | Liam Burtenshaw Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications)

Muffin Top Or Soufflé?

Words ▶ Piper Denholm

How would you react if a retail assistant asked which dessert your waist most resembled? Sexism is still at large in our society, but Piper Denholm is fed up with it.

Warning: expect salt and sass.

As a young girl, I wasn’t your typical ‘female’ child. I never really cared about appearance. I wore male shirts, knee length shorts, either in runners or no shoes at all.

I can clearly remember this one photo. I would’ve been around 7-years-old. I had on a bright green t-shirt with a logo in the middle, knee length denim shorts with green piping on the seams, and no shoes. My curly red hair was visibly not brushed, whatever I had eaten for lunch was strewn across both my shirt and face, and I was going through a horrible phase of chewing the top of my t-shirt so the collar was scrunched and soggy.

Why should anything that happens in this world be different for me because I am female?

Girl.

This isn’t what you would typically depict a 7-year-old girl to be dressed like. My sister, at the age of seven was dressed in all pink. Pink Barbie boots, lighter stockings, a pink plaid skirt and a white shirt. Her hair was done, away from her face, and sometimes she had some of Nanny’s beads around her neck. She looked like a girl. On the other hand, I didn’t.

Now as a young adult, I look back at those photos, at these stereotypes, and rediscover what the innocent child in me wanted to look like. I was in no pressure as a child to be a girl. I still hate dressing up, I don’t understand make-up, and the word heel is even

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a little bit confronting. But I am slowly accepting the ‘woman’ I am.

The feeling of someone calling me beautiful is one that I treasure. Not because I’ve never heard it, but because very often I am not presented to that standard. I don’t feel it. What I envisage from society’s influence, being beautiful is ‘that’ typical girl – the prettiest girl – skinny, tall, popular. She is a girl, not me.

Last week, I went out to Rundle Mall with two of my closest friends and said, “Okay, I need a dress and new jeans”. I have no confidence in shopping at all, so with those second and third opinions, I knew I would be okay.

This is where this whole sexism idea started to frustrate me.

I walked into a shop, found my size in some jeans and jumped into the change rooms. Waiting outside were my two friends and a very unfriendly shop assistant. I slipped on my usual size and they were too big. They were uncomfortable and clearly did not fit me. I needed the next size down, but before I could even proceed to get this size, the assistant approached me. He asked how they felt, I told him not right and I needed a different size.

Then he proceeded to say, “How is it around your waist?

Is it a soufflé or a muffin top? Because if it is a muffin top, that’s fine!”

Excuse me?

Firstly I was disgusted that he even asked me this question, but secondly, who says this? Would you ask this to a guy the same age as me? Would you ask a 50-yearold man? Of course not. No one with any decency would ask this question.

A couple of days later, I am still questioning whether I was asked this because I was a girl and I had hips that altered the fit of my pants. I don’t know. Women’s bodies are policed all the time. A 19-year-old boy would not be asked the same question.

the others who close and open the store, the boys in fact, no notes are left. No angry text messages. No phone calls at 7am. I am the only female who opens and closes. I am the only one who receives these notes and the only one who has the dignity and curiosity to question it.

I consider myself a confident person. I will stand up for what is wrong. I will ask questions. I will tell you the truth. When this isn’t returned, it is quite offensive. I put myself on the line for the sake of others, for the reputation of other people, and for the sake of myself.

This isn’t the first time I felt personally attacked. The intentions may have not been consciously sexist, but goodness they felt it.

That was sexist.

I am quite familiar with my current workplace, I have been in the same business for nearly five years, and I understand what I am doing and the goals of the business.

Would you ask a 50-yearold man? Of course not.

No one with any decency would ask this question.

Out of four senior day staff, I am the only girl. This has never meant anything to me until now. I have always done my job to the best of my ability, completed tasks because I have had too. I have never done more or less because I am a girl.

Yesterday I received a note from my manager, stuck to the main bench and clearly labelled at the top of the page with my name, Piper.

Underneath was a list of things my manager wasn’t happy with. There was nothing to explain this note.

Absolutely nothing. From the experience I have working at this store, I know for a fact that I am not the only person who makes these mistakes. I am not perfect. For

I felt that because I was the minority, and therefore inherently inferior, I was targeted. It makes me angry that this is what happens, but it is the reality. You would think that being in the 21st century that we would be over gender discrimination. The fact is we aren’t.

In a university lecture that I actually listened too, I heard that for every dollar a male journalist earns, a female journalist will earn 68 cents. Where is the logic in that?

Why should I earn less because I am female? Why should anything that happens in this world be different for me because I am female? It is something that I don’t understand.

I am a hard worker. I strive for the best. I aim high. I could be successful in my career. I could possibly one day be the best. But that won’t matter. It won’t matter what accreditations I have. It won’t matter the experience. My gender will matter.

In reflection, from the inner 7-year-old Piper to the current 19-year-old Piper, sexism is a problem. It is so evident in my world, I hate it, but what can I do?

Be you. Don’t like wearing makeup because of the social expectations? Don’t! Don’t do it. You don’t have to live up to your sex or gender. It is no one else’s decision but yours. If you want that job, if you want that promotion, if you want to be better, do it. You are you – you aren’t your gender. It does not restrict you. Prove them wrong.

