Audrey Monroe Magazine
The Premiere Issue!
Spring 2010
Oh, Hello
What you have in your hands started as a blog two years ago. I couldn’t contain my antsiness anymore to start writing for magazines and thankfully kids these days have an outlet for publishing without all that trouble of having to get, you know, hired to do so. I love writing Audrey Monroe and have greatly enjoyed evolving it over the years and watching its readership grow both numerically and geographically. Even though it has nowhere near the influence I dream of it having one day, it is still what I consider one of my greatest accomplishments. Then, it came time to choose a project for my senior thesis at Emerson College. I thought: I could just collect a portfolio of articles, or I could actually create a magazine. I could finally put this obsession that has been culminating since my subscription to Nickelodeon Magazine to good use. And the best part is, I don’t even have to choose only one role! This will probably be my only chance ever to be an editor, writer, stylist, creative director and designer all at the same time and I cannot begin to tell you how much I have loved the experience. So, who is Audrey Monroe? I like to think of her as a girl who’s smart, sophisticated and chic, but also has a glamorous, lighthearted, sexy side. She spends her mornings reading, her afternoons shoeshopping, her evenings cooking and her nights dancing with her friends. In fact, I’ve found that most girls have these two sides to them, but don’t have many opportunities to embrace them at the same time. And that’s where Audrey Monroe comes in. It’s just a simple effort to speak to all facets of the average girl’s life. In the following pages, you’ll find everything from fashion news to world news, from entertaining tips to entertainment tips, as well as interviews, reviews and all that’s left in between. I know I had so much fun making it and I can only hope you enjoy reading it just as much. Bissous, Celeste M. Kaufman
3 // A.M
In This Issue Isssue Number One, Spring 2010 Haitian Women Face Violence in Camps 16
Oh, Hello Editor’s Letter
3
Style Files
5
When a girl learns about fashion through their mother, what hapens when she grows up without one?
6
Fair-trade, organic chocolate being made in Somerville, Mass.
Finding the Needle 26 Jen Jafarzadeh L’Italien talks designing and entertaining on a budget.
Pulse
It’s A Mad,Mad Word18 Psychiatry’s guidebook is being revised. What’s changing?
Washington D.C
Debit? Credit? Heroin? 20
A travel guide that takes you beyond the field-trip realm
Go ahead and shop. Retail therapy might actually be good for you.
Reviews
A slouchy cardigan is a must for the modern girl. See how easy it is to adapt to your style!
Punctuation Gets Its Day in the Sun 21
Big City Dreaming
Tommy Wiseau’s magnum opus, Joshua Mohr’s debut novel,tombs at the MFA and Charlotte Gainsbourg’s latest album.
Punctuation’s in the spotlight with an addition to MoMA’s collection
This season, designers get inspired by Alice in Wonderland,film noir and minimalism. Which one inspires you?
How to Wear It
12
14
Connie DiForo moved to Boston from Botswana and is now following her dream of designing clothes for the regular woman.
Fashionable History 15 For our first installment, a look back on how Fashion Week came to be.
Intelligentsia
A. M //4
Should Feminism Be Taught in School? 17 If you look around at how the world still operates and how people feel about the term, there can only be one answer.
Mode On Trend
After the earthquake hit, women became even more vulnerable.
Taza: It’s What’s For Dessert 25
and a brand new mark available!
Urban Garden Party 22 Winter blues got you down? Throw a party with a hint of Spring.
A misadventure while whipping cream by hand creates curiosity
30
Welcome to Rosie’s 34 A woman’s shelter in Boston is giving more than a roof over their heads and food on their plates.
Nest
The Food Nerd
28
24
Who’s That Girl?
38
Fashionable ladies from Boston.
Ta, Darling A Moment With: Sophie Blackall, Illustrator
44
Celeste is wearing a vintage leather jacket from Germany that prompted her discovery of being part German, a men’s H&M T-shirt, a thrifted vest, Forever 21 jeans and vintage saddle shoes she scored from her Book Club’s clothing swap.
stood back and let me figure things out on my own, a choice he implemented often and I have always been thankful for.
Photo courtesy of Christina Tucker
My dad left me be as I went through my multitude of phases. He silently supported the seventh grade girl’s obsession with brand names, the eighth grader’s concept of punk collected at Hot Topic, the thrifted townie grunge phase of my early high school years and the extreme pendulum swing to dresses and heels as I graduated. He allowed me to come into my own as a person, even if it was just concerning what I wore, and got me to discover that, above all, fashion is a means of self-expression; the driving force behind all of my interests.
Style Files
I
t’s difficult for people who have met me post-Junior year of high school to believe that, for most of my life, I was a tomboy. Ever since my mom died when I was seven, I lived alone with my dad and rejected my narrow-minded notions of femininity. My wardrobe consisted of haphazardly thrown together baggy clothes and shoes were often dismissed as irrelevant when I could instead be running around the woods barefoot. I still cared about my appearance, of course, although I would have never admitted it to anyone. I was always jealous of the girls who were put together just so in magazines, but when the accompanying article inevitably praised their mothers as their style icons, or cited their mother’s closets as their favorite place to shop I figured that could never be me. I resented not having a guide to help me figure out this alluring world of fashion, so instead I veered in the opposite direction and created by vagabond-esque style. It took me a long time to realize that I did indeed have a fashion guide all along, my dad. In a way, it is because of his conscious removal from my fashion decisions that I cultivated such an intense interest in the industry. Free from the mothering push in one direction or the other I was open to exploring my own opinions about fashion and my personal style. My dad could have easily controlled what I wore (and, looking back at some of the things I chose, sometimes I wish he did a little) but instead he
And when I did get his advice, solicited or not, it ended up being some of the most valuable advice I’ve gotten that I still apply to my style every day. When my hair had to get chopped off after it had bunched into a rat’s nest from refusing to brush it for too long, my dad was comforting me and saying that girls could still be pretty even with short hair. That was my introduction to Audrey Hepburn, and the startling idea that femininity meant a lot more than long, straight blond hair and glamorous dresses. And even though it took me years to actually heed his advice, his gentle reminders as I’d get ready for school dances that “less is more” when it comes to makeup was a revelation to me when I fell into my natural-looking makeup routine by the end of high school. It was even my dad that encouraged me to make my most beloved clothing purchases, like when I was unsure if I was bold enough to rock a pair of flats with cat faces on them from Topshop and he told me it doesn’t matter what you think other people are going to say, if you love it you wear it, and that’s all that matters. When I look at my wardrobe today, I love the fact that it is completely representative of who I am. It took a lot of fits and starts to get to where it is now, but there is no denying that my style is entirely my own. It is a wardrobe ruled by dichotomy: boy meets girl, socialite meets artiste, classicism meets modernity. I see a girl who’s making up for lost time playing dress-up in her mother’s closet with the multitudes of dresses and skirts, heels and necklaces, ruffles and lace. I see a girl who’s honoring the father that raised her with grandpa cardigans, ripped jeans, sweaters bought in the men’s section, leather and zippers, brogues and fedoras. I made my way here eventually, but I don’t think I could have done it so honestly without my dad. And, it may be petty, but it feels pretty good knowing that not many girls can say that. 5 // A.M
Mode
Alice in Wonderland
Marc Jacobs
Zac Posen
The release of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland has gotten the fashion world all a twitter. After a number of drab, somber seasons on the runway, there is no better time than now to embrace eccentricity, escapism and imagination. Designers shared Burton’s coo coo crazy vision with acid-trip prints and fantastical styling, or referenced his work more literally with looks fit to be worn to the Mad Hatter’s tea party. The book was name-checked specifically as inspiration for Zac Posen’s pre-Fall collection and it shows in his prim dresses with a definite edge. Thakoon embraced psychedelic patterns mixed with casual fit and intricate detailing. Marc Jacbos, a natural fit for the craze, sent a collection out that showed what the Queen would wear if she hung out with the caterpillar for a change. Prada also drank the Kool-Aid with a wave of metallic fabrics covered in photographic prints revealing a sense of wanderlust. After too many somber runways, designers are finally entering the dream world again. Prada
A. M //6
Marc Jacobs
Thakoon
Zac Posen
Photos courtesy of Style.com
designers say “eat me” and we listen
This look is easy to make your own thanks to the number of designer collaborations being released in conjunction with the film. Disney has enlisted big names to create clothing and accessory collections like Stella McCartney, Tom Binns, Sue Wong and Swarovski. OPI and Urban Decay are also releasing cosmetics inspired by the film. But if you want to go for a more subtle route, try a bit of frill, some plaid, a twist on florals or a hint of card-shark.
1. Tom Binns
2. Anthropologie
3. Anna Sui
4. See by ChloĂŠ
6. OPI
5. Diane Von Furstenberg
1. Silver bracelet,Tom Binns, $1,000. Disney. 2. Dress, Anthropologie, $148. Anthropologie. 3. Dress, Anna Sui, $475. Net A Porter. 4. Dress, See by ChloĂŠ, $495. Net A Porter. 5. Skirt, Diane Von Furstenberg, $475. Net A Porter. 6. Mad as A Hatter, OPI, $8.50.
7 // A.M
Mode
Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?
