THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
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the artichoke family EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSISTANT EDITOR WRITERS
Laura Bourbonnais Teagan Ariss Victoria Ann Carly Balestreri Reann Bast Kirandeep Bhanot Amelia Calo Joshua Cea Kaela Cordero Marvin Darkwa Megan De Sousa Kaila Gallacher Melanie Gazvoda Inna Gordeyeva Eduardo Guerra Avery-Rose Hamilton Pyper Johnston Siddharth Koyal Nicole Moos Roshni Nayar Melissa Nicole Princess Okonkwo Shamus Quinn Meg Rethinasamy Nima Salimi (Brie) Brianna Bennett Julia Usher Teodora Vilotijevic Cassie Weir Nicole Williamson
DESIGN EDITOR Sarah Carriere SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Breagh MacDonald PHOTOGRAPHERS Sarah Shahab Yuhan Shi Eliza Szymak DESIGNERS Nuha Aneez Jena Angra Daphne Chu Victoria Collins Amy Davidson Sabrina Fortin Maria Guna Kalli Jones Shawn Lakhram Stephanie Lai Kacey Lee Sharyl Man Daye Oh Bailey Paniszczyn Heidi Trautmann Ingrid Wong Phoebe Wong Ha-Yun Holly Yoon GUEST CONTRIBUTORS Lamia Abuzaid Mayeesha Cho Katherine Collier
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THE TEAM Execs Writers Designers Photographers
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CREATIVE What Drew Me to The Artichoke Why I Joined What is it about Artichoke Anyway? Anniversary Issue The Artichoke Appeal The Artichoke When I Joined The Artichoke Nostalgia in the Age of Uncertainty Reaching Out
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FEATURE Chatting with The Artichoke’s Assistant Editor In Conversation with The Artichoke’s Editor-in-Chief Mayeesha Cho Lamia Abuzaid Katherine Collier The Best Extracurricular
2021 The Artichoke Magazine Winters Free Press Created in Toronto, Ontario PAST ISSUES issuu.com/artichokemag CONTACT US wintersfreepress@winterscouncil.com SOCIALS IG @artichokewfp FB @artichokemag
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THE TEAM
LAURA BOURBONNAIS (she/her) Editor-in-Chief Program: Screenwriting & Creative Writing Year: 3rd year at York, 4th year of university (transfer student!) Years at Artichoke: 3 Favourite colours: Teal & lavender Fun facts: She’s a French-Canadian originally from Montreal and she used to be a competitive dancer! TEAGAN ARISS (she/her) Assistant Editor Program: Dance Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1 Favourite colour: Yellow Fun fact: She can clap with one hand. SARAH CARRIERE (she/her) Design Editor Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 2 Favourite colour: Yellow Fun fact: She has been dancing for almost 16 years. BREAGH MACDONALD (she/her) Social Media Coordinator Program: Theatre & Communication Studies Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1 Favourite colour: Pink! Fun fact: She will be beginning her Masters in Communication Studies in the fall of 2021!
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the writers
THE TEAM
SIDDHARTH KOYAL (he/him) Writer Program: BFA Media Arts Year: 2nd Years at Artichoke: 1 Favourite colour: Red Fun fact: He loves reading comic books!
AVERY-ROSE HAMILTON (she/her) Writer Program: Theatre Production and Design Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 2nd year at Artichoke. She would have joined sooner but because she lived in Stong residence and not Winters it was harder for her to find a way to join the magazine or know of its existence. Favourite colour: Pink, blue, or purple Fun fact: She loves to create characters, whether they be for existing films or stories or for one of her own stories, and to write stories, whether they be novels, play adaptations or screenplays, even stories for her characters.
AMELIA CALO (she/her) Writer Program: Psychology and Con. Education Year: 2nd Years at Artichoke: 1 Favorite colour: Green Fun fact: She is a dual citizen of America and Canada.
PRINCESS OKONKWO (she/her) Writer Program: Theatre Year: 1st Years at Artichoke: 2 Favourite colours: Red and black Fun facts: She is the author of everything in between on Smashwords and other retail stores. She loves everything chocolate except dark chocolates. She does not have a favorite genre, she just loves reading. She is a writer- scripts, poems and novels.
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ARTICHOKE NICOLE WILLIAMSON (she/her) Writer JOSHUA CEA Writer Year: Graduate from York with a background in English Lit. and History Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun facts: Besides taking great pleasure writing up the next article for the magazine, Joshua’s spare time is dedicated to drawing, playing guitar, and listening to an 80s playlist.
ROSHNI NAYAR (she/her) Writer Program: BSc Psychology Honours Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1 Favourite colour: Forest green at the moment. Fun fact: Roshni has lived in 3 different countries and 2 continents.
PYPER JOHNSTON (she/her) Writer Program: Acting Conservatory - Theatre Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: Pyper is an artist (actor, writer, and musician mostly) from the Ottawa area.
Program: Art History with a focus on performative and installation art. Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: Nicole is excited to be a part of The Artichoke because she gets to write about what she loves and feel more connected with the Winters community.
KAILA GALLACHER (she/her) Writer Program: Creative Writing and the Humanities Years at Artichoke: 2 Favourite colour: Her favourite colour tends to change depending on the day but the colour pink is one constant. Fun fact: She loves being out in nature - hiking, camping, and stargazing are activities that inspire her writing and life.
BRIE BENNETT (she/her) Writer Program: Devised Theatre and Gender and Women's studies certificate Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1 Favourite colour: Blue Fun fact: She has fallen into a manhole!