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Fame Words â–ś Bianca Iovino

Fame is strange.

But,

The fundamental principles hold

who are they

good intentions

really?

but

Eyes still leak

seem to be lost in the engulfing surf of publicity.

chests still heave

A person is no longer

from loss and absence.

a person

Pyjama-clad bodies still

but

lay in bed linen cocoons

in fact

when it’s too much.

a model for all walks of life.

Minds still drift in the

Mistakes; unacceptable.

foggy stupor

Blink away the

that intoxication so

piercing hurt

generously provides.

of the limelight because it

Like you or

never dulls.

I.

Robot slaves

Only some have a

to the role model title.

gold star

Patrons of perfection;

glistening on their

faultless.

mantle.

Aren’t they?

A token of talent.

An unreal concept.

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• • • • •

Failed a subject?

Problem with a lecturer?

Received an Academic Misconduct letter?

Received any communication from the university for your academic performance?

Received an assessment grade you’re not happy with?

Contact a USASA Advocate to make an appointment USASA.Advocate@unisa.edu.au It’s free, confidential and independent

The Geographically Challenged Words ▶ Alyssia Tennant

Love is hard even in the best of circumstances. But as Alyssia Tennant writes, there’s something special about long distance relationships, even if it is difficult at times.

Needless to say, there are things about long distance relationships that aren’t so great. It’s especially hard to actually make the decision to take an online relationship to the next level. The fear of the unknown is all too present; partially because there are obvious ways it could go wrong, but also because it can be difficult to seek advice. Generations before us didn’t have the luxury of being able to connect with basically anybody in the world. With the Internet there came new ways to open up your heart. Your parents weren’t in the same position, and it’s difficult to know if they’ll understand the legitimacy of your feelings straight away. Your friends (bless their cotton socks) just want what will make you happy, and you don’t know if it will.

In a lot of ways, taking that step can be a really positive experience. There’s a comfort that you don’t feel right away with dating someone in the same city as you.

The sense of immediate decisions are stabilising and encourage trust – you decide early on that you’re willing to travel and spend money to see them. It’s reassuring to safely be able to say it’s not just a sex thing, which sometimes feels like a huge thing – not only in university but in a lot of other situations too. It can feel a bit like if you’re not having it, you’re missing out. In some relationships, early on there are questions of whether it’s the real deal or if it’s going to be a month-long fling.

Being interested in someone in another location and

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knowing they’re interested too takes a huge amount of confusion off the table because you know you both want the relationship and are trying to make it work.

The first steps are hard, and the months that follow are harder. When I realised that my online friend was so much more than just a friend, initially, there was a lot of hesitation. My friends and family were kind of like, “Is this really what you want to do?”

Meeting for the first time after months and months of talking every day suddenly made it seem like a reality.

For ages I’d been really interested, but the fear of meeting for the first time was a weird combination of excited, happy and horrified. What if we didn’t like each other in person? What if the connection wasn’t there? I knew there was something because I wouldn’t be getting on a plane if there wasn’t. But the fear was definitely there. It’s kind of a recurring thing. Every now and then, things can get a bit harder because you’ve invested so much into making it work and if it didn’t, that would really suck.

For me, it’s made a lot of things clearer in actually figuring out how to function in a real relationship.

Although I’d been in relationships before, it was incredibly eye opening to realise that communication is

The fear of meeting for the first time was a weird combination of excited, happy and horrified Over time, I’ve begun to feel like maybe it is the basics that you really need and the rest is more of a commitment thing. Like, maybe the reason lasting relationships are that way is because both people decide that it should last. I know a lot of people who have felt like they met someone perfect for them and the only issue was distance. I know it’s hard to commit to something where the odds are against you. I know it’s confusing at first and a huge risk. Nobody knows your feelings like you do, though.

a far larger part of dating than I could have imagined.

Since I can no longer simply drive down the road to see my boyfriend – because I don’t really fancy a twelvehour drive – all we can really do is talk or communicate online (thank god for the Internet). It feels natural to open up about what I’m feeling. A lot of people have said that being long distance makes you appreciate your time together more, but it makes you appreciate time apart too. Missing each other, though it’s sometimes hard, can be a really good and healthy thing. A 2003 study in the Journal of Communication showed that absence literally makes the heart grow fonder, stating that long distance couples showed equal or higher levels of trust or satisfaction than the geographically close.

Every day since making that decision has been so worth it. Through every hard moment, there’s an incredible memory at the end, because you work on it together. You work on making it work together.

It’s honestly really upsetting sometimes, though. There’s no denying that it really isn’t ideal, and it’s not something that gets easier over time like I expected it would. Even though it’s healthy to miss someone, it’s not always an easy thing to cope with. When life gets really full on or stressful and you want to be in someone’s arms, when you can’t be that sucks.

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The Miracle Of Seeing

Image | h3sean.com

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Sarah Shafeera Mohd Hassan’s idea of friendship can be considerably bleak.

But, here she explores the nuances of such bonds and how you have to see past the snakes sometimes.

Words ▶ Sarah Shafeera Mohd Hassan Friends come in big or small, medium rare or well done.