YSL
Calvin Klein
With the start of a new decade, designers are taking a deep breath and rebooting. Minimalism is huge this season, bringing a sense of tranquility to an otherwise chaotic world. Classic shapes are complimented by neutral tones and a casual, relaxed fit. The fabrics are the textile equivalents to comfort food with cotton and linen being the stars. Simplicity is key to the overall look and accessories are subdued to one piece. The designers that swooned over this timeless trend should come as no surprise. Calvin Klein, of course, showed classic pieces with subtle edge, adding twists here and there with unusual draping or a touch of ombre. Celine showed beautiful ensembles with a hint of forties’ toughness. YSL also presented an unusually quiet collection, favoring crisp white pieces. Donna Karan took the look to a much softer place, with her signature body-hugging draping and feminine shapes. After so many seasons on the dark side, this pendulum swing is a welcome breath of fresh air. Thakoon
A. M //8
Donna Karan
YSL
Donna Karan
Photos courtesy of Style.com
take a deep breath, minimalism is back
To adapt this look, cleanse your wardrobe by channeling Ms. Coco Chanel and take off the last thing you put on (and then another, and then another). This is the time to rebuild your look with the classics. Invest in a white button-down, a trouser and a simple dress. Make “back to basics” your mantra and shop for soft textures and silhouettes. Try and find labels with words you can pronounce and, while you’re at it, why not take the opportunity to shop for some organic fabrics too?
1. Adam
4. Anthropologie
3. Lanvin
2. Alexander Wang
5. Diane Von Furstenberg
6. See by Chloé
1. Skirt, Adam, $465. Net A Porter. 2. Dress, Alexander Wang, $465. Net A Porter. 3. Blouse, Lanvin, $390. net A Porter. 4. Dress, Anthropologie, $298. Anthropologie. 5. Pants, Diane Von Furstenberg, $325. Net A Porter. 6. Sandal, See by Chloé, $225. La Garconne.
9 // A.M
Mode
Double Indemnity
Dior
Lanvin
While the clothing-as-armor meme may have faded into the background this season, it doesn’t mean that designers stopped having the idea of a strong woman as their inspiration. However, instead of shoulder pads, studs and militarism, many chose to inject a sense of glamour and femininity into these looks. Many catwalks resembled the set of a film noir with models sauntering down the runway in sleek fabrics and silhouettes. Dior showed a beautiful collection of sharp jackets paired with slinky skirts and dresses while Lanvin played around with variations of the LBD. De la Renta mixed it up with a pop of color and print while staying true to the prim tailoring of the era. Givenchy’s take on it stuck to blacks, whites and greys while adding a modern twist with his structures. So, light up a cigarette, tilt that hat just so and, for God’s sake, don’t forget your lipstick. De la Renta
A. M //10
Givenchy
Lanvin
De la Renta
Photos courtesy of Style.com
from the shadows, noir looks emerge
If you’re feeling sultry this season, the first item on your checklist is definitely a jacket with perfect fit. Make it your own with fabrics and detailing, then pair it with a soft skirt or a tailored dress. The classic color for the look is black, of course, but feel free to have fun with it by opting for the standard silhouette in a bright color. Always think strength matched with sex appeal.
4. Anthropologie
1. Elizabeth and James
3. Milly
5. Rogan Hale
2. Louboutin
6. Diane Von Furstenberg 1. Jacket, Elizabeth and James, $425. Net A Porter. 2. Stilettos, Christian Louboutin, $745. Net A Porter. 3. Dress, Milly, $360. Net A Porter. 4. Dress, Anthropologie, $148. Anthropologie. 5. Dress, Rogan Hale, $288. La Garconne. 6. Skirt, Diane Von Furstenberg, $225. Net A Porter. 11 // A.M
Mode
Sophisticated
How to Wear It a slouchy cardigan is key to the transition from winter to spring
T
imes are tough these days, and I am not talking about the economy. The weather is downright torturous, teasing us with hints of Spring to come during the day and rushing right back to reminding you that it’s still Winter at night. This season, the key to survival is a cardigan. A slouchy cardigan has become as important to the modern girls’ wardrobe as the button-down white shirt of yesteryear. Both practical and versatile, a classic cardigan is fit to accompany pretty much any ensemble. While it may have suffered a bad rep as being reserved for only the prep school set, that’s not the case anymore. The loser fit that’s out right now can compliment any style. Take a look at how this staple can help you start incorporating those poor, neglected Springtime pieces that have been calling to you from the back of your closet all Winter.
exhibit a: navy blue cardigan, vanessa bruno ($150) A cardigan matches perfectly with the hottest shorts of the season: crisp and tailored with a cuff, like these from H Chalayan ($190). Add a hint of black patent with a belt (Forever 21, $4) and sandals (Tory Burch, $225) and this is a perfect look to go out on the town in. Don’t forget your jewelry! These silver hoops (Forzieri, $380) bring just the right amount of sparkle. A. M //12
Boho
Ready to bring some color back in your life? Stay warm while still being sweet in this floral, full-skirted dress by Kay’s ($69). To balance out the volume on the bottom, accentuate your figure with a belt (Lucky, $59). Complete the look with nature-inspired details like this birds’ nest necklace (Verde Rocks, $85) and these earthy sandals (K Jaques Picon, $225).
Rocker
It’s true,cardigans can have a harder edge too! If you’re looking for a harder look, pair them with distressed denim shorts, (Miss Selfridge, $43) and biker boots (G Star, $255) and finish the look with a cashmere scarf (Destin Surl, $215) for a look that will have you mistaken for today’s favorite It Girls.
13 // A.M
Mode
Big City Dreaming connie diforo proves the american dream is still alive
L
ike many women, Connie DiForo learned to love fashion from watching her mother get ready in the morning. She was raised in Botswana by her single mother, who spent most of her days working in the city, leaving DiForo with her grandmother. “My mother dressed like she really loved her clothes,” DiForo tells me over coffee in the Prudential Center in Boston, readjusting the long linen shawl draped around her shoulders. “She did herself up every day; red lips, high heels. Especially when she was home for church,.” While she was away, DiForo helped her grandmother sew the clothes her mother wore that she loved so much, and began to learn how to operate the old manual machine. When she moved to Boston to attend college, her family wished she would not waste her time studying fashion and learn something practical. Yet while she worked her way up in the banking world, DiForo could not ignore her deeply ingrained love of fashion. She studied the clothes sold in the stores and what people wore on TV and in the streets. In her spare time she picked up sewing again and slowly began building it into a full-time career. Yet DiForo hesitates when addressed as a designer. “Am I a designer? I don’t know, you tell me. I don’t believe I’m a designer, I believe I am a business woman.” A. M //14
With only three pieces she demonstrates the versatility of her design. A fluttery, one-sleeved lavender chiffon dress invites itself out to lunch. A dramatic magenta silk evening dress with a rhinestone neckline threatens to take the attention away from the bride at a summer wedding. A chic black satin shift dress with a bow along the lace neckline just bought itself drinks on a night out on the town. All of DiForo’s pieces are custom-designed so these stunning dresses have the added allure of being one-of-a-kind. Right now she’s relying on word-of-mouth to keep DiForo Designs afloat and it’s proving to be a good tactic. She is slowly making a name for herself in the Boston fashion world, having shown at Boston Fashion Week and selling at house parties. But she’s not stopping there. “I want to be big. I’m not Martin Luther King, but I have a dream!” There are many things to admire DiForo for; her beautiful designs, her innovation, her warmth, her creativity, but what is truly impressive is her head for business. “Everything is always business, that’s what it really comes down to,” She says, tapping her notebook with a manicured finger, “you can be an incredible artist but if you can’t market yourself, you’re finished.” It’s difficult to find someone who is able to tackle both the business and creative sides of the fashion industry, but DiForo is the complete package. She admits it’s not easy, but that doesn’t stop her. “Of course it’s scary; you’re shaking all the time. I hate coldcalling people and setting up appointments or pitching to them over the phone. It’s terrifying.” But DiForo is a firm believer in never giving up. She is strong and tenacious and she works hard to make her dreams come true. “Out of the lot of no’s, I get a few yes’s. Once you get past the first, the second, the third no, all of a sudden you get a yes. And then that’s all you need, just one yes. That’s when you know it’s doable.”
Photo courtesy of DiForo Designs
DiForo, therefore, does not equate fashion design with costume design. Leave haute couture, neon fishnets and micro-minis to the rest of them. DiForo designs for the real woman; for the working mom, for the city girl who lives an ordinary life. These are the women who want professional yet feminine work-wear, who want eveningwear that’s beautiful and classy and can be worn on many different occasions.