THE TEAM
MEGAN DE SOUSA (she/they) Writer Program: Theatre Year: 1st Years at Artichoke: 1 Favourite colours Pink Fun fact: Megan loves to bake and sew.
My experience as a new member to The Artichoke has been so rewarding. Being on The Artichoke allows me to be a part of a community of like-minded creatives who inspire me to keep up my writing. My writing has significantly improved from being a part of The Artichoke as well as my confidence to share my writing. Before, I would feel very vulnerable to share my creative pieces but writing alongside other creatives makes me feel much more comfortable and I am looking forward to continuing my writing journey with the magazine!
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NICOLE MOOS (she/her) Writer
MARVIN DARKWA (he/him/thon) Writer
CASSANDRA WEIR (she/her) Writer
Program: Film Production Year: 2nd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: Being an international student, her favourite thing to do is explore Toronto and meet new people.
Program: Screenwriting Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 2 Fun fact: Marvin contributes all things Black, and strange to The Artichoke.
Program: Theatre with a specialization in Devised Theatre and Dramaturgy Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 2 Favourite colour: Baby pink Fun fact: She is the oldest of five siblings.
MELANIE ROSE GAZVODA (she/her) Writer
JULIA USHER (she/her) Writer
KIRANDEEP BHANOT (she/her) Writer
Program: Screenwriting and Creative Writing Honours double major Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 2 Favourite colour: Sapphire blue Fun fact: She enjoys playing guitar when she's not writing.
Program: Theatre Year: 1st Years at Artichoke: 1 (Nov/Dec issue onwards) Favourite colour: Red Fun fact: She was in an arts program for all of middle and high school.
Program: English Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: Her interests include creative writing and reading satire and all things Gothic.
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REANN BAST (she/her) Writer
CARLY BALESTRERI (she/her) Writer
MEG RETHINASAMY (she/her) Writer
Program: Screenwriting major and Creative Writing minor Year: 2nd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: She wants to create her own TV show after university.
Program: Film Production with a minor in Social Anthropology Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: You’ll typically find her at home in Caledon watching movies or baking with her two cats.
Program: Media Arts with a keen interest in music and screenwriting Year: 2nd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: Meg is an aspiring documentarian. In her free time, she is also an online content creator on various social media platforms under the handle @bootlegmegz. Her favourite things in the world are South Indian food and good friends to share it with.
INNA GORDEYEVA (she/her) Writer Program: Honours English Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1 Favourite colours: Blue and green. A mix of the 2 also works! Fun facts: Her astrology sun sign is a Pisces which is ruled by Neptune, the planet of imagination, illusion, secrets, and dreams and she believes these aspects and themes come up throughout her writing. She keeps it optimistic, honest, and creative, hoping to get the readers out of their usual comfort zone of thought into a space unknown full of exploration and possibility. She enjoys writing every month on different topics and has been enjoying expressing herself and connecting.
SHAMUS QUINN (he/him) Writer Program: Film Production Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: Most of his time is spent making short films and writing spec features/ teleplays. He also dabbles in film criticism, article writing, comedy writing, acting, and cartooning.
MELISSA NICOLE (she/her) Writer Program: Film Production Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: She has been writing since she was twelve, and through that, she has been able to create different stories that she would love to turn into books and feature films some day!
EDUARDO GUERRA (he/him) Writer Program: Film Production Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1 Fun fact: The reason Eduardo wanted to join this ambitious team of writers is because he wanted to get back into creative writing after a long hiatus, and felt The Artichoke would help him in doing so.
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graphic designers
THE TEAM
KALLI JONES Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1
HA-YUN HOLLY YOON Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 2
VICTORIA COLLINS Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1
DAPHNE CHU Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 5th Years at Artichoke: 1
AMY DAVIDSON Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1
SHARYL MAN Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1
STEPHANIE LAI Designer Program: Design Year: 2nd Years at Artichoke: 1
BAILEY PANISZCZYN Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1
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HEIDI TRAUTMANN Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1
PHOEBE WONG Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3th Years at Artichoke: 2
SABRINA FORTIN Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1
INGRID WONG Designer Program: Design Year: 2nd Years at Artichoke: 1
MARIA GUNA Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3th Years at Artichoke: 1
KACEY LEE Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3th Years at Artichoke: 1
THE TEAM
JENA ANGRA Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1
DAYE OH Designer Program: Design (YSDN) Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1
SHAWN LAKHRAM Designer Program: Cinema & Media Studies Year: 4th Years at Artichoke: 1
NUHA ANEEZ Designer Program: Design Year: 1st Years at Artichoke: 1
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photographers
THE TEAM
SARAH SHAHAB Photographer Program: Film Production Year: 1st Years at Artichoke: 1
ELIZA SZYMAK Photographer Program: Cinema & Media Arts Year: 1st Years at Artichoke: 1
YUHAN SHI Photographer Program: Visual Arts Year: 3rd Years at Artichoke: 1
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WHAT DREW ME TO THE ARTICHOKE BY MEGAN DE SOUSA
CREATIVE
WHAT DREW ME to The Artichoke compared to other student magazines is the openness and creativity. The Artichoke allows me to write anything I desire, and that freedom makes this magazine feel much more personal. Through The Artichoke, I have written abstract stories and memoirs, shared my love of makeup as well as written fun short poems. The Artichoke gives me the opportunity to demonstrate my range without feeling constrained or limited by word count or content.