They come in sizable packs or packets, and packages of one or two. They come with attitude, strut, and some even in metal gears. They link with you through rises and falls, or just when you are slowly wading on the surface of murky ponds. They can be razor sharp and hot as hell fire, but you make them flaccid and even sometimes flammable. And even when you are making as much sense as I am right now, they still understand you as if they have their USB cables plugged into your eye sockets.

Friends are undeniably like so. Do not tell me otherwise because there are always devilish thoughts, even in the most angelic of minds.

Even so, your sincerity can transform that friendship into something honest. Friendship is pure like a blank canvas – only needing to be painted in what colours we choose.

Friends are just that. Friends are what you sculpt. Sculpt a Metapod and you just might get a Butterfree, but if you mould a Tom Riddle then I can only pray that Nagini would not eat you.

Do not tell me otherwise because there are always devilish thoughts, even in the most angelic of minds.

Friends can be your enemies disguised in glitter though, they can also be your family cloaked in daggers. They sweep you off your feet just to dump you in the toilet bowl for the benefits of what youngsters call “kicks”.

Nevertheless, you hlovate (love = hate) them, and they do you.

People say you can always count on your friends, but I wonder how much truth lies in that. Friends can dis you at the very stench of hardships, yet you know they come back when the danger passes and you welcome their return with open arms because friendship is forgiving.

Bottom line is that friendship is a changeable bond. I’m guessing you are no longer friends with you’re your best friend from primary school? If you are, good on you.

If not, don’t begrudge it because I know you’ve found someone who replaces them now. Who knows, in time this new friendship might be just a thing of the past while a new bond is formed with some other stranger who walked into your life. Friendship is ever changing. But at the end of the day… queue Adventure Time’s “You A-A-AA-Are My Bestfriends in The World” song.

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Are You Who You Were A Year Ago? Words ▶ Daniel Zander

If you think your life may be predictable and routine, you may need to think again. Daniel Zander finds that there is much to learn about life that doesn’t always require travel and new experiences.

Just over a year ago I was in New York City standing in the middle of Times Square. I was on uni winter break and decided to spend the six-week holiday with family and friends in the USA. While I was in NYC I saw an advertisement, ‘#areyouwhoyouwereayearago’ which asked people to reflect on their personal development and changes in their life over the course of only a year.

When I saw this campaign I thought of how profoundly my life had changed over the last year. I had moved and settled into life in Adelaide (living on my own), I’d started university and a job, made great friends, seen and done exciting things, learned many important life lessons, and had managed to work hard enough to get me from one of the country’s smallest towns, to then be

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standing in one of the world’s largest cities, looking at that advertisement. ‘No’, I thought. I was not who I was a year ago. Heck, how proud I was to say that.

Reflecting on another year I had some difficulties answering that question. Was I who I was a year ago?

Maybe? Then I thought about it some more and realised that there was no way I could possibly be the same person I was the year previously. On top of seeing, doing and trying new things like I had done on the previous year’s reflection, this time I realised I’d learned several important life lessons.

It’s okay to say NO. A lot of stress and anxiety comes from saying ‘yes’ too quickly and not saying ‘no’ quick enough. It’s okay to say no without giving a detailed explanation as to why you can’t or don’t want to do something. You don’t owe anybody anything and people will still love and respect you for saying no. Identify your priorities and stick to your guns, put yourself first. You can’t do things or see everybody all the time. Saying no to your friend because you have an essay due soon, or because you need to pick up an extra shift at work, or simply catch up on a bit of sleep, isn’t going to make them hate you and you’ll feel a lot better for having said no to catch up with your priorities.

Let go of toxic friends and relationships. Sometimes the people closest to us are actually the greatest source of tire and pain. While most of your close friends add to your life and are a source of fun and happiness, there are going to be either one or several people close to you who bring you down. Even though these people may bring you happiness and support most of the time, they can also be some of the most emotionally and physically draining people that you know. Whether it’s jealousy over a promotion, snide comment at your success in school, or being down right needy and negative all the damn time, you have to let them go. Keeping toxic people close to you prevents positive personal growth and toxic relationships often become abusive, physically or emotionally.

Learn to love yourself. In today’s connected world it’s easy to tap onto tinder or similar dating apps looking for someone to date or spend time with. This can often be a great source of pain though, as constantly looking for love can be draining and lead to disappointment after disappointment. This is why it’s important to love and take care of yourself instead of the idea of other people loving you. Buy yourself that jacket you’ve been looking at. Get your hair styled in that new way because you think it looks nice. Start that gym membership you’ve been thinking of getting. Read, drink more water, start a journal where you write all the good things about your day. Taking care of yourself in these small ways along with daily positive reaffirmation are ways you can love and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Love the present. It is often tempting to hate on Adelaide or wherever you may live when feeling bored or down and out. This is a normal response to being stuck in a rut or daily cycle. While staying at home in bed on a Saturday morning and sleeping-in is attractive, contact a friend instead and do something with them. There is plenty to see and do for free in any city and Adelaide is no exception. Get a morning coffee with a friend and go to the art gallery, walk down to South Terrace and see a part of the city that you haven’t seen before, borrow a free bike for a few hours and cycle around the east end or Torrens. Just because you’re stuck in a rut or weekly routine doesn’t mean you need to despise Adelaide and condemn it as boring. Instead of constantly saving your weekly pay for holidays or getaways, spend a bit of that money and go to a live gig, or go for dumplings and cheap wine on a Saturday evening with a group of friends instead of cramming into a deafening club. Be creative, spice up your routine and you’re guaranteed to enjoy the present a lot more.