Fashionable History the story behind the most important time of the year: fashion week
W
Photo courtesy of Life
hat many people believe to be the first fashion show was held at a New York specialty store called Ehrich Brothers in 1903. With mass-produced clothing being so new, the spectacle was meant to attract middleclass women into their stores. By 1910, many department stores were also holding seasonal shows of their own to promote their goods. These early shows were far more theatrical than we are used to. Usually, they were centered around a theme and accompanied by narrative commentary. The shows soared in popularity in the twenties of course, since they spoke so clearly to the feeling of extravagance and decadence of the time. In fact, the shows were so popular that New York began to require stores to become licensed to use live models and police threatened to shut them down altogether due to disruption of the peace. The tradition was threatened during World War Two when German occupation of France disabled American designers and retailers to travel to Paris for guidance and inspiration. The world was skeptical that the United States would continue to have a fashion industry at all without being able to copy their Parisian counterparts. However, one person had faith and, as was so often the case, American ingenuity persevered. A well-respected fashion publicist, Eleanor Lambert, wanted to thrust American designers into the spotlight who were, up until that point, largely ignored. In 1943 she created an event called Press Week which invited a group of designers to show their collections to the press all in one place. It was a huge success and continued to be held biannually well into the fifties. The shows alternated between being held at the Pierre and Plaza hotels where, unlike the chaos we know and love today, the shows
came to the audience, not the other way around. (Buyers, however, were not invited to the shows and were instead brought to the designers’ showrooms for a sneak peak at the collections.) Lambert’s plan was working. Highend publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar started featuring American designers in their magazines and the American fashion industry began to garner international respect. While the concept of Press Week was fizzling in America, other fashion centers began to follow suit. London organized its own version in 1961, Paris’ began in 1973 and Milan was the last to catch on with their fashion week coming onto the scene in 1979. Meanwhile, back in the States, designers decided to take their newfound popularity back into smaller, independent shows in separate venues. Although there were still two main seasons, the shows were scattered around hip Manhattan clubs, lofts and restaurants. This continued on for a few decades. (It was 1988 when a newly crowned editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, attended her first series of fashion week shows.) It wasn’t until Fern Mallis, head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, feared for her safety at a Michael Kors show in a sketchy downtown loft that she decided to rethink things. At this fateful show, the bass caused plaster to fall from the ceilings onto the heads and laps of strutters and watchers. The very determined models kept on keeping on, but the spectators quietly filed out of the room. After a few other similarly destructive events, Mallis thought it best to bring the shows back into one, sturdy venue. After an experimental run in what is now the Millenium Hotel, Mallis got into talks with Bryant Park, who agreed to open up their property to hold the shows. A year later, the Spring 1994 shows were organized into one weeklong event under the watchful eyes of the international fashion community and Fashion Week as we know it was born. 15 // A.M
Intelligentsia
inevitable violence. Women, of course, are the most vulnerable. They are forced to live with strangers, their access to food and water is compromised, they need to bathe in public places and the latrines are not separated by sex and don’t have lighting. Prisons have collapsed, sending thousands of criminals loose. Many policemen have died and there are only a few forces patrolling. There are no statistics available about just how bad the situation is, but reports are streaming in and it is obvious that this is a crisis in the aftermath of a crisis.
Haitian Women Face Violence in Camps after surviving one disaster, women suffer another
E
ven before disaster struck in January, Haiti was a dangerous place to be a woman. As the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, women were already marginalized in education, income, health and political participation. After the earthquake hit and chaos reigned, these disparities were even more compounded. One particular problem, out of many, that women have been facing is heightened sexual violence. Even before the earthquake, rape was a huge issue. It was only recognized as a crime in 2005. Before then it was considered more of an honor crime that was settled between the two families, if reported at all, and tended to be settled with a monetary payment to the victim’s family, compensating more for the stealing of virginity than anything else. Rape ran rampant as a secular violent crime, a tool for political warfare or in exchange for rent or job security. Even now that it is illegal, many rape cases are ignored, forgotten or prosecuted at an alarmingly low rate. It was estimated that at least 72% of Haitian women had been raped at least once. It’s widely known that sexual violence often increases in the wake of emergencies, and Haiti is no exception. When normal societal structures have been broken and people are struggling to meet the most basic of needs, women are often targeted to bear the brunt of men’s anger. With 1.2 million people displaced by the near leveling of the country, shelters are packed and ill-equipped, leading to A. M //16
Along with the physical dangers, women face huge blows to their morale. The earthquake destroyed hospitals, schools for girls and the handful of women’s rights organizations that were fighting for them. Not only were their families, friends and support groups killed, but the most respected and loved feminist leaders were killed as well. Myriam Merlet was the head of the government’s Ministry of Women and was making great strides in protecting women against sexual violence. It was she that is credited most with the illegalization of rape in 2005. She also brought The Vagina Monologues to Haiti. One of her partners, Magalie Marcelin was also killed. A lawyer and an actress, she created the Kay Fanm, an organization that deals with domestic violence and offers services and shelter to women in need. It also makes microcredits available to women trying to create financial solidarity. Their absence leaves a spiritual vulnerability to women, without their leaders and role models to turn to and count on. Yet, despite everything, there is reason for optimism in Haiti’s camps. Women’s rights organizations around the world thinks the disaster can be looked at as a clean slate, providing opportunities to rebuild a nation that is more protective of its women. Concerning their immediate needs, aid agencies are already taking steps specifically addressing the needs of women, like emphasizing the need for lighting and security in the camps, safe food distribution, private washing facilities and access to health services for those who have been assaulted. There is the hope that women will step up to leadership roles and take action in creating a society that benefits them. It will be a slow path to recovery, but this could be a chance for Haiti to become a place where a woman can feel safe walking around her neighborhood.
Image courtesy of NZine
Should Feminism Be Taught In School? the real question is, why shouldn’t it?
I
didn’t come out as a feminist until freshman year of high school. I use the term “come out” deliberately because, unfortunately, thanks to the negative stigma and sweeping misunderstanding of the term, the decision to start publicly declaring my opinion carried a similar weight and anxiety. What is most sad about this is that I didn’t grow up in Middle America. I was raised and educated in an incredibly liberal town in upstate New York that was put on the map when our mayor granted a number of gay marriages. Yet I still shied away from the label, convinced that feminists hated men and raged against anyone who stood in their way while wearing ill-fitting clothing and smelling of B.O from their unshaven pits. It wasn’t until I took an American Women Writers class that focused on the questions of what qualifies someone as both American and a woman that I was introduced to modern feminism thought. It started with the realization that a woman could be interested in fashion and still be a feminist (the main disconnect at the time that prevented me from accepting the term) and gradually grew into my current understanding that being a feminist means you believe in the right for a woman to chose how she lives her life no matter what, whether that means climbing the corporate ladder or staying at home with her five kids. It saddens me to watch girls growing up and following the exact same path. Even grown women are hesitant to publicly proclaim feminism, or are even unaware that it still exists, that sexism and inequality are still battles needing to be fought. And don’t even get me started on how men see it, how they believe that misogyny ended in the
fifties, how they are completely unaware of the harassment women still face every day in every capacity to the point that, as it happened to me, stepping outside the safety of your apartment building triggers anxiety attacks in preparation for what’s to come. People don’t believe that it’s more difficult for a woman to do basically anything than a man, that there’s still a pay discrepancy, that body-image issues created by the media are extremely destructive. They don’t realize how rare it is for a woman to find a role model, especially one who is a public figure, that it is an incredibly complex atmosphere out there to figure out how the hell you’re supposed to act as a woman, especially for younger girls. So it was alarming to me when I recently found out that posing the idea of teaching feminism in schools was a controversial issue. I had always assumed that the root to solving a problem (especially a gigantic one that affects everyone in our country) was through education, so I find it quite baffling that it’s even a question. My feminist history ended with the suffragettes, with a brief nod to Rosie the Riveter, but it didn’t get anywhere near the second wave, and especially not the intricacies of where we’re at today. Admittedly, there are some aspects of feminist theory that are probably not appropriate for high school audiences, like the split between pro-sex feminists from the second wave or even the abortion debate, but I think it is unforgiveable that both sexes graduate from high school with barely an idea of how a whole half of the world lives, then and now. Obviously resources in public schools are incredibly strained, and history courses are packed as it is. Offering feminist courses as electives would probably see slim, single-sex rosters and school boards would probably decry them as unnecessary. But, as units have always been set aside for new topics emerging out of the evolution of education, I know room can be made for feminism. The Miss G Project, based in Canada, has been fighting for this acceptance and has created a number of suggested topics of study that can be adapted to how the community sees fit. Maybe students won’t understand the complicated questions of gender (I still can spiral into quite a mindfuck when it comes to that) but at least they can gain some awareness of how far women have come and how far they have left to go. Maybe a girl will be inspired to stand up for herself and maybe a boy will think twice the next time he wants to cat call. As long as girls can think of feminism as something other than a dirty word upon graduation, then at least a small success can be made. 17 // A.M
Intelligentsia
It’s A Mad, Mad World the DSM is facing its fifth revision, what could it mean for you?
I
f there’s one thing that can always be counted on, it is people’s obsession with themselves. Psychology has been an incredibly alluring topic for all of history, even before it was a recognized area of study. It is a gripping topic to think about: who am I? Why do I think the way I do? Am I normal? Where is the line between being a little bit different and mentally insane? How easily could I cross that line? Starting in 1952, psychologists have been attempting to codify the answers to these questions in one place, a book widely accepted as the psychiatry bible: the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (or DSM). It is a guidebook that is essentially responsible for what society differentiates between your lovable eccentric aunt and the crazy cat lady down the street, why some people hear voices and it’s considered a religious experience while others hear voices and wind up in jail for it. Not to mention the huge implications it creates for institutions outside of the psychiatrist’s office: the pharmaceutical industry that manufactures and markets the drugs to combat these psychoses, the legal system that has to rehabilitate or imprison those that suffer from them, doctors that label disabilities and scientists that research them. It also creates a world full of stigma, because the onslaught of disorders leads to more and more people getting labels, whether or not that label is an accurate one, and the possibility of getting these labels a much higher one. So, it might surprise you that a book with such gigantic responsibility has remained largely untouched. It is currently undergoing only its fifth revision in the fifty-eight years of its existence. The process is a long and tortured one,
A. M //18
subject to fierce debate (a version is now even posted on the DSM’s website where there is an option to leave your own totally unqualified opinion on the revisions at hand.) While the book isn’t expected until 2013, rumors have been spreading in the past year about what the new version would entail. When the first official announcements about what changes are being considered were made in early February, intrigue spread through the scientific and plebian communities alike. Because, with one tweaking of a phrase, you and I could go from being publicly accepted as normal, to being labeled a freak. There are a couple of interesting general changes to how disorders will be diagnosed in the first place. It has always been that you either have a mental illness, or you don’t; you fully meet a list of requirements or you’re home free. But with the fifth edition, the authors are proposing a gradation of diagnosis by creating measures of severity for an illness by rating and prioritizing symptoms. Textbook cases of illnesses are rare and many symptoms overlap a number of disorders, making misdiagnosis and mistreatment an all too likely possibility. With this change, the complexity of these disorders are more understood and taken into account. One of the most controversial revisions is the introduction of a “psychosis risk syndrome” where someone may be showing signs of being at risk for developing a particular disorder. It’s basically a net describing someone as being a little bit off, where they might experience symptoms like hallucinations or delusions, but not to the extent where they would be traditionally labeled as insane. This inclusion is incredibly risky. Studies have shown that only about a third of people identified as being at risk have actually gone on to develop a full-fledged illness. There is also the huge potential that this would stigmatize people that are simply unusual, a little deviant or even just creative as possibly being crazy. In fact, research has indicated that the average person can have up to ten percent higher levels of symptoms for mental disorders than the average inpatient, but just hasn’t been bothered enough by them to seek treatment. What if these people now jump to the conclusion that they’re developing a disorder? With the unfortunate crutch of prescribing antipsychotic drugs, which can have debilitating side effects or even induce greater symptoms than those they are treating, this “risk syndrome” diagnosis can be downright dangerous.