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WHY I JOINED BY AVERY-ROSE HAMILTON
CREATIVE
WHAT DREW ME to The Artichoke Magazine was two things. One, it was a magazine dedicated to and created by Winters students. And two, it was a mixture of creative works and journalism. In high school I had done some journalism for my school’s newspaper, but when I did not have anything to give in that area, I contributed one of my creative works. When I came to York U, I tried to continue that with the school’s newspaper Excalibur. But they told me that I would not be able to do that, I would have to restrict myself to just journalism. I tried to do that, but each pitch list the paper sent out had nothing of interest. But when I heard about The Artichoke Magazine from my classmates
who live in Winters Residence, I knew that was where I could continue my writing and be creative at the same time. From what I know of the other publications on the York U campus, they are all academic. They are only interested in printing news articles and written papers. But not The Artichoke. This magazine is interested in both. You are given a choice to submit an article, or a creative work; you even have the option of submitting both. I love that; it keeps things interesting for readers and writers. You are not reading and/ or writing the same thing, which after a while can become tiresome and boring. Here at The Artichoke, you can let your creativity go wild and write whatever you want, if it falls within the themes of the upcoming issue that is.
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What Is It About Artichoke Anyway? BY MELISSA NICOLE
CREATIVE
I FIRST CAME across The Artichoke Magazine in my second year of university when I volunteered to get my picture taken by a friend in my program. She needed to take pictures of AMPD students working on different activities, to which I happily obliged. After receiving a brief explanation on what the magazine was all about, I knew I wanted to join the team the following year! At first, I was nervous about reaching out to join as the hiring information got passed around. I kept thinking to myself that my writing was not going to be as good as the others on the team, and if I would even be able to fully fill the position and write for each issue throughout the year. At one point, I realized I was trying to fully talk myself out of joining all together with my brain always bringing up the question “what is it about Artichoke anyway? Why do you want to join it?” Being part of the team now, I realize there are a lot of reasons why. The first major aspect that drew me to the magazine was the appealing aesthetics that were captured on every page - from the way the text boxes and photos were arranged to the complementary colour schemes and everything in between! I also really appreciate how they also showcase different York students’ artistic works such as poems and photo compilations. I know a few friends from my program who got their photography featured in the magazine, including the friend who asked to take my photo in second
year. The Artichoke always goes out of their way to appreciate York students’ art and showcases different pieces every chance they get, which I think is pretty amazing. Another aspect that really drove me to become part of the team is how they welcome everyone with open arms and do not just have one specific piece of writing that they stick with. The Artichoke allows anything from short stories and scripts to journal articles and even playlists and movie recommendations. Whatever you think of, The Artichoke has a section for it. The way they connect to different student groups and individuals on campus through interviews and different mediums is also incredible. As I read each story, I feel as though I connect better to the authors of the works and those around campus. When a new issue comes out, it always brightens my day! Now that I am a part of the team, it has also opened my world up to meeting many other individuals who share the same passions of writing as me, and it feels great to connect with people even through isolated times. I enjoy going on Zoom calls with the team to watch films, play virtual games and even just to talk about how each other’s days are going. I feel we are a part of a happy family of writers, editors and designers who just want to make this magazine look the best it can possibly be. I am so happy that I joined the team this year - it has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life to date.
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BY PRINCESS OKONKWO
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ANNIVERSARY ISSUE The Artichoke Magazine has been around for a while. It focuses on promoting the arts which allow various writers and art creators to display their talents.
THE ARTICHOKE DOES not discriminate on who can be included in their magazine. This drew me in specifically because I admire their diversity and their ability to include various people. The team that designs the magazine is very competent and talented as they make the magazine very appealing to the eye. The magazine designs complement the content in several ways which include; colour, images, and fonts. I have seen my poems on the magazine’s issues come alive in different ways. Ways that made me breathless, excited, and took me by surprise, seeing my work put together in a very appealing way. The colour and images brought a whole new feel to reading my poems. At one point, I thought it was someone else’s poem until I saw my name.
The magazine has a marvelous way of combining colour, images, and content. I cannot lay enough emphasis on how wonderfully it is done. Their versatility and constant improvement over the years make them appealing to a wide audience. They have a different theme every month which makes readers excited about every issue because they are confident and sure that it will not be the recycling of past issues rather it will be something different and interesting. I would like to thank the founder of the magazine and those who put everything together, every time. I would like to thank my sister Motun for planting the idea of me requesting a feature. Last but not the least, I would like to thank Laura Bourbonnais for accepting me!
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The Artichoke Appeal “you just have to take a risk BY CASSANDRA WEIR
and write about whatever comes deep within your heart”
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I HAVE BEEN writing for The Artichoke for the past two years now and I am constantly inspired by the amount of art that is embedded within one publication. The Artichoke stands out among the rest as it provides readers with creative writing pieces, poems, self-help, art installations, recipes, and everything in between. The amount of work that is put into each issue is truly remarkable. The team is so welcoming, supporting and accommodating. As I joined in my third year, not knowing most of the AMPD community, I can now say that I feel like I have found my place as a creator. I would recommend The Artichoke to any Winters students to use as a platform to promote and share their art. There were several times where I did not want to write for an issue but as soon as I
took a look at those prompts and got the juices flowing, I would always find myself wanting to create more and more afterwards. Sometimes you just have to take a risk and write about whatever comes deep within your heart even if it seems a little ridiculous at the time. Personally, I found The Artichoke a great place where I was able to write about topics that meant the most to me such as how to ground yourself, what growing up feels like, and not knowing where you will end up is more than okay. I wanted readers to feel like they were not alone in the madness of the world and not to regret what has been done to them. I am so thankful for The Artichoke and I cannot wait to read more publications post grad! Keep writing!