Learn to forgive. While the second point emphasised the importance of letting go of toxic friends and relationships, sometimes the best thing for a friendship is space and time. Letting go of friends can be challenging as these people have been close to you for so long. At the time you may feel drained, disappointed or even down right angry. These feelings are 100 per cent justified. However it is important to let this negative energy go and forgive people if they have made legitimate attempts to change and reconcile. If you accidentally bump into them in a bar or coffee shop a year after not talking, don’t ignore them. Say hi. Catch up for a bit. Chances are both of you have changed over the year and realised where the friendship went wrong. While you may not want to forget the things this person has done to you, holding onto negative energies associated with this person is a toxic behaviour and will bring you down as a result of this.

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An Interview With The Coconut Kids Words ▶ Kaitlin Kavanagh | Images ▶ Courtesy of The Coconut Kids

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The Coconut Kids amazed us with their sweet sound at the USASA Band Comp back in September – even taking out the competition. Kaitlin Kavanagh caught up with the (very adaptable) vocalist, guitar, violin, mandolin, and ukulele player Julian Ferguson for the exclusive.

How would you describe your sound/genre for people who haven’t heard your music before?

Hmmm…. That’s a hard one. To be honest we don’t really know. It’s sort of folky French acoustic pop with a hint of blues. Some songs you can dance to – others you can sip a coconut to. It’s a pretty eclectic sound. At the end of the day we want it to be fun – and hopefully put a smile on people’s faces. We don’t really take ourselves too seriously and I guess that sort of shows in our music.

of sit down with a glass of red wine and pen out a few tunes together and next thing you know we were calling ourselves The Coconut Kids.

What/when was your first ever gig and what was the experience like for you guys?

Haha – that’s a pretty funny story. Ash’s grandmother had been nagging her for years to take part in her local church’s annual Talent Quest up in the Adelaide Hills.

So we thought why not. It was absolutely brilliant. We rocked all the oldies with their compression socks and pacemakers. Praise the Lord. (Luckily they couldn’t tell I wasn’t baptised…)

Could you tell me a bit about your instrument, and why you decided to play the ukulele?

How did you first meet and decide to form the Coconut Kids? How long have you known each other?

I moved to Adelaide from Belgium a few years ago and didn’t know anyone. Jeez – Adelaide was hard work back in those early days. I managed get invited to a party at Ash’s house and fell asleep on her living room floor after a glass of red too many. We’ve been friends ever since.

As for forming the Coconut Kids – it sort of happened organically. Ash has got this incredibly tender voice – and it just sort of worked with my “I smoke a pack a day” husky vocals. It was really, really organic. We’d just sort

I’m actually a violin player and I hated playing it growing up. My mother forced it upon me. I used to spend hours and hours training for classical music exams and school orchestras. I soon found myself migrating from the violin to the mandolin, and next thing you know, I had a ukulele in my hand. I do play guitar – but there’s a certain simplicity about the uke that brings everything back to basics. Ash is pretty handy at the soprano ukulele too.

At the moment, a lot of what we do is on the Baritone Ukulele, which is like a really big Ukulele (or a really small guitar).

What is the direction you are taking with the Coconut Kids, is it a long-term profession for you?

At the moment we’re just trying to have a good ol’ laugh.

We’ve just added a bass player and a trumpet player – so our little Coconut Empire is expanding rapidly. The four of

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us are all really good friends so it sort of shows on stage.

Our ethos is, “let’s just have a good time”, but if we can start making money off it in the process we’ll definitely be happy.

Ash has got this incredibly tender voice – and it just sort of worked with my “I smoke a pack a day” husky vocals.

We’ve got our sights set on hitting the Music Festival Scene next year in Victoria and South Australia – and who knows – WOMADelaide 2017? We’re just going to focus on the music and see what happens next.

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How can fans get access to your music? Are you currently selling your songs/covers?

We’re in the process of recording some tunes at the moment, so hopefully we’ll be able to put out an EP before Christmas. But you can keep your eye out on our website – www.thecoconutkids.com. We’ve got a few recordings so you can get a bit of a flavour for what’s to come.

What were your most recent gigs and when/where can we see you perform next?

We played as a four-piece at the Melrose Music Muster in September – a folk festival in the Outback – and it was so much fun. We had the whole pub jumping around and they’ve asked us back in 2016. We’ve finally started gigging locally. We played a few weeks ago at the Crown & Sceptre. If you jump onto our Facebook Page (www. facebook.com/thecoconutkids) or website, we’ll keep it updated with all our coco happenings.

Want to save some money on your textbooks for 2015?

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Visit USASA.sa.edu.au/Books or your USASA Campus Counter for more info.

Are You Okay?

Words ▶ Nicole Chia

It’s hard to believe three little words could to help save a life, but Nicole Chia discovers the importance of a meaningful conversation, and why we need to talk about depression. still clearly remembers the grief she went through ten years ago when she found out that a close friend of hers in high school had taken her own life.

“I think it’s good that the main focus of the prevention strategy is to encourage everyone, especially younger people, to check up on those around them more as suicides often occur because [young people] are either too afraid or embarrassed to ask others how they’re doing,” she says.