Photo Courtesy of Topic Sites: Psychiatry
A couple of other disorders have been introduced as well as some well-known illnesses being revised. The lumping together of all autistic diseases (including Asperger’s syndrome) into one umbrella term called “autism spectrum disorder” fixes the strange flaw that the two were only separated by when the child in question started talking. Schizophrenia has undergone a massive reorganization too. It used to be divided into subtypes (paranoid schizophrenic, disorganized schizophrenic, catatonic schizophrenic) where it was very possible that two patients could both be diagnosed with the same disorder despite not having a single symptom in common. Now these subtypes have been eliminated and are replaced with a similar level of dimensions as has been imposed throughout the whole book. What parents are talking about most is the addition of a childhood disorder called “temper dysregulation disorder with dysphoria,” which was created thanks to the discovery that many aggressive, irritable children were being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and were administered the attached powerful medication that was often leading to side effects as strong as metabolic changes. But again, where is the line drawn between too many temper tantrums and a mental disorder? It seems too easy for this disorder to be the new A.D.D, being overdiagnosed to explain some bad behavior. What’s striking about this revision, the first in thirteen years, is how much it reflects our modern society. For example, a number of changes have been made to the diagnosis of addiction. Specific addictions have been added, like gambling addiction or internet addiction, and substance abuse has been differentiated by which drug the patient is addicted to (and yes, there is a diagnosis for “cannabis withdrawal.”) There is also the inclusion of “binge eating disorder,” expanding the general definition of what an eating disorder actually consists of. This one is defined as “at least one binge a week for three months – eating platefuls of food, fast, and to the point of discomfort – accompanied by severe guilt and plunges in mood.” Evolving definitions of abnormal sexuality are being considered as well. One added disorder that is raising eyebrows is that of “hypersexuality,” which is when “a great deal of time is consumed by sexual fantasies and urges; and in planning for and engaging in sexual behavior.” And, suddenly, every person alive from age 13 on is lining up
at the psychiatrist’s office. But, on a more serious note, an overlooked change that has the potential for disturbing consequences is the inclusion of “paraphilic coercive disorder,” which makes being turned on by forcing people into sex a psychiatric problem, rather than a morality issue. It is likely that, upon this edition’s publication, criminals facing rape charges could plead insanity and get a diminished sentence or treatment at an institution instead of going to jail. Diagnosing mental illness is a delicate, difficult subject with great consequence. It is not a concrete thing, nor is it traceable like a virus, but is instead highly subject to being shaped by time and place. It wasn’t too long ago that women’s supposed “madness” was used as a further tool of oppression, where women could get institutionalized for simply not following the strict rules imposed on them to keep them in a subjugated state. The revision of the DSM could have enormous effects on our society and should be treated as an issue of national concern. Get informed of what this could mean for you and, since the opportunity is available, get involved in the process. It’s the most we could do to make sense of this mad, mad world.
19 // A.M
Intelligentsia
debit? credit? heroin? turns out retail therapy isn’t a myth
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he first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.
“Hi, my name is Audrey Monroe, and I’m a shopaholic.” Perhaps you’ve felt a few of the symptoms before. Money is tight, but the moment a few extra bills come into your possession, the urge starts building. Your closet is already bursting but you could always use another dress, right? Actually, come to think of it, it’s not exactly the need for things that drives you, but an irresistible need to shop. You walk into a store and your whole body feels more relaxed and when you leave, the weight of shopping bags fills you with a surge of happiness, your shopping fix fulfilled. Wait, “a fix?” Are you really likening your shopping to drug behavior? Thankfully, you’re not as crazy as you might fear. It turns out that the concept of retail therapy is actually scientifically based. Research has shown that shopping actually releases the same chemicals in the brain as other activities associated with “a high” like drugs or sex. When the brain activity of women shopping was monitored, results showed that the reward center was activated, stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin. (Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters involved with drug addiction and impulsive behavior.) One of the most interesting findings was that this heightened activity wasn’t necessarily associated with discovering the items the women would end up buying, or with the purchase itself. Sometimes it was simply an exchange with a friendly salesperson,
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looking at an eye-pleasing display or even just turning into a new aisle and anticipating what they would find next. This shows that the shopping experience as a whole is what brings on that euphoric feeling, not just the material gain it results in. A couple of theories exist as to why shopping creates this chemical reaction in women. One has everything to do with – surprise, surprise - their hormonal cycles. Shopping sprees are likely to occur during ovulation, when women are subconsciously trying to appear more attractive for prospective mates due to the period of highest fertility. Another is motivated by the simple psychological drive for women to be social with other women. Since women have largely been responsible for shopping for the household ever since marketplaces existed, the two are intrinsically connected in the mind. Also, as silly as it may sound, shopping is an important part of personal growth and the quest for identity. Buying new things closes the gap between who people are, and who they aspire to be. So, the next time you’re fighting the urge to go strolling around the store to chase away the blues, just give in. It’s written in the way your brain is wired, after all.
Punctuation Gets Its Day In The Sun english teachers boast “i told you so!”
ject. As for its relevance, they turn to the fact that various cultures have started to mythologize it, nicknaming it with cutesy terms like the “snail” (France, Italy) or “pig’s tail” (Norway), “little mouse” (China) or sleeping cat (Finland). It is completely pervasive in our culture.
oor punctuation. It has always been pushed to the side in the English language’s fight for the spotlight, favored by its snazzier cousins like vocabulary, literary terms and rhetorical tactics. But now, finally, in the beginning of this new decade punctuation marks are getting their fair share of attention. These little symbols may actually now be considered exciting, and that’s f%*#ing sweet.
As the @ symbol proves, punctuation marks not only our language, but our evolving culture as well. They become more important or fade away with changing language trends, but what happens when our society is confronted with a new linguistic problem that no existing punctuation mark can fix? Michigan-based Pual Sak noticed that, in our increasingly digital means of communication, more and more people were getting into trouble with their sarcasm being misunderstood as seriousness.
The first order of business is a celebration of the @ sign. Recently, the Museum of Modern Art in New York has accepted the symbol to its architecture and design collection which, for an element of design, is akin to an Oscar for actors. This may be a bit shocking in the realm of punctuation marks-why not the far more popular question mark or exclamation point?- but think about it. This symbol has grown out of obscurity (originally used mainly in accounting documents as shorthand for “at the rate of ”) to become an integral part of our universe. Thanks to its inclusion in email addresses, we couldn’t conduct the vast majority of our business deals, social interaction or politics without it.
So, with his son, he set out on creating a symbol that could be used to denote that teasing inflection that is so often lost in print (because I guess : P wasn’t cutting it). Sak wanted the mark to be the same size and width as other punctuation to allow it to be integrated easily, and wanted to continue the tradition of having a period as the basis of the mark like the exclamation point or question mark. The two developed a mark that’s a period surround by a spiral, patented it and released it to the public in January 2010. The “SarkMark” is available for download for $1.99 and is compatible, for now, with Windows and Blackberries. Mac and iPhone versions are in the works. And here it is:
So its story is impressive, but how did it come to be valued at an equal rate as some of the most famous and respected pieces of design? The process of admission is lengthy, and can only be included after winning over a committee of twenty-five architecture and design specialists who agree that the submission meets the scrutiny of the entry criteria. Does it excel in terms of form and function? Does it embody the values of clarity, honesty and simplicity that MoMA considers essential to good design? Has it made an impact on our lives? Is it innovative? If it had never been designed, would the world miss out?
He’s hoping that it’ll catch on to become as accepted as emoticons, but a lot of people aren’t buying it, including the father of emoticons himself, Scott Fahlman, who criticized the SarcMark for not being as easy and free as his solution. Others question the necessity for a sarcasm mark, claiming that if the writer misjudges their audience or the reader can’t pick up on simple cues, than that’s their fault. Also, until the SarcMark becomes common knowledge (if it ever comes to that) it won’t be filling the gap of miscommunication anyway, since people won’t recognize the symbol for what it stands for. Then there is the camp that points out people barely know how to use the punctuation that has been in place for decades so perhaps it’s best not to mess with it for now. Although, judging from how quickly emoticons caught on, and the general destruction of the English language through easy shortcuts, perhaps the SarcMark will be a success after all.
P
MoMA considered the @ symbol a prime example of what they were looking for, particularly for its ability to make complicated concepts more elegant and economical (a characteristic prized in an era of recession.) They also consider it timeless, partly because it is not a physical ob-
21 // A.M
Nest
Urban Garden Party What: A dinner party with hints of Spring . Wear: Garden party attire, bright colors, floral prints When: Late February or early March, when you just can’t take it anymore!