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BY KAILA GALLACHER
ITS APPEAL LIES in the fact that it’s more than a just magazine. It is a place created by a collective of creativity. A space of expansion and freedom where poetry, fiction, art, and students find their voices and hear an echo of the past in a fluid and ever-expanding home. It is part reflection. Part inflection. Wholly a creation of those of the past, present and future who bring and brought it to life. It is a work of love shown dedication where life mixes with a glare and cutting-edge meditation. It’s where we build a place that gives us space from the chaos of the York universe-ity life.
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WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE WHEN I JOINED THE ARTICHOKE
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BY MELANIE ROSE GAZVODA (SHE/HER)
I REMEMBER WHEN I joined The Artichoke Magazine about two years ago. I received an email from the school because they were looking for writers. I recall thinking how unique its name was, and after reading a panoply of issues, I knew this was the perfect magazine for me. Then, I submitted my work for the magazine, but at the time I felt I wasn’t a good enough writer to be a part of this incredible magazine. To my surprise, they welcomed me with open arms. This is why writing for The Artichoke has been an absolute thrill. This magazine is run by AMPD students, who allow complete creative freedom; from short stories, poetry, articles, and art. I have submitted multiple articles, a short story, and various poems. This magazine has helped me become a better writer than I was two years ago. The Artichoke often hosts game nights, movie nights, and art nights. Every month, there is a new issue that is an art piece of its own. It reflects York’s pride; highlighting
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school events, stories, interviews, etc. The first article I wrote was featured in Volume 9, No. 1. It was called “First Frosh” which was about my first experience at York University. Reading it now, I feel nostalgic and miss York’s atmosphere. There are so many amazing spots at York like the art galleries, the library, and York Lanes. The people in York are amazing, and I have had nothing but fun experiences there. I am so excited to go back to school next year (hopefully in person), and continue to write for The Artichoke. If you get the chance, join a magazine at York. Or if you are lucky, submit to The Artichoke. You will make remarkable friends, gain writing experience, and enjoy your York University experience even more!
CREATIVE
I RECALL THINKING HOW UNIQUE ITS NAME WAS, AND AFTER READING A PANOPLY OF ISSUES, I KNEW THIS WAS THE PERFECT MAGAZINE FOR ME.
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NOSTALGIA IN THE AGE OF
UNCERTAINTY BY JOSHUA CEA
NOSTALGIA:
“A WISTFUL OR EXCESSIVELY SENTIMENTAL YEARNING FOR RETURN TO OR OF SOME PAST PERIOD OR IRRECOVERABLE CONDITION.” (MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY)
NOSTALGIA PROVIDES US highlights of a certain period in time that we fondly cherish, I for one remember going into thrift stores as a child in the late 1990s and clearly remember seeing secondhand 1980s clothing and items for sale, by that time colourblock styles were out of fashion giving way to the chrome and muted tones of the late 1990s-2000s. Toys like Masters of the Universe and G.I. Joe were thrown into bargain bins while old console games for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis were tossed across the used electronics aisle. I remember using VHS and Cassette tapes, this was a time when cereal boxes
included toys and when Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon were still on top. But every decade has its “nostalgia period,” a throwback cycle of sorts that bridges a two-to-three-decade gap. For example in the 1980s, movies like The Karate Kid had Mr. Miyagi gift Daniel LaRusso a 1947 Ford Super Deluxe convertible, while Dirty Dancing, The Outsiders, and Full Metal Jacket were set in the 1960s. In terms of music, songs such as Tainted Love [1980] by Soft Cell was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, Kim Wilde’s You Keep Me Hangin’ On [1986] originally was sung by The
CREATIVE
Supremes in 1966, while Two Hearts [1988] By Phil Collins and Take Me Home Tonight [1986] By Eddie Money were directly inspired by the songs of the 1960s. Fast forward to the late 1990s-2000s and we have movies that were focused on the 1970s, such as the Charlie’s Angels [2000] reboot, Grindhouse [2007], and Kill Bill [2003]. Women’s fashion was also influenced by the popularity of That 70s Show [1998-2006] given the bell-bottom jeans trend during this time. As we slowly approached the 2020s and the start of a new decade it seems that the style of the late 1980s- early 1990s are back in vogue, thus going full circle with this retro trend. From Adidas to Puma to video game mini consoles, to popular TV shows like Cobra Kai [2018-Present] and Saved by the Bell [2020-Present], the 1980s-early 90s are trending topics as every major company with a back catalogue of consumer products are reproducing clothing, watches, and electronics of that era. The late 80s early 90s was a time in fashion in which clothing was the most vibrant and colorful, consumer electronic had detail and style, as compared to today when electronics such as cell phones, game consoles, and computers have a simple minimalistic style that has plagued consumer products since the introduction of the original iPod back in 2001. But given the pandemic, I think this entire retro trend has become more pronounced during the lockdown. People have had the time to look back into what they did and what they had in the past as a way to contemplate the good times that are now behind us. In an age of uncertainty, people have found comfort with what once was,
the future is unknown while the past is more emblematic of a lifestyle that will forever stay the same. Another note to mention is that technology itself in the past twenty years has dramatically altered the way we live, I clearly remember life before smartphones and social media, even up until the mid-2000s one had to use pay phones to make calls. The pandemic has caused a jumpstart on technological improvements such as online education, shopping, an online workplace, and a push towards digital currencies, are just a few examples of the many efforts for an all-digital environment that given otherwise would have taken time to get implemented. The push has been drastic and given the vast leaps in technology, people have become nostalgic for a time when analogue was in use, this might explain why there is a current trend in the collection and re-releases of old tech products into the consumer market, from vintage video game consoles, led watches, to retro computers, there are a plethora of examples in the last five years that have incremented interest in collecting and reusing obsolete electronics as a way of escapism and nostalgia. As long as the current lockdown and the pandemic continues, I believe it will further fuel more retro releases by companies trying to captivate our childhood nostalgia on those items that highlighted the good times that we had and wish to hold onto.