“My friend didn’t mention anything about the terrible breakup that she went through the day before she ended her life, and things would have definitely been different if I was brave enough to ask her how she was doing then.”

2500 people commit suicide in Australia in a typical year.

Youth suicide is an especially prominent public health concern as intentional self-harm is the leading cause of preventable deaths among young people aged 14-24 in Australia.

The annual World Suicide Prevention Day was successfully held on the September 10 as tens of thousands of people across the nation, touched by suicide, rallied together at a forum in Brisbane to discuss reducing the stigma related to suicide prevention. It was also held in conjunction with R U OK? Day — a national day of action that aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with loved ones, colleagues, and friends by asking them, “Are you okay?”

It is a message that Kang Yan Mae believes is crucial for people her age to know. Born and raised in Singapore, the 22-year-old student currently residing in Australia

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“We should actually be asking more of these kinds of questions.”

The main theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2015 was ‘Suicide Prevention: Reach Out and Save a Life’.

The overarching message was to encourage everyone to reach out to anyone who they may be worried about — the earlier the better.

Although suicide is a tragedy at any age, youth suicide and deliberate self-harm attempts tend to generate increased levels of distress and loss in Australian communities.

“It was extremely distressing for me, but especially more so for my friend’s parents and older sister to learn from a post-trauma counselling session that she probably took her life because she lacked the proper support from her own family and friends to cope with the tough breakup that she was going through at that point in time,” Kang adds.

“It’s the most awful thing that you can ever experience.”

Australian Health Minister, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, believes having a meaningful conversation with someone does not mean that you are obliged to solve their problems with them; it’s all about making them feel connected through a proper support network.

“We’ll all grapple with tragedy, loss, and grief through life — and many of us will also live with a mental illness,” she says.

“Regular, meaningful conversations are one way we can support each other to cope with change, adversity, and illness. If you ask, listen without judgment, encourage action, and follow up. You can make a positive difference to someone’s resilience and wellbeing.”

Suicide Prevention Australia announced on World Suicide Prevention and R U OK? Day that it will be collaborating with renowned leaders in mental health and suicide prevention to launch Australia’s first National Coalition Research Plan. This plan aligns priorities and strategically allocates scarce research funds into important areas in the sector.

The leading authority on suicide prevention and awareness wants to see the national suicide rate halved over the next decade. This will involve the strategic implementation of a national approach to integrate clinically proven mental health services, community support, and public education programs aimed at preventing deaths by suicide.

The R U OK? campaign director, Rebecca Lewis, states that the organisation is one of many that has decided to fully support the plan. In doing so, she hopes they will help in bringing Australia’s startling youth suicide rates down. “There are combinations of factors that can lead a young person to feeling suicidal. They include ongoing exposure to bullying, a history of substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, family breakdown, losing someone to suicide, and a history of mental health issues,” she says.

“R U OK? is seeking to prevent that sense of isolation because it can be emotionally and mentally crippling and is a known risk factor for suicide. We want people to not only ask, ‘Are you okay?’, but also to mean it and listen to what someone has to say.”

While emphasising the need for both community and corporate involvement in the movement, Lewis believes that the ingrained stigma within society still remains one of the biggest barriers in encouraging more youths to talk about mental health and suicide prevention safely.

Things would have definitely been different if I was brave enough to ask her how she was doing then.

“Corporate involvement can be a part of that by funding research and campaigns, lobbying government for change or, more importantly, encouraging behaviours that cultivate a sense of hope, respect, tolerance, and connection, and also challenge the stigma attached to mental illness and of suicide.”

“If we want to create a world free from suicide, we all have to play a part.”

If you need to talk to somebody, please call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 (FREE), Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 147, or visit www.beyondblue.org.au.

“In one way or another, these factors can lead a young person to feel incredibly isolated or a burden on others.”

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In[ter]view Verse Mag’s Regular Graduate Interview

Dotted around Adelaide, you may spot Tristan Kerr’s very cool signage work in storefront windows like La Buvette, Twenty Fifty Two, Sean’s Kitchen, and Bank Street Social. Since finishing his graphic design degree at UniSA, he has been grafting away at an impressive career working with other massive names including Penfold’s, Red Bull, and Hermès. This edition, Tristan talks to us about his Parisian influences, new ventures into more urban street art and graffiti.

Words ▶ Jacinta Mazzarolo We know you studied graphic design at UniSA, but how did this evolve into art, typography, and sign-painting?

Like a lot of frustrated kids who finish university with no idea what to do, I was pretty bored with working constantly on the computer. I applied for some work

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experience in different places around the world. I worked at Lowrider Screen-Print in Switzerland for a year where I was introduced to hand lettering and typography by my boss. From there I knew I wanted to focus on this side of art and design specifically.

Being completely removed from my own comfort zone of people and language really helps me learn more about myself and the people around me.

You have a very distinct style. What are your influences?

What are you inspired by?

For my work, I’m always absorbing inspiration from around the Paris streets, whether it’s traditional storefronts, graffiti, or old metro signage. I lived on the right bank of Paris, where there is an immense shift in cultures and ethnicities from street to street. On my way to work I would see hand painted storefronts for African hair salons, creperies, and tailors. Definitely a thriving place for hand painted signs. I’m currently living in Brunswick, Melbourne where I appreciate the similar values.