Serve a summery drink, like sangria. A vase is a fun alternative to a pitcher. A sarong draped over a bookcase creates an inviting bar.
A light, warm -weather spre ad is key. Bri up with flow ghten things ers displayed in old wine b ottles. Invite your ladies who lunch and enjoy!
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Caprese pasta Serves 8
5 ripe tomatoes 3 balls of fresh mozzerella a few stems of basil 1 box pasta a drizzle of olive oil a drizzle of red wine vinegar salt and pepper While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cut up the mozzerella and mince the basil. After the pasta is cooked, drained and slightly cooled, toss the ingredients together. Lightly drizzle the oilve oil and red wine vinegar over the mix just until it’s not dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Gazpacho
Peach Sangria
Serves 8
6 ripe tomatoes 1 onion 1 cucumber 1 red pepper 1 tbsp parsley 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ c red wine vinegar ¼ olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice salt and pepper 4 c tomato juice
Serves 8
1 bottle white wine ½ c Peach Schnapps ½ c sugar 2 sliced peaches 1 sliced orange ½ liter ginger ale Pour the alcohol into your serving container. Add the sugar and mix until dissolved. Pour the ginger ale in. Slice the peaches and orange and toss the fruit in. Cover and refridgerate for at least an hour before serving.
Blend ingredients and serve cold.
Spinach Quiche Serves 8
4 eggs 1 c half and half ½ c mayonnaise 2 tbsp flour 1/3 c minced onions salt and garlic powder 8 oz shredded Swiss or sharp cheddar cheese a handful of shredded spinach 1 pie crust Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Hand whip eggs, half and half, mayonnaise and flour in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and pour into pie crust. Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown.
23 // A.M
Nest
The Food Nerd what happens when you whip cream: a misadventure
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s we begin life out on our own, we will inevitably gather a number of stories about misadventures as we feel our way into adulthood. A surprising amount of these stories will take place in the kitchen. Despite always having had an interest in cooking and being not exactly a novice in the kitchen, I too did not escape this rite of passage. It was in my very first apartment, a sublet in New York with two girls whose idea of cooking was slathering peanut butter on celery sticks. With a basket of strawberries in the fridge and leftover heavy cream from an alfredo sauce, I decided that I would be crazy not to make some whipped cream by hand. It was a task I’d completed many times before, but I also had the luxury of an electric mixer, or at least a whisk at my disposal. In this apartment, there was no such luck. Calling on the strength of my ancestors before me, who must have done this a hundred times without all this fancy equipment we have come to rely on, I set to work. With a fork. I’ll have you know that the first time I attempted this, it was actually quite the success, minus a cramping wrist. But, my cockiness got the best of me and I argued that if I could whip cream with a fork once, I could do it again. Sitting on the couch, I took the fork in my hand and I whipped and I whipped and I whipped and I whipped. Nothing was happening. Then, just as I was about to give up, I looked down in my bowl and realized that the mixture was becoming a solid all of a sudden. Confused, I kept going until there wasn’t any liquid left. I can’t explain it now, but as I looked at my creation I figured this must be what white chocolate is. So I cut myself off a piece and ate it. I was about halfway through with the mystery chocolate later that week when I called my dad to tell him about my kitchen genius. There was silence on the other end before he started laughing and told me that I had, in fact, been eating butter. A. M //24
A bit disgusted with myself, I started to wonder what the hell had happened. What exactly was the scientific process of turning cream into whipped cream, and what happened when I crossed into Butterdom? Intrigued, I did some research. It turns out that there’s a good amount of fatshaming going on. Cream is obese, you see, about 30-40% fat, and when you whip air into it, the fat globules get all in a frenzy and chain up and stick to the surfaces of the air bubbles. Then, the fat-covered air bubbles seek out other fat-covered air bubbles and they stick together for emotional support. Meanwhile, the air, lactose and proteins get stuck between the bubbles. This new structure stabilizes the bubbles, creating the stiffness and smooth texture we associate with whipped cream. What differentiates whipped cream from butter is that the globules in whipped cream have a crystal-like structure and they maintain their individual identity and are still capable of forming these clusters. Butter is formed when the fat is churned too much, causing larger and larger globules that can no longer create these little clusters. I like to think of it as a human pyramid, where each person is a fat globule and they’re all connected to make this pretty structure, and that’s whipped cream. Then the fat kid tries to get to the top of the pyramid and everyone gets angry and can’t support each other anymore and so the whole thing collapses. And that pile of people is butter. Get it? Thankfully, I am living in my own apartment now and am fully equipped with a rather ferocious hand mixer, so I don’t really have to worry about this stuff anymore. Yet every time I whip cream, I think back to my butter fiasco and gag a little bit. I also appreciate how much faster the process takes when it’s not done with a fork.
Mexico. This enables them to pay the growers fifteen percent more than any fair trade or organic company. Understandably, Taza then becomes the farmers’ favorite customer and they ensure that the best of their beans is reserved for Taza only. This is the only step that the owners don’t oversee directly, but once the beans are shipped to their factory, tucked into a nondescript industrial area of Somerville, they are all hands-on.
taza, it’s what’s for dessert fair trade chocolate made in our backyard
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here comes a time in a young girls’ life when she graduates from Hershey’s to chocolate that is a bit more refined. Perhaps, even, to what some might call “real chocolate.” Once this line has been crossed a whole world opens up to her and it can be somewhat scary to navigate. She may think that she has to travel to far off lands to experience this new, special chocolate but, thankfully, there are wonderful chocolate factories right here in the United States beyond that one in Pennsylvania. Enter: Taza, based in Somerville, Massachusetts. One of only twenty-five bean-to-bar chocolatiers in the country, Taza applies a touch of sustainability and deliciousness to every step of the chocolate making process. What results is an entirely new epicurean experience. With a unique grainy texture and strong floral notes, their chocolate lands in a rarely visited middle ground between the sweetness of milk chocolate and the bitterness of dark. This artisan dessert is truly a labor of love. The young proprietors of the company are in charge of the entire process and have even cut out the middle man to create a direct relationship with their cacao bean growers in
After the beans settle into their new home, they’re tossed into the roaster, a beautiful red machine that looks like something Dr.Suess designed (this particular model is from the fifties and was rescued from Germany). Taza follows a strict “slow and low” roasting method which allows for those floral notes to fully come to the surface and not get burnt out like when cheap chocolate brands roast their beans. Once they’re suitably roasted, they go through a winnowing machine which sorts out any twigs or other foreign earthen material, cracks the beans and separates the shells from the cocoa nibs. Those shells are then sold to local tea or brewing companies to make chocolate infused drinks. Here’s where Taza Chocolate really comes into its own. Remember that grainy texture? This is a result of how the beans are ground into paste. The majority of American chocolate lovers are used to the European style of artisan chocolate, which creates a much finer paste and “conchs” the mixture, or intensely processes the chocolate to create a much smoother, silkier texture. Taza is one of the only companies to use the Mexican style of chocolate artisanry, which uses a stone grind on a mill with a much courser surface. They also don’t ever conch the paste. Taste that? That’s chocolate. Real, honest-to-God chocolate; how nature and midnight cravings intended it. After the nibs are ground, the sugar, vanilla beans, cocoa butter and optional flavoring is added and that’s all folks. The mixture is put into molds, set, hand-wrapped and labeled. It’s nice to be able to recognize every ingredient on the label and know exactly where your food comes from, isn’t it? 25 // A.M
Nest
have their own personality. Especially in these times, I think it’s really important to support small business so that they survive. It’s the small boutiques that give New York its flavor. I’m also an Etsy addict and find so many gems through Etsy sellers.
I’m currently crushing the idea of big and small makeovers using wallpaper or paint. I’m really interested in working with painting stencils and creating textures and patterns with paint. I did a big wallpaper feature at Redbook last year and I learned all these ways to play with wallpaper besides making a wallpaper accent wall. We made a wallpaper folding screen and wallpapered magazine files, among others. There’s a new book by Chronicle Books out on wallpaper projects, Wallpaper Projects: More Than 50 Craft and Design Ideas for Your Home, that I’m definitely excited to check out for inspiration.
finding the needle jen jafarzadeh l’italien talks decorating on a budget
E
very now and then, as you wade through the expanses of the internet,you’ll stumble across a site that is truly worth the journey. The Haystack Needle is one of those gems. This lovely little decorating blog is manned by Jen Jafarzadeh L’Italien, and focuses on finding creative, unique and environmentally friendly ways to spice up your decorating and entertaining. She recently took time out of her busy (newlywed!) schedule to answer a few questions for Audrey Monroe about how to satisfy our cravings to decorate and entertain within the confines of a student’s space and budget. What are your favorite places to find that proverbial needle in the haystack? Too many to list! A few which I’ve blogged about are Parcel, Jamali Garden and Global Table. There are so many incredible shops in New York – I stumble upon new ones all the times. I love to check out the shops with some history and the smaller businesses that A. M //26
A lot of our readers are college students or recent grads making their first home on their own. What are your tips on decorating with our limited space and budget? Paint is actually one of the cheapest makeovers. Paint your awful hand-me-down furniture or paint your wall (or ceiling - love that look!) and it’s as good as new. These constraints also make it difficult to go green. How do you recommend we make the transition? In my series, Green Swap, I covered a ton of green topics from dry cleaning to non-toxic paint. There are so many everyday ways you can be greener – and not spend any more money. Green cleaners for your home are now not any more expensive than standard cleaners with brands like Method and Seventh Generation. If you’re using toxic cleaners, you’re basically breathing in toxic fumes and polluting water systems. I think the concept of Slow Food is an easy, important way you can make a green change. By making your own simple meals, rather than ordering take-out every night, you can help the planet and help your wallet. Facing an empty apartment waiting to be decorated can be awfully intimidating. Where do you suggest to begin?