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reaching out BY JENA ANGRA
CREATIVE
THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA, I saw this year’s September issue of The Artichoke and was blown away. I knew two members of the writing team and they urged me to apply to the design team. I am so happy I pushed in this direction. Working under Sarah and with everyone in the Artichoke family quickly became my favourite extracurricular. I am a third-year Design student in YSDN meaning I have been anxiously searching
for a required internship. I managed to land an interview with an editorial design agency where we talked about working at The Artichoke. I ended up getting the internship and taking the job. In my mind, I have The Artichoke to thank for this opportunity. So, thank you to everyone on the team and to everyone who reads our issues. I cannot wait to see the future of The Artichoke; I know it is going to be great!
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FEATURE
In Conversation with The Artichoke’s Editor-in-Chief
LAURA BOURBONNAIS BY TEAGAN ARISS OUR ASSISTANT EDITOR Teagan got the chance to sit down virtually with our Editor-in-Chief Laura to ask her about her experience on The Artichoke over the last two years and about the online transition this past year. Teagan Ariss: What has your experience been like transitioning from an Artichoke Writer to the Assistant Editor and now to the Editor-in-Chief? Laura Bourbonnais: In my first year when I was a writer everything was [...] online which is interesting [...] [as] it’s kind of like now. But we basically would just get prompts or themes for that month, and we’d have like two weeks to write, and then I’d submit, then the following month it would be out. [...] But, we never had any socials or anything, it was like everyone was more secluded I guess, apart from the exec. [team]. And then when I got into the exec. team as the Assistant Editor, I got to meet Katie, and Lamia at the time who was the Editor-in-Chief, and then transitioned Katie into it, [...] then
I worked with Brianna. [...] I felt like I was more a part of the community when I joined the exec. [team]. And then we tried to organize some socials [...] but like people were just busy and our team was much smaller, so it was kind of harder to build that community. And I feel like this year, that transition has been, it’s been weird ‘cause it’s online, but I feel like there’s a bigger sense of community because the team has grown so much. [...] So, [the transition has] been pretty good. [...] I’ve been really lucky to have really hard-working people on my team and [...] writers that are really consistent, I think even more so this year than last year. [...] It’s been pretty good all around, for sure the online transition might have been a little tricky, it could have been maybe
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easier to [...] get physical copies, or get people interested through like postering or things like that, which is what I was looking into before I knew this was going to last this long. So yeah it’s been good overall. TA: Has your involvement with Artichoke enhanced your experience as a Screenwriting and Creative Writing student? LB: Definitely. I think more so creative writing, maybe more on the editorial end, publishing side of things. I think outside of the Professional Writing stream, [...] I guess we don’t really get to understand how you get published [in Creative Writing] apart from like getting links every couple of weeks [...] to different competitions you send your
stuff to - which is great. [But] we don’t really get taught how to actually go out into the world and publish your own work [...] and how that works behind the scenes. So I definitely feel like it gave me an advantage to have this experience. Even if it’s a student magazine it’s kind of like stepping stones I guess to the [...] “real world.” But yeah, for Screenwriting it’s like a whole different world, so I don’t know for sure. I think any kind of writing or editing experience is beneficial to like honestly pretty much anything in your life or job. [...] It’s skills you can take with you anywhere basically. TA: Agreed. What is your favourite part about this role? LB: That’s a good question. For some
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reason, I really like giving Sarah notes when it comes to the design aspect and we get [the] drafts; I just love seeing everything come together and giving the little notes before the final product comes together. That’s [...] my favourite part. [...] I just really hope that the printing is going to work out because I feel like that will be my favourite, like getting to physically touch something, and be like, ’Wow we made this, that’s so cool.’ But yeah, seeing everything come together basically. TA: How has it been dealing with the challenge of online everything in regards to the magazine? LB: I feel like it’s been, for The Artichoke at least, it’s not been too terrible, because we’ve kind of been on this digital platform, [...] rather than having our printed magazines for the past two years before this. [...] [B]ecause of budget constraints. [...] So, I feel like it’s been okay in that realm. In terms of people working on it behind the scenes, I feel like it’s definitely more difficult ‘cause everyone is kind of stuck somewhere and doesn’t necessarily have the opportunity to go to like The Artichoke office or the Winters office where you get to see other people from the Council. [...] I feel like it’s kind of easier to be in person, because you can talk to people and be like, “Hey, I want to do an interview with you,” [...] there’s just that community aspect that’s kind of lost a little bit. Council has done a great job with the events online, of course. But, definitely that sense of community has been more difficult to create. On the same side, I feel like it’s more accessible to people than before.