What were your experiences working in Paris?

2011 was the first time I moved to Paris. I found work in a graphic design studio (Anamorphee) focusing on textile design and illustration – mostly luxury fashion brands.

Last year was my third stint living in Paris. I’ve been fortunate enough to have ongoing freelance work with a design studio there and be able to focus my time on my own practice of typographic design and art.

You have just recently repainted the mural on the side of the Morphett Street Bridge, can you tell us a little about that?

The mural for the Morphett Street Bridge was painted by myself and friends around 2010. Last year I approached the council about ‘refreshing’ the wall as it had been

neglected for a long time. The project took 10 months to get off the ground due to complications with traffic management and vandalism in the area. We are hoping with some new strategies that the wall won’t be as heavily tagged.

The artwork is a new direction away from my traditional use of typography and sign painting, and a step towards a more contemporary focus of urban art. The phrase “going nowhere but here” is an oxymoron/play-on-words that reflects the negativity perceived by some people that street art and graffiti isn’t progressing or ‘going anywhere’. The close proximity of the city’s controversial graffiti free-wall has a direct connection with the choice of words for the artwork. The choice of the word ‘going’ refers to movement and transformation of the area, whilst ‘here’ highlights the nowness and positive cultural change in the west-end of Adelaide.

Do you have any other upcoming projects you can talk about?

I’m currently working with a well-known artist working under the name ‘Numskull’ in Sydney to develop my urban art and collaborate on a large-scale wall together.

I’m also working with two sign-painters in Paris to develop a large exhibition there next year under a ‘storefront’ theme, which will be a mixture of installation, murals, workshops, and art.

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#USASASocial: 21st Birthday Celebrations Images â–ś Jon Wah

Thursday September 17 marked a milestone for USASA as they turned the big 2-1. The West Campus was filled with revellers as they gathered for a big one complete with fairy lights, cupcakes, alcohol, bands, DJs and a photo booth.

Check out all the fun and debauchery below.

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The art of Kate Power

Imag[in]e Verse Mag’s Regular Art & Design feature

Kate Power is a sculpture and installation artist based in Adelaide.

Her practice embraces video, craft, textiles, sculpture and installation to investigate coexistence and enforced social constructions that can complicate how we relate to others.

Words ▶ Storm Warman | Images ▶ Grant Hancock

Coming Across To You, (install shot), Mixed media, Dimensions varied, 2014. Kate Power

Kate graduated with first class Honours from the South Australian School of Art in 2014 and has been awarded the Constance Gordon-Johnson Sculpture and Installation Prize. With numerous exhibitions including Fontanelle (SA); Paper Mountain ARI (WA); FELTspace (SA); Light Square Gallery (SA); Tooth and Nail (SA); Format (SA); Sydney Contemporary Art fair (NSW); and Seedling Art Space (SA) — Kate is also a co-Director at FELTspace and co-founder of Axe House Studios.

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You have an upcoming exhibition at Seventh Gallery in Melbourne, can you tell us a few things about your methods and how you work?

I work in a fluid way that usually starts with an idea but moves on to a connection with a material, which often leads me to decide what kind of thing I’ll make. I use a range of materials like fabric, leather, steel, plaster, papier mache, video etc, basically whatever is right for the idea/mood I’m thinking of.

It’s hard to describe a method because it changes every time and usually responds to what a material has to offer.

Sometimes I’ll start with a particular feeling I want to convey, other times I’ll spend time with a material and begin from there. I tend to various things at once, moving around the studio slowly advancing one thing at a time.

I’m always thinking about how something is going to make people feel and for that reason it takes me a long time to make decisions. I play around with something when I’m making it, constantly shifting what it could be. The way things are positioned in a space is really important to how the work is read. The relationships between things and the way they are placed holds as much meaning as the objects themselves so a lot of my studio time is moving things around and looking at what has changed.

What inspires your work, and how does feminism play a role?

My work responds to ideas about social constructions that can complicate the way people relate to one another. I think about how differences and similarities between people shape intimacy or distance in an interaction. The pressure to constantly translate ourselves makes me wonder if it wouldn’t be more meaningful to value understated non-verbal moments of the everyday, and respond instinctually to interactions, rather than continuing the endless chatter that often occurs in social situations.

The kind of non-verbal moments I think about might be something that indicates an unspoken connection or perhaps a subtle reinforcement of dominance. These might be things like body language, eye contact or ‘shifts in energy’ that can indicate certain feelings or opinions. I think about this through a feminist lens, as often the kinds of moments I’m talking about can be ways to assert power without appearing to be doing so. These kinds of things pervade all interactions. I think about the humour of relating to people as well. Often navigating socially acceptable behaviour can lead to rather amusing binds, which I consider when making work.

Can you tell us about your upcoming residency in Iceland in 2016?

In June 2016 I’m doing a residency in Reykjavik, Iceland, through SIM (The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists).

I’m going to spend a month studio time in Reykjavik to take some time out and focus on my practice away from my everyday life. I’m going to consider some ideas in my work that I’ve wanted to contemplate for a while but have felt too busy to sit with. I’m also expecting that I might play around with live performance a bit more since I’ll be away from the stability of ‘things’ in my studio.

Who are your favourite artists?