Photo courtesy of The Haystack Needle
What is your latest decorating obsession?
Think about the room’s main function (I personally think a stimulating color like red is a bad choice for a bedroom where sleep is the main purpose). Think about a style or mood you’d like to create. Pull a lot of tears from magazines that inspire you. Decide on a color palette. And then go for it! Nowadays, there is so much inspiration on the DIY realm. You can really create any look from glam to cottage style with little effort.
needles in the haystack some of jen’s finds
What are your views on the rise of DIY culture? Where do you think the movement is heading? I’m such a fan of how DIY and craft are evolving and moving into a modern light and moving away from the idea of crafts being pompoms and Popsicle sticks. I don’t know what’s going to be the next big thing but there’s definitely going to be more innovation with patterns, textures, papers, paints and fabrics. I think making the utilitarian objects in our homes be more personalized is going to continue to take shape through DIY projects. Your hook rack doesn’t have to be generic anymore. I love how DIY is allowing people to put their personal style stamp on something. And decorating at its core is really about making a space to be filled with what you love.
Poetry rugs from Home Infatuation
Encaustic photography by Dorothy Imagire
One of the joys of having your own place is entertaining guests. Not all of us will settle for keggers and would like to plan a nice, adult evening for our friends. But, again, we’re working with very small spaces (often without a living room). Do you have any suggestions for how to work around this? If you’re working with a small space, opt out of a dinner party and go for appetizers and drinks or host a dessert party. Who wouldn’t love cupcakes and cocktails? I always make one signature drink that I can make ahead – like sangria – rather than a drink that requires you to play bartender. Take advantage of the space you do have. Plan to have a party in the spring or summer and have everyone meet you in the park for a picnic. Or open up your bedroom and toss some cushions and folding chairs inside so it invites conversations circles. The key to hosting is to keep it simple but make it pretty. You can serve a pie you bought at a farmer’s market but put it on a platter and serve with some homemade whipped cream as a special touch.
Alice Supply Co. hammers
Tape measure mat at Viva Terra
27 // A.M
Pulse
Coffee and the Works
The Captiol
Red Onion Books and Records
Washington D.C a whole new way to see our nation’s capitol
W
hen you think of Washington D.C, “travel hotspot” may not come to mind exactly, but there is a whole other world besides the field-trip destinations to explore. While history buffs may be the prime target for tourism (and there are plenty of ways to delight your inner nerd) if you look beyond the Mall and its monuments, there are hundreds of ways to see the city that are both educational and entertaining.
What to Do It may be obvious, but no D.C guide would be complete without a few Smithsonian Museums. Two personal favorites are the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art. The American History museum has a nice balance of fun pop history (like Julia Child’s kitchen, Dorothy’s red shoes and beautiful trains) and more serious history (Lincoln’s tophat, the Greensboro lunch counter and Edison’s light bulb). Even if you’re not an art fan, the Gallery’s building itself is a sight to see with its marble columns, peaceful rotundas and spiral staircases. It may not have the benefit of being free, but the Newseum is one of the best museums out there. This space, dedicated to the history and celebration of journalism, is incredible. All facets are covered here, from ancient newspapers to The Daily Show to Pulitzer Prize winning A. M //28
photography. If you’re not all museumed-out, the International Spy Museum is a fun way to spend a day. The spy artifacts are surreal, (it’s hard to look at them and not think they’re props from a Bond movie) and the history of espionage is intriguing. For a more unique experience, definitely check out the Mansion on O Street. While it is technically a hotel, this coo-coo-crazy place also offers self-guided tours and treasure hunts through its halls. Think of it as your eccentric aunt’s house gone down the rabbit hole: the hotel is a series of five interconnected townhouses with over 100 themed rooms and (here’s the best part) 32 secret doors and passages. Indulge your inner-child’s craving to explore in this wacky alternative. When you’re feeling a bit more grown up, check out what D.C’s thriving jazz scene has to offer. I suggest HR-57 for its down-to-earth atmosphere and BYOB option.
Where to Shop The two best neighborhoods to spend a day shopping in are Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Both of these areas have character, pretty streets to stroll along, and a nice combination of high and low end stores. Georgetown is a trusted staple. The main thoroughfare, M St, has all of the high street mainstays you’ll find in any shopping district, but you can still find pieces of old-school charm among the name brands. Annie’s Creamcheese (3279 M St) is a drool-worthy vintage shop with secondhand designer goods on one side (I once found a Dolce and Gabbana dress I had clipped from an ad and put in my scrapbook) and more affordable consignment pieces on the other. There’s a wide range of styles and eras represented here, so flipping through the racks is like a hands-on fashion
HR - 57
Mansion on O Street
museum. Nido (1425 Wisconsin Ave.) has some interesting things to offer in its’ funky store. Poppy (3235 P St) has a small collection of interesting jewelry and also offers custom-made services. And if you’re feeling like torturing yourself, check out the shops on Cady’s Alley for some beautiful, but pricey, furniture stores. Dupont Circle is much more sprawling and, depending on the direction you choose, can be hit or miss. I had good luck along the Connecticut Avenue spoke. There I found a lovely, quirky home goods store called Coffee and the Works (1627 Connecticut Ave) whose small space is packed to the brim with both practical and silly kitchenware. Farther along the way, I came across one of the most impressive thrift stores I’ve encountered, Secondi (1702 Connecticut Ave). It’s a bit more sophisticated than Annie’s, but it also boasts an impressive collection of high and low clothing and accessories. From there, venture a bit out of the way to Red Onion Records and Books (1901 18th St). This place is well worth the trip, a mecca for lovers of used books, records, CDs and DVDs alike. Come for the ridiculously low prices, stay for the simple joy of spending time in a cozy basement enclave chatting with kindred spirits.
Where to Eat Speaking of neat bookstores in the Dupont Circle area, combine your love of paperbacks, Pinot Noir and pastries at Kramerbooks & Afterwards Café (1517 Connecticut Ave). This place is more for those who describe themselves as “literati” instead of “bookworm,” but the concept sure is enticing. For delicious, authentic soul-food, the place to go is Oohs and Aahs (1005 U St) in the U Street corridor. Served piping-hot and in Styrofoam containers,
Alexandria
this food is the real deal, and if you don’t get the mac n’ cheese as a side, you’re insane. Another take on barbecue, with more of a nightlife flair, is Madam’s Organ (2461 18th St) in (get it?) Adam’s Morgan. It’s listed primarily as a jazz and blues music venue, but the food is far beyond bar food. If you’re in the mood for a dinner-and-a-movie night, I suggest Chadwicks (3205 K St) in Georgetown. They serve the usual pub fare, but the added bonus is they also offer discounted movie tickets ($7.50) that can be used at the theater down the street. Finally, although you can’t get a meal there (or should I say you can’t exactly get a healthy, well-balanced meal there), Georgetown Cupcakes (3301 M St) cannot be left off this list. Yes, it’s another one of those gourmet cupcake shops that are all over the place nowadays, but there’s something special about this one. They have some great, unique flavors without going too over-the-top. Get a half-dozen because you won’t be able to choose just one.
Fancy a Day Trip? If you’re feeling the need for some fresh air, Alexandria, Virginia is a lovely day trip. Take the yellow line on the Metro to King Street, or the Virginia Railway Express to spend some time in this small, historical city. Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate, is its claim to fame. Roam around the grounds, tour his mansion and visit the museum to get a taste of what our founding father’s life was like (and what a life it was). Then, head back to walk around Old Town Alexandria, which has plenty of boutiques and little eateries to explore. Walk along the Potomac River and even catch a ghost tour. It’s a perfect way to spend the day if you need a little escape from urban life. 29 // A.M
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might think. It’s kind of like when you thought you were the only one who watched Degrassi: The Next Generation (it goes there).