I remember we had a social, Katie and I, and a lot of people couldn’t make it, because they couldn’t physically come to the Ab that night. And now you can just hop on your laptop or whatever and join a social, so I feel like it’s more accessible to a certain extent. So certain things are better [...] but at the same time that aspect of just seeing people in person [...], it’s difficult, we’re always on our computers. TA: I would like to acknowledge that the growth of the magazine this year has been quite significant, in terms of the writing and design teams, readership, and the art submissions too. Do you have any reflections on that and/or any hopes for the future of Artichoke? LB: Yeah, I’m really happy that we could recruit more people this year. [...] [I]n terms of hopes for the future, I just hope [..] The Artichoke keeps reaching more people. [...] [T]his year especially, we got people who were outside of AMPD [...] who had already graduated that wanted to be involved and I feel like that’s so important, like if they’re willing to give out their time and [...] create things for us, why wouldn’t they? [...] I feel like breaking down certain limits, like you don’t have to be in AMPD to contribute, you don’t have to be a current student as long as you’re interested in what we’re publishing, in my opinion, we should be giving the opportunity to be a part of the team. [...] I feel like that can help for both as well and [...] once things are back in person, hopefully having a couple of posters around, having if possible, more printed copies in general
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available. [...] I found reaching out to the departments really helpful to spread our emails everywhere so just trying to work on reaching out more to other Colleges maybe. I found I haven’t really gotten a response to that this year, I’d reach out to other free presses and no one was responding, probably because of the pandemic. But maybe more collaborations with other colleges to get even more people from outside of AMPD involved. TA: That’s great. Do you have a favourite issue from Volume 10? LB: Ohh. That’s such a good question. Honestly, I’m not sure. I really liked the October issue. Like the photography was so, so great. But every issue that comes out I’m like, “Oh no, I like this one better.” So that’s really hard, I also really like the February issue that came out just recently, the March-April issue looks great. But, I’d say photography wise and visual aspects and how cohesive it was, I’d say the October issue was my favourite. TA: Alright and my last question, potentially the most important question… Do you prefer Artichoke & Spinach dip or Artichoke & Asiago dip? LB: I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever had any of those dips which is a shame, so I don’t know [laughing]. TA: [Shocked]. Oh my gosh.
LB: I need to try both of them and then let you know. TA: Yeah. That’s nuts. Do you eat dairy? LB: I do. TA: Okay, so yeah, you’re safe to try them. They’re so good. LB: They sound really good. TA: This just in. Artichoke Editor-inChief had never tried Artichoke dip. [laughing] LB: I know, it’s terrible. But I love the memes that come out of them, they’re great.
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Photography by Ang Waterton @moment.us_photo
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Chatting with The Artichoke’s Assistant Editor
TEAGAN ARISS BY LAURA BOURBONNAIS OUR EDITOR-IN-Chief Laura got the opportunity to sit down virtually with our lovely Assistant Editor Teagan right after being interviewed herself to chat about Teagan’s experience on The Artichoke and the Winters Council over this past academic year! Laura Bourbonnais: What has your experience been like becoming Assistant Editor your first year on The Artichoke? Typically people are involved as writers before becoming editors but you have jumped in feet first and have been doing a great job so I wanted to see how it’s been for you?
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Teagan Ariss: Yeah, it’s been good. It’s been a [...] learning opportunity but I’ve always felt [...] very supported by council and the exec. team and especially you. You were the Assistant Editor last year and now you’re my partner as the Editor-in-Chief. And I’ve always felt like if things were unclear to me, I can ask you a question about anything. Yeah, it’s [also] just been learning to trust myself, you know? Even though I haven’t been involved before specifically with The Artichoke, I know I’m capable and intelligent and [I] trust myself to make decisions or bring things up that I think need to be brought up. But yeah, [...] certainly a learning challenge, but never stressful or strenuous. LB: Well, that’s great to hear. I’ve seen some of your notes too for editing and they’re always on the nose. So, we see your work. [laughing] How has your involvement and writing and editing influenced your dance reviews or any assignments you have as a Dance major? How have the transferable skills in this position affected your writing in your dance program? TA: Yeah, absolutely. I’m able to look at my own writing with [a] more efficient critical eye and often that means the most effective way to say something is the simplest way to say it. And so, that has definitely helped me with my assignments as a dance student. And even writing relates to dance. We actually learned about this in one of our courses. Like the ‘choreography of writing’ which is an interesting concept and how choreography in dance is related to writing; [...] you don’t just write something and it’s good the same way you don’t just choreograph something and it’s done. You have to put
movement into the universe. You have to write something down and then edit it, look at what you have and then go from there. I definitely think [this] writing is hugely transferable to dance writing but also dancing and choreography which is really cool. LB: Wow, that’s so interesting. Never thought of it that way. TA: Hm-hm. LB: What have you most enjoyed about this role and also being a part of the council? TA: I would say making connections with people in the Winters community that if I were not in this role, I wouldn’t have made. For example, I interviewed Megan Legesse who’s the V-Day director and I really enjoyed sitting down with her virtually and chatting and hearing about her work as a V-Day director and as [...] a student who’s in the Acting conservatory who maybe I wouldn’t have engaged with [...] just because our paths wouldn’t cross. And same with [...] all the people on council. I really enjoy hearing about their work as students and artists and yeah, I just feel more connected to the Winters community and have seen more of what the students have to offer through their writing for The Artichoke, through design and the artwork as well. LB: Yeah, that’s awesome. I also feel like sometimes at York we’re kind of divided a little bit in our different majors and depending on what you’re studying, it can be hard to cross paths with other people. So, that’s great. How does it feel like to be a council member and what has been your most memorable
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experience in the past year within the council or The Artichoke? Whichever. TA: Being a council member is cool. I think it’s a great group of people and yeah, it’s interesting to get to know these people and see how we can work together as a team. And seeing the behind-the-scenes of [...] Winters Council events. [...] And even like the formalities and technicalities of a council meeting is just kind of good to know in life. I’ve enjoyed my experience as a council member and I think my most memorable experience was the Winters Olympics which happened recently. [laughing] [...] [T]hat event was so fun. [laughing] Because people really had the opportunity to be in teams and do something physical and everyone was working together and I might add, I may be a bit more competitive than I thought I was. I’m certainly not the most competitive person but maybe not the least competitive either, you know? And you held a freaking wall sit for like half an hour which I cannot even comprehend. I dropped after like forty seconds. [laughing] LB: I feel like honestly [...] it’s because we had intervals. If Rey would have been like, “okay, stay for as long as possible,” I would have dropped so much earlier. But then, this other person, on the other team literally held it for the longest time, and I was like “I cannot, please drop.” [laughing] TA: [laughing] But yeah, it was a really fun event.