Louise Bourgeois has been my favourite from the beginning and is an artist who I constantly read about and go back to - for something like grounding I think. Eva Hesse and Meret Oppenheim are also artists I revisit every few months.

Other favourites are Pipilotti Rist, Wangechi Mutu, Annette Messager, Nairy Baghramian, Erwin Wurm, Mikala Dwyer, Kathy Temin, Jenny Watson and Brown Council - just to name a few!

You can check out more work by Kate at www.katepowerartist.com If you’d like to feature your artwork in the next issue of Verse Mag send some samples to contact@versemag.com.au

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Above: all that effort and desire, (detail), foam, felt, tablet screen, 3:17m video loop, 43x45x12cm, 2015, Kate Power

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Right: Coming Across To You, (detail), Leather, box board, twine, waxed leather, fabric, wool, foam, stuffing, dimensions varied, 2014, Kate Power

all that effort and desire, (detail), mixed media Dimensions varied, 2014-15, Kate Power.

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Above: all that effort and desire, (detail), fabric, steel, paint, lace, stuffing, dimensions varied, 2015.

Kate Power

Over page: all that effort and desire, (detail), fsteel, timber, paint, fabric, leather, vinyl, plaster, dimensions varied, 2015, Kate Power.

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IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

Be a part of Verse Mag’s Orientation Edition for 2016! Contribute those final assignments that you’re feeling proud of and give your resume a boost!

Submit to contact@versemag.com.au

VO X Verse Mag’s Student Voice Box

Summer is almost here - you can practically smell the sunscreen already — so Kate Marlais hit up campus for your thoughts on the upcoming heat and some current news topics.

Words & Photos ▶ Kate Marlais

What plans do you have for the summer?

“Going to America to check out the Harry Potter World extensions and plenty of Disneyland.”

Recommendations for summer in Adelaide?

“If you don’t mind getting burnt, the beach.

Possibly Glenelg – get yourself a good yiros and all that.”

– Matthew (Interior Architecture)

What would be worse, another leadership spill or spilling your Coopers Pale Ale? “Probably the second one.”

Water has been found on Mars, Would you ever consider living there?

“Yes. I didn’t realise that it only takes a few months to get there, not a few years. I just watched The Martian – that movie with Matt Damon – it’s so amazing!”

– Ashleigh (Visual Arts)

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What plans do you have for the summer?

“I’m planning to go on a big holiday. Probably New Zealand or somewhere nice, I just want a big break after study.”

What would be worse, another leadership spill or spilling your Coopers Pale Ale? “Probably another PM spill, I’m sick of it. We haven’t had a full term Prime Minister since John Howard.”

– Georgia (Tourism and Event Management)

Recommendations for summer in Adelaide?

“Going to the beaches – any of them are good – Glenelg, Henley, Semaphore. Maybe go strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm in Handorf.”

‘Ice cream or icy poles?

“Ice Cream. Shit yeah!”

– Hannah (Visual Arts) ▶ Self-Portrait

What plans do you have for the summer?

“Playing basketball for uni.”

Ice cream or icy poles?

“Icy poles.”

– Mishael (Foundation Course)

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Water Screams, 2015, Charlotte Rollinson. (Bachelor of Visual Arts)

Movie Reviews Words ▶ Adelaide Davison

What do a Sundance Award winner, a homegrown Aussie story, a teen action blockbuster, and the latest hyped-up movie have in common? They’re all based on books, but more importantly, Adelaide’s reviewed them so you don’t have to stress about what to watch next!

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon In short, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl can be described as the quirky version of The Fault in Our Stars. The ‘dying girl’ part in the title gives away the fact this film is going to be pretty emotional. However as well as all the heartfelt bits, it is brilliantly funny and clever. This keeps it from being cliché and turns it into something really unique and enjoyable. In addition to lots of fresh talent, it also stars Molly Shannon and Nick Offerman, only adding to the movie’s charms.

Holding the Man (2015)

Directed by Neil Armfield Based on the memoir, Holding the Man tells the story of a 15-year long relationship between two lovers. It begins with the boys in their teens, their parents trying to keep them apart in the ‘70s, and ultimately ends with the AIDS epidemic in the early ’90s. This Australian love story is done justice in a film that is beautifully put together. The humour littered throughout makes it a bit of fun, while the realistic portrayal of struggle and loss, is heartbreaking. You will probably cry – but it’ll be worth it.

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The Martian (2015)

Directed by Ridley Scott The Martian is a man’s story of survival after being left behind on Mars. You already know going into this film will have amazing visuals. However, unlike other space movies that rely purely on this element – or an overdramatic story line for effect – this one has substance. The Martian feels totally realistic. All of its elements combine to create a film that really draws you in from the get go. It keeps you on edge until the very end – to the point where even I was shouting, “Bring him home!!!!”

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)

Directed by Wes Ball Maze Runner is yet another trilogy about an apocalyptic world where teenagers must save the day.

In Scorch Trials, the second instalment, you get the feeling that perhaps this is something made just for fans of the books. A lot certainly happen, but a lot is also left unexplained – especially with character development.

However, if you ignore these mishaps and just go with it, it’s suspenseful enough for the most part to make it reasonably entertaining. It’s the kind of movie I’d recommended seeing if you’ve already watched everything you want on Netflix.