Have You Seen The Room? it’s the movie that’s tearing us apart, lisa
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hen I exited the Coolidge Theater in Boston last Saturday, I decided that the world is divided into two groups of people: those who have seen Tommy Wiseau’s magnum opus The Room and those who haven’t. Heralded as “the Citizen Kane of bad movies,” this cult phenomenon has been entertaining diehard fans at midnight screenings for seven years. In the vein of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, seeing the movie is a theatrical experience involving both premeditated and spontaneous audience participations that results in a raucous atmosphere that no words can do justice to. If you’re confused, don’t feel too bad. The Room’s original run time was only two weeks in two L.A theaters back in 2003. Audiences could barely make it through the movie. Thankfully, Patient Zero—Michael Rousselet—recognized The Room for it’s “so-bad-it’sgood-no-make-that-brilliant” quality and spread the word to his friends of similar (bad) taste. Screenings have since been shown with regularity at Laemmle Sunset 5 in L.A, but other than that seeing The Room in the rest of the country is a rare and special occasion. But, trust me, once you’ve seen it, you’ll enter into a community that is more pervasive than you A. M //30
Not that it matters, really, but here is essentially what The Room is about: Wiseau plays Johnny (because he is not just the director, producer and writer, he acts too – oh, yes), who is engaged to Lisa, who has grown bored with him despite his Harlequin-esque romance tactics and financial support, and starts an affair with Mark who – lest you forget – is Johnny’s best friend. There are half a dozen subplots that are introduced and then promptly forgotten by the end of the scene, or even the conversation. Not to mention a handful of supporting characters who flit in and out of the main “plot” with inadequate explanation or follow-through. Toss in laughably bad acting, terrible camera work, poor lighting, a heaping spoonful of misogyny and a number of gratuitous Skinemax-worthy sex scenes and, in a nutshell, you have The Room. It’s just one of those things you have to see to believe. So what, exactly, is the appeal here that sells out theaters? It can’t just be the entertainment value of watching such a terrible movie can it? Well, yeah, it can. (But there’s more!) While Wiseau now claims the hilarity of his clunker was intentional, it’s all too clear that he was seriously trying to make a masterpiece here. (He submitted it to the Academy Awards without success.) Wiseau raised $6 million and changed crews three times to protect his vision, so be sure that the product is authentic. So, to watch the result in which every aspect fails terribly on all accounts is just so deliciously entertaining and speaks to the bully in all of us. But what I think is really the odd sort of appeal with The Room is it’s actually pretty heartbreaking, and fascinatingly so. It doesn’t take long for it to become obvious that Wiseau is so utterly clueless about so many things (filmmaking being the obvious one) but has so much passion and naive optimism about them anyway that he becomes a sort of pathetic hero. If you don’t get
too carried away with laughing at the movie and pay attention to it for what it is, you learn some pretty devastating things about Wiseau and, in the end, isn’t that what attracts us to art? First of all, the writing and directing show that Wiseau is a very lonely man. His attempts at portraying realistic human interaction rely on dated stereotypes because he doesn’t know any better. Male bonding is a series of complicated handshakes and tossing the ol’ pigskin around. Dating is the man buying her flowers and dresses out of the blue. Conversations are heavyhanded and unnatural. Dirty talk and insults alike are strange and dispassionate. The world of The Room is some imagined reality of Wiseau’s, conjured up out of speculation while he spent his life in solitude. And, let me tell you, he is pissed about it. The whole script reads like some kind of revenge fantasy slash suicide note. (Remember Michael Scott’s screenplay in The Office?) It’s too clear that Johnny and Tommy are the same and he’s using the movie to live life how he wished it had really happened. Johnny is written to be a perfect person, and even though every other character endlessly praises him, most of them still betray him. Lisa is the archetypical bitch, a portal to pour all frustration into. When Johnny yells his most famous lines (“I’m done with this world!”) or randomly waxes philosophical (“the world would just be a better place if we all loved each other”) you can’t help but feel chills knowing that it’s really Wiseau speaking, and you feel for him. It is this combination of cruel mockery and sympathetic voyeurism that is so intoxicating. While many people may not be conscious of the latter, it is the draw that has been pulling people in for seven years and there is no sign of it stopping. And why should it? Somehow, this piece of crap manages to speak volumes about humanity. As word-of-mouth grows, The Room may prove to be unstoppable. And you know what? It’s pretty nice that Wiseau is getting his in the end.
Some Things That Meant the World To Me
this devastating new novel will be one of them
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honda is a thirty-year old man (yes, man) living in California who suffers from an extreme case of depersonalization. Having grown up with an absent, drunk mother and her abusive boyfriend and spending most of his teenage years in a mental hospital, Rhonda as an adult is both deeply disturbing and heartbreaking. Feeling a lack of connection to the world around him, Rhonda takes solace by attaching himself to unexpected sources of comfort from his elderly neighbor who shares his name to a bag of fermenting prison wine to his imagined childhood self, Little Rhonda, who has come back into his life to help him confront his past and, therefore, the actual world around him. The plot of Joshua Mohr’s debut novel makes it sound like just another attempt to exploit mental illness as easy fare, but his approach and writing style 31 // A.M
Pulse saves Some Things from becoming too melodramatic, or weird-for-weird’s sake (a la Palahniuk.) Despite Rhonda’s surreal outlook on the world, Mohr’s depiction of it is brutally honest and realistic. He saves Rhonda from being a cardboard cutout of a trauma-victim by infusing him with unique details. His gritty prose matches the depiction of San Francisco’s Mission District and Rhonda’s twisted perspective spiraling out of control. The reader is irrefutably forced into Rhonda’s mindset and, even though they are constantly aware that it is far different from their own, this trick keeps him a sympathetic character instead of a detestable one. Even though the novel may seem, at first, to be a desperate collection of wacky stock characters, no one is two-dimensional, not even the villains. These are the people you pass on the street every day but never bothered paying attention to, yet Mohr paints them in such a loving portrait that, after getting to know them, you feel guilty for never having seen them before. You cry with them, laugh with them, get angry at them and embarrassed for them. It is these characters, at the heart of the story, that leave such a lasting impact. As Rhonda stumbles to forge relationships and fails again and again, the most touching part of the novel is when he finally finds one with his neighbor, Rhonda. After meeting her, Rhonda slowly begins to build his life back up and, even though he slips many times throughout the novel, you become truly invested in his little successes. Ultimately, this is a story of redemption, with Rhonda being both the victim and victor. It is a bleak tale, scattered with pitch-black humor, but somehow it is not a completely depressing one. While you’d never guess it at the beginning of Some Things, this is a book that leaves you with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the world.
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What’s Going on at the MFA? secrets of tomb 10a is a delight
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or lovers of the Egyptian wing, the MFA in Boston has a must-see exhibit showing until May. Secrets of Tomb 10A reveals the contents of the tomb of a governor named Djehutynakht who died in 2000 B.C. In 1915, a team of MFA archeologists excavated the tomb, which had been left in such complete chaos after a robbery that it has taken nearly a century to piece things together again in order to make them presentable. The result is fascinating. Because of this extensive work, a nice added feature is that, along with the artifacts and educational components, there is also information about the resurrection and conservation process over the years, which was an interesting behind-the-scenes look that’s rarely seen. The exhibit is divided into three sections. The first tells the story of the excavation and gives a brief background to what we’re about to see. Then the main gallery shows what was buried with the governor, and what they have managed to salvage is incredible. In cases lining the walls there is a fleet of fifty-eight wooden boats meant to accompany them to the afterlife, which is the largest collected that has ever been discovered in a tomb. Also on display are painted wooden models of people working in granaries and bakeries, as bricklayers, scribes and shepherds. The amount of detail in these models is incredible, and the
craftsmanship rivals children’s toys of today. Despite their macabre purpose, everything is kind of cute, which definitely does not prepare you for the next room where the coffins are on display. Djehutynakht’s coffin is an artwork in and of itself. The museum educators are quick to point out the advanced artistry in the hieroglyphics covering the layered coffin. Shading is used to portray a hint of depth, unlike the common perception of Egyptian art’s flatness. Attempting to decode the hieroglyphics provokes a renewed appreciation of both language and art, and how the two are inherently intertwined. If the coffin isn’t eery enough, wander into the dark, subset room and take a peek in the display case. Yup, that’s the mummy’s head that’s far too preserved for comfort and staring you right in the face. Think car accidents are hard to tear yourself away from? Try walking away from this. The last room uses items from the museum’s collections to imagine what had been in the tomb originally before it was ransacked. Mostly, it’s assumed that there was a large collection of jewelry buried with him, and the samples of jade necklaces and turquoise rings are drool-worthy. There is also a number of makeup jars and amulets. It’s an excellent, comprehensive Egyptian exhibit that combines familiar aspects with unknown features to keep it interesting. The MFA definitely deserves kudos for its work over the past century to put this together.