LB: Yeah, it was so fun. [...] I agree with you. All of the events have been really great so far especially the Murder Mysteries but sometimes it’s hard to create team-like events online, so that’s great. Going off that, it can either be Artichoke socials or Winters events, whatever you feel like you have the most to say about - how has it been like to participate in socials online? If you want to touch on editing stuff for The Artichoke and on attending events. TA: Yeah, I think in terms of working online for Artichoke, it’s similar to how it would normally be because we’re mostly working on our computers editing. [...] [C]ommunicating can be a little easier in person. [...] [O]ften, it’s nicer to be able to talk to people in person. Socials! [...] Yeah, I think there’s been a drop-off in socials this year which is unfortunate but the people planning [them] are handling it really well and putting a lot of effort into these events which is really fantastic. Because we do need social interaction. It’s sad, going to school, you can’t even talk to the people in your class really even if it’s just like you [...] turn to them and ask them for a pencil. [...] The socials have been fun. I have really admired everyone’s ability to adapt to doing them online. And I definitely do think, thinking of first years coming into university without necessarily knowing anyone, I think that many of them have made friends through these online events which is great. [...] LB: Yeah. I agree with you. I’ve also seen familiar faces from first year coming back over and over again. So,
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it’s definitely been successful for a lot of people. Throwing back the question to you: do you have a favourite issue from Volume 10 and if so, what is it? TA: Yeah, similar thought to you. Every time we get the draft of all the spreads, I think, “this one’s the best! It’s amazing! It just keeps getting better.” I think my favourite if I had to pick one would be the October issue because [...] fall is just such a fun time. It’s nostalgic but it’s also [...] spooky. And I think there’s a lot of really awesome creative writing in that issue and as you said, the photography was so cool. And aesthetically it was just super interesting. [...] You know that feeling
you get when you think about Halloween and October? That was the issue. LB: Oh, yeah. I agree. I also really like how spring was captured in this last double issue but there’s just something about the October issue that really popped off. TA: Hm-hm. LB: How might this position influence other positions or jobs you may take on be it directly or indirectly? TA: It will certainly help me. I’ve learned a lot of skills that I will certainly take with me throughout my whole life. I hope to be a dance artist. I’m particularly interested in choreography. But, as a dance artist, you often need to have a portfolio career. So, different kinds of contract work doing all sorts of things. [...] Writing is so important when you’re reaching out to people, when you want to work with someone, when you’re asking the government for money, you know? “Please give me money for my artwork.” [laughing] Writing grants is such an important part of being a dance artist and I’m sure [for] many artists. So, yeah, I think the skills I’ve learned here are super applicable to my future. And also, the ability to make connections with people in the Winters community, I think will certainly benefit me. In terms of [...] networking but also in terms of just like learning how to connect with people, is really important. LB: I agree 100%. This is your last year, right, and then you’re graduating so it’s kind of unfortunate that you ended like this but I’m happy you had some classes
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in person. What a year. Now, throwing the question back to you. Do you prefer Artichoke Spinach dip or Artichoke Asiago dip? [laughing] Explain your answer. TA: [...] I prefer Artichoke and Asiago. It’s just so creamy, so good. But you know what’s top-tier food? [...] [H]eated up Artichoke dip of any kind with pita bread. LB: Pita bread is very good. TA: You got to try [Artichoke dip] Laura. LB: I will, I will. TA: So good.
Photography by Shanique Peart @shaniquephotography
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MAYEESHA CHOWDHURY
CREATIVE FEATURE
BY MAYEESHA CHOWDHURY (SHE/HER) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2015-2017
Currently working in communications, outreach, and advocacy at a local politician’s office in Ontario. AS I SCROLLED (far too back) through my gallery to find some photos from my Artichoke days, I realised that my time and work at The Artichoke was a big part of why my last two years at York meant so much to me. The Artichoke became a significant part of my life, not because of the amount of time I spent working on it (which, I’ll have you know, was a lot - I often think about waking up super early and walking around campus distributing printed copies of the latest issue with my then Assistant Editor, rock, and human calendar Safa Gangat), but because it gave me the opportunity to work with some of the most talented writers and artists that I know, and most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to find my space within a truly unique community - Winters College. I will always be grateful to The Artichoke for allowing me to create a space for artists at York and for helping me find a space for myself (the extremely dusty office).