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Live Music Reviews Words ▶ Bridget Kerry

As summer approaches, the weather gets warmer, the days get longer, and live music just gets that bit better. September saw a rush of acts visiting the City of Churches, so what better way to spend your evenings than grooving to the beat of these homegrown talents? Bridget lets you know what you should be checking out next time.

The Smith Street Band

17th September 2015 @ The Gov Playing a string of sold out shows, Melbourne indie rock band, The Smith Street Band, hit Adelaide like an emotionally and politically charged punch to the face.

Frontman Wil Wagner and co. returned to the Gov with U.S. bands, The Sidekicks and Andrew Jackson Jihad, plus fellow Melbourne residents, The Sugarcanes and guest vocalist Lucy Wilson for another dynamic show. It was almost difficult to hear Wagner’s raspy vocals during crowd favourites like, I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, as the crowd erupted to life. Reckless. Powerful. Brilliant.

Bad // Dreems

25th September 2015 @ Fowlers Live Adelaide’s own Bad//Dreems ripped up Fowlers Live at the launch of their debut album, Dogs At Bay. West Thebarton Brothel Party and Green Buzzard kicked off the sell-out show before the four-piece rock band were met with a roaring crowd. Crowd favourites included the ever catchy, Hiding to Nothing. Cuff & Collared even saw a rough looking guy wrestle front man Ben Marwe to the ground. A night of beers, mateship, and good old-fashioned rock – the boys from Adelaide sure know how to perform.

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Last Dinosaurs

2nd October 2015 @ The Gov If summer had a soundtrack, Last Dinosaurs’ Wellness would be it. Supported by fellow Brisbane band, The Jensens, and Sydneysiders, Palms, the indie pop band gave one of the most feel-good performances of the year. The band’s catchy hooks and summer anthems had the audience in a psychedelic state with no one being able to supress the overwhelming urge to dance to hits such as Apollo, Zoom, and Evie. Front man Sean Caskey was the one to leave a lasting impression with an epic and effortless crowd surfing guitar solo. The Wellness tour will not to be forgotten anytime soon.

The Jungle Giants

19th September 2015 @ The Gov If anything screams feel-good vibes, it’s four-piece Brisbane band, The Jungle Giants. With strong support acts in Hockey Dad from Wollongong and fellow Brisbanians, Art of Sleeping, the indie pop band – not surprisingly – packed out The Gov. The band’s infectious energy and catchy tunes had the crowd bouncing along from the get go to their hit, She’s a Riot. With so much enthusiasm thrown into the show, front man Sam Hale couldn’t help but propel himself a number of times into the eager crowd. The Speakerzoid tour was full of surprises.

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Video Game Reviews Words ▶ Kaitlin Kavanagh

Looking to try out some new video games over the summer holidays?

Well, look no further! Our resident expert Kaitlin has got you covered with some new releases. Thank god for opposable thumbs.

Beyond Eyes

Steam, Xbone, PS4 Beyond Eyes is a great example of how story driven games can work really well and develop a rich and immersive world. You play as a young blind girl named Rae, who is searching for her lost cat Nani. The world is uncovered through the mind of Rae using her senses and her imagination to build her environment. The story looks and feels almost like an interactive children’s book, which is both beautiful and unique. Beyond Eyes is charming and – at times – deeply moving (I may have even cried a little…).

Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture

PS4 I can’t deny that Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is a beautiful game. It’s a difficult game to describe without spoiling because you are placed in a world with no direction; you simply uncover the story and mechanics as you play. While there are moments that are moving, beautiful, and even a little creepy, I found the game to be far too slow paced. For a game that was basically a (VERY SLOW) walking simulator, the story didn’t unfold quickly enough to keep me engaged and I found myself rushing to the end.

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Austin and Austin

Until Dawn

PS4 Until Dawn is the video game version of an A-grade horror movie: it may not have those seriously disturbing and scary moments you get from indie horrors (A la Outlast or Amnesia), but it makes up for it in production value and an A-list cast. Don’t get me wrong, Until Dawn is still plenty scary; the jump scares are scary, the story is well written, and there are some cool twists and slasher tropes to keep you tickled. The ‘butterfly effect’ feature gives your in-game choices meaning and the quick time events keep your heart racing. Until Dawn is a fresh, very cool approach to horror games.

Tales from the Borderlands – Episodes 1-4

360, Xbone, PS3 / PS4, Android, Steam Telltale has yet again produced a masterpiece. Like most telltale games, TFTB is based heavily on your character choices and quick time events that affect the outcome of the game. The story has that classic Borderlands wit with some Telltale flair. It’s so well written that you’ll find yourself laughing out loud, gasping in shock, swearing and maybe even gagging at some moments. Possibly Telltale’s best so far (even though I might say that every time they bring out a new game), bring on Episode 5.

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Verse needs a passionate, organised and innovative team of students to run the 2016 mag! This is an opportunity to gain experience working with a large network of contacts, real deadlines and a chance to put your problem solving skills to the test. This roles are high pressure but high reward! The freedom and highly collaborative nature of the magazine makes for a fun and dynamic team!

Verse is recruiting an Head Editor, Editor, Communications Editor & Graphic Designer.

Find out more and how to apply at USASA.sa.edu.au/VerseRecruit.

Applications close November 9 2015.

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