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LAMIA ABUZAID
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BY LAMIA ABUZAID EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2018-2019 ASSISTANT EDITOR 2017-2018
Hi all! MY NAME IS Lamia Abozaid, my pronouns are she/her, and I was the Editor-in-Chief for The Artichoke for the 2018-2019 school year. I graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in Theatre Production in 2019 from York. Right after that, I joined Seneca College for a diploma in Journalism and I will be graduating in June of 2021. I have always wanted to be a journalist for as long as I could remember. I wanted as much experience as I could to have something on my resume before making my way through the industry, and that led me to The Artichoke. In 2017 I applied to be the Assistant Editor and got it. That year, I learned a skill I did not have; patience. Patience with delayed responses, patience with unforeseen circumstances, and many more. The following year, I applied to be Editor-in-Chief and I also got it. That year was a little challenging, as this is the year The Artichoke fully transitioned into an online platform due to budget cuts. I thought that this was going to be a challenge and it was not going to lie. However, along with Katie Collier, the Assistant Editor that year and my dear friend, we decided to change things up a bit. We started having more photo shoots depending on the theme of that issue and we gave opportunities to students interested in photography or in artistic direction to direct and photograph these shoots. That year we also got a Instagram account and it was crazy to realize that we did not have one before (right, Katie?). My experience with running The Artichoke Magazine taught me a lot – it taught me how to stick with deadlines and to never be embarrassed of story chases – be annoying, it gets the job done; if you want it, go and get it kind of deal. This specific skill, I am currently using in my internship. I am currently interning at the CBC for one of their investigative units – Enterprise Toronto. It has been a crazy couple of weeks. A lot of story chasing, pre-interviewing, and some on the record interviews. It is definitely a crazy but amazing time. Seeing Laura Bourbonnais add on more features to the magazine makes me so proud and happy – good luck on your future endeavours, I know you will be making an impression anywhere you go. Cheers, Lamia
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Lamia and I - Formal 2019
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KATHERINE COLLIER
BY KATHERINE COLLIER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2019-2020 ASSISTANT EDITOR 2018-2029 WRITER 2015-2018
MY BEST FRIEND and I had a running joke, and anyone who has seen Gilmore Girls will surely understand. My best friend is Rory and I am Paris. It was only natural that I would write for, and eventually lead a newspaper (magazine in this case). When I began writing for The Artichoke in 2015, I was fresh out of highschool and fresh out of my Writer’s Craft class, so I had a lot of work saved up that I wanted the world to see. I still remember the names of all the Editors I worked under in my time, and how supportive they were, even when my writing was not the best. My first year as an executive, I had the pleasure of working with Lamia to further refine the image of The Artichoke as it stands today. The following year, I had the pleasure of working with the current Editor, Laura. Our team was the best I had worked with until then and I would not trade them for the world. Laura has done some great work
this year, along with the rest of the teams, to create the masterpieces that have come to the spotlight this past year. It really makes me reflect back on the days of my first year writing and seeing my spreads for my own pieces, and looking at just how far everything has come. This year I wrap up my time at York (hopefully) with a BFA in Music and a BEd. Hopefully I can share my wonderful experiences with The Artichoke with my future students and really get them interested in writing. The eventual goal, now that I have gained the skill set I have from working here, is to have a school magazine to highlight the wonderful achievements and creativity of the students. Maybe I will call it… The Broccoli! That’s a good name right? All jokes aside, I would not trade anything for my experiences and the opportunities I gained working for The Artichoke.
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The Best Extracurricular
BY LAURA BOURBONNAIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2020-2021 ASSISTANT EDITOR 2019-2020 WRITER 2018-2019
IT HAS BEEN such a joy being able to get involved with the Winters Free Press’ Artichoke Magazine over the last few years. It feels like not that long ago that I transferred from the University of Ottawa to York and I was looking for a student magazine to write for. I found The Artichoke advertised on the Winters College website and immediately reached out to Lamia to be involved in some way. I believe The Artichoke may have been the first
extracurricular I got involved with and I am so grateful I did. Flipping through the digital pages with my friend Mash in a Winters residence common room on those awkwardly shaped chairs to find our names and pieces in the October issue was such a thrill. It felt like what I wrote as an undergrad was that much more important because it was out there for other students to read.
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Since then, I nervously interviewed for the Assistant Editor position and I remember being so intimidated (it felt like there were 10 people in the room watching me, not going to lie). Upon getting the position, I had the pleasure of being transitioned into it by the ever patient Katie (I was late for our transition meeting because I was studying for finals and I still feel bad about that). I remember being called by Lamia not long after who wanted to make sure that as a shy first year, I knew how to take up room and express myself in council. Their advice was invaluable and I am so happy to have gotten to know and work with the seemingly effortlessly talented Design Editor Brianna as well. Without them, I would not have made it to the Editor-in-Chief position where I got to work with the hardworking Assistant Editor Teagan, our innovative Design Editor Sarah, and our sweet Social Media Coordinator Breagh MacDonald. The moments I have had the chance to share with our Artichoke team members during socials like with my council members
have been invaluable, and I am so lucky to have gotten to know all of these lovely people. I remember being so humbled that The Artichoke wanted to even share my writing and what I had to say. While I cringe at some of my past submissions, I am so grateful to have gotten to write all of them and to be able to look back and notice my growth as a writer and now in the last two years, as an editor. Thank you to The Artichoke for giving me the space to realize how much I love editing and how interested I am in the publishing world. My grad studies whether they be in Creative Writing, Publishing or Screenwriting will greatly be influenced by this experience on The Artichoke and I am forever grateful for everything I have learned over what feels like such a short amount of time. While the magazine has greatly changed since its first issue, it seems to have grown organically with time and through the folx that have been in charge of it and written, edited, designed and created art for it and that is such a beautiful
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thing to look back on. Once things are back in person, I encourage you to email wintersfreepress@ winterscouncil.com to go check out our past issues in person in room 004 in the Winters College Council. Enjoy our beautiful retro issue! Warm wishes, Laura Bourbonnais (she/her) WFP Editor-in-Chief Winters College Council
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