Give Me That IRM charlotte gainsbourg’s latest mystifies
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harlotte Gainsbourg’s third album, IRM, is a welcome breath of fresh air. Produced and co-written by Beck, IRM is a fascinating blend of electronica meets gritty rock meets folk. It is far more accessible than her last effort, 5:55, but still maintains that dreamy atmosphere that is just oh-so-French. The sound is still edgy but, unlike 5:55 she manages to teeter on that edge rather than plummeting off of it. Its mood, dark and contemplative, is fitting for an album created after Gainsbourg’s brush with death in 2007, when she suffered a hemorrhage after a waterskiing accident. (IRM is the French acronym for MRI and the machine’s influences are heard throughout the album.) Her delicate voice is a perfect accompaniment to Beck’s lyrics and signature use of diverse instrumentation. In fact, the album can at times read as more of a Beck album with a female singer, but it’s difficult to tell if Gainsbourg’s vision is really lost. Since all of her musical endeavors have been collaborations, one could argue we don’t really know what her point of view actually is. Thankfully, the emotion and personal meditation following her incident is infused in every song, even if those words aren’t entirely her own. The match creates something unique, a rare feat in today’s music scene, and there really isn’t a clunker in the bunch. “Heaven Can Wait” is a perfect single, giving a hint of what’s to come with more of a pop-driven catchiness. The rest of the songs are an interesting medley of styles from front-porch blues, (“Dandelion”) to grrl-rock references, (“Greenwich Mean Time”) to chanteuse dreamscapes (“La Collectionneuse”). So let Gainsbourg carry you into her world; there will certainly be something to suit your tastes there. 33 // A.M
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Welcome to Rosie’s
a woman’s shelter in boston is a welcome haven in the face of homelessness Before I walked into Rosie’s Place, a woman’s shelter in Boston, I had an absolutely dreary idea of what homeless shelters are like. I imagined dank, grey cement halls, rows of cots, slop vaguely resembling food being doled out of vats onto the plates of a line of sad people. It didn’t matter that I came to Rosie’s Place to be a part of their arts program, which I knew gave daily workshops for every kind of craft you can imagine, I still didn’t envision any sort of life to be happening within their walls. I was nervous to come face-to-face with a population that, unfortunately, I had been raised to fear and ignore. But as soon as I stepped through the door, my anxiety lifted. The lobby was bustling with women catching up with their friends and making appointments at the front desk for advocacy programs and field trips. The room was light and the walls were painted a cheery yellow, not an institutional white. I could see the expansive dining hall on the far side of the building, where the guests were served restaurant style at their tables. The smell of lunch cooking filled the building and it actually smelled – wouldn’t you know it? – appetizing. Upstairs, a team of employees work one-on-one with Rosie’s Place guests to help find them housing, jobs, psychological services and an education. Two floors up is the small, but homey, A. A. M M //34 // 34
residence, which provides temporary housing for sixteen women. But, I quickly realize, just because only sixteen people stay overnight here, most of these women consider Rosie’s Place their home. It’s not an institution, it’s a community, one that has been going strong now since 1974. The founder of Rosie’s Place, Kip Tiernan, arrived in Boston in her early twenties, seeking independence from her grandmother who raised her after Tiernan lost both her parents at age eleven. She quickly became the center of the fight for economic and social justice, drawing on her roots in the Christian left movement. She lobbied and protested for affordable housing, health care, education and civil rights for all, rallying around the philosophy that the world can be changed if only everyone cared enough. As she pursued a career in advertising, she continued to fight for the cause through advocacy and writing, publishing articles in the Globe, Phoenix and Boston After Dark. In 1967, she was asked to organize a press conference for the St.Philip’s House, and soon joined the team ministry. Her work required her to witness, first-hand, housing projects, mental institutions, jails and hospitals where she was deeply affected by the lack of government effort to address those in need. She was particularly
struck by the amount of women who attempted to pass themselves off as men to get into men-only shelters, since at the time there wasn’t any place for homeless women. Feeling that the dependence on government aid and regulations was at the root of the problem, Tiernan organized a grassroots campaign to lend a helping hand to Boston’s homeless women. On Easter Sunday 1974, Tiernan and four volunteers founded Rosie’s Place in the abandoned Rozen’s Supermarket on Columbus Avenue (which she leased for $1 a year) with a meager $250 donated from friends. She wanted to provide a warm and safe place for women to rest, drink some hot coffee and socialize. It was the first of its kind in the country. “Rosie’s Place” was thought to be a comforting name because it sounded like it could be a women’s coffee shop or a friend’s house. Volunteers distributed pink slips that read “if you need a meal, come here and we’ll help you” on the streets. Although there were more volunteers than guests present on opening day, word of mouth spread quickly and the numbers continued to grow. In 1977, Rosie’s bought its first building, which housed nine women and served as a meeting place for meals. Yet Tiernan’s vision was quickly
growing beyond the small walls of the five-story row house. Plans began to develop to relocate to the location of the St. Philip’s church, where Tiernan had originally volunteered. The new building was dedicated in 1986 and the first building was turned into a lodging house for thirteen women. In the early nineties, Rosie’s started offering adult education classes, legal services and counseling. For the first time, Rosie’s was able to hire its volunteers. Tiernan has never been one of these paid employees. Relationships began to be formed with local organizations to bring help onsite. In 1996, the food pantry was established as well as the Women’s Craft Cooperative. In 1997, a Guest Advisory Panel was formed where guests were encouraged to give input about the wants and needs of the community. This remarkable step truly emphasized Rosie’s mission to reinstate dignity and self-respect in the women it served. Tiernan had never wanted her shelter to feel like an institution and now it was more like a club or organization. By this time, volunteer numbers had reached the thousands. A movement for expansion began in 1998 and the building was renovated with a donated $3.2 million, reopening in 2000. The dining room now could seat 150 and more services were added like the clothing room, new showers and laundry facilities, an expanded food pantry and a space for Childworks, an afterschool program for the guests’ children. More education classes were offered and an art studio was created in the basement to extend the arts initiative. Rosie’s had officially grown from providing temporary relief from hunger to permanent relief from the strains of homelessness through advocacy, education and housing.
women enter a mixed-sex shelter, When a visitor realizes that the guests they are exploited both financially at Rosie’s Place represent only a min- and sexually by authority figures and iscule percentage of Boston’s homeother guests alike. lessness, the effect is more than humbling. The Annual City of Boston Rosie’s is a safe-haven. All it takes to Homeless Census conducted in Debecome a part of the community is to cember 2008 showed that there is a identify yourself as a woman (transtotal of 6,901 homeless people in the gender and gender-neutral guests, city and the numbers are only expect- who run the risk of being assaulted ed to get worse. Already the shelters in men’s shelters, are welcome) and are filled to capacity, forcing the govto ring the doorbell. If any guests ernment, which is legally obligated to become abusive towards other provide housing for those in need, to women, volunteers or employees, put people up in motels. An article in they are banned from Rosie’s. What the Boston Globe in October 2008 emerges is a tight-knit community. reported that 574 families were beLifelong friendships are created as ing housed in motels across the city, the women meet new people, share which their stories and was up She wanted to provide a warm help each other from 467 through their and safe place for women to families difficult times. rest, drink some hot coffee and reported The dining socialize. It was the first of its room and sitonly a month ting areas aren’t kind in the country. prior. This far off from is causing high-school as immense gossip spreads, strain on the $87 million budget information is traded, jokes are told for emergency assistance for the and highly fueled debates rage on homeless because while a night at a about anything from politics to style government-assisted shelter costs the choices. Even though the majority of city $89, a night at a motel costs an these women will leave after dinner is average of $99. At the time of the arserved and Rosie’s closes, many are ticle there were 19,666 people on the quick to call this place home. Boston Housing Authority’s waitlist, which provides affordable housing Just like the gathering Kip Tiernan through rental assistance programs. originally imagined it to be, Rosie’s has developed a cast of regular charBut why is it necessary to have a acters. It doesn’t take me long to start women-only shelter? Women are the knowing the regulars in the art studio most at risk when homeless. Usually personally, and that’s not uncommon they also have children to provide for for Rosie’s long-term volunteers. and therefore need more money to Guests and employees alike know relieve them of homelessness. They each other’s stories and if someone also are more vulnerable to attacks doesn’t show up for a while, people on the streets. Many women become start asking questions. The homeless homeless because they’re running woman on the street becomes humanaway from abusive relationships and ized, a step most people wish to never have nowhere to turn to. Often, when see. By getting to know these women 35 // 35A. // A.M M
Pulse on a personal level, the stereotype of “the homeless woman” shatters. There is no better place to see this effect than in the art studio.
arts initiative. It was because of her that the Woman’s Craft Cooperative was formed, since she thought that efforts to create employable skills in the women would be much more effective if applied to something they would enjoy, like crafting. After a four-year hiatus, Danis returned to Rosie’s Place as the director of the new arts initiative in 2006 and has been on ever since.
Down in the basement where the art studio is located, the stress of appointments with the advocates and life in a shelter is left upstairs. The only reminder of the business being conducted there is the constant ringing of the doorbell above, making it feel far more like an arts club in a “Having the chance to create someprivate home than that of a shelter. thing gives the women an incredThree worktables are shaped in a U ible amount of pride. They like the in the middle of the room and boxes process of making something, of upon boxes of supplies line the walls, having that instant satisfaction. They as well as a small library of art books can look at what they’ve made and and displays say ‘that of finished Often, when women enter a mixed- is mine.’ works. It is It really sex shelter, they are exploited arguably the boosts both financially and sexually by most beloved their selfaspect of authority figures and other guests esteem.” Rosie’s. As alike. I bring up The the stack of women freshly copied workshop calendars, who participate in the workshops I am swarmed by a group of women come from all different backgrounds clamoring to get their copy first and when it comes to the arts. Some have begin planning out their month, left behind a love of the arts because discussing which classes look most they no longer have the resources to interesting. Classes are held twice a create, such as Lisa*, who discusses day Monday through Thursday on her dreams of writing a children’s knitting, jewelry-making, creative book about homelessness while she writing and everything in between. finally gets the chance to put her Alev Danis, the always chipper Arts ideas to paper in a creative writing Director, putters around the studio workshop. She’s a constant face in prepping for the next workshop. the art studio, and is considered quite the rock star by the other guests as “Having an arts program like this she experiments with techniques and allows us to work with the woman as materials. During a self-portrait class, a whole. They’re not just this two-dia few gather behind her to watch her mensional object. You can give them work. “Isn’t it finished?” One woman something to eat and a place to stay, asks, gazing at the layered collage of and that’s wonderful, but giving them tissue paper and oil pastel. “When it opportunities like these nourishes starts breathing, then it’ll be finished,” them completely,” Danis says of the Lisa says. A. A. MM //36 // 36
For many others, these classes are the first time they’re given an opportunity to be creative. They arrive in the studio, apprehensive about their abilities, but at the end of the session, when they have a finished work of art in their hands, their confidence soars. In the same self-portrait workshop, Deborah* came in warning me that she wasn’t going to be any good but she wanted to try it anyway. When she discovers that portraiture is more about expression than realism, she lets loose and is immersed in her project for the next two hours. By the end, she is asking me where she can get art supplies of her own. The most popular workshops are ones where the women can embellish: jewelry-making, decorating ordinary objects, creating accessories. If there’s one thing all the women can agree on, it is a love of glitter. Any time the glitter glue is brought out is a time to celebrate. At a field trip to see Faith Ringgold’s story quilts, the guests zoned in on the one work of art in the accompanying quilt exhibit that involved glitter. “You know,” Martha* observes, “I was liking everything else alright but in the back of my head I was always thinking ‘man, these could use some glitter,’ and then I saw this one. Now that’s more like it!” While the conversation sometimes veers into serious discussions about their lives outside of Rosie’s Place, the art studio is usually a place where the women can relax and socialize. Classic R&B is a favored choice of music to listen to and occasionally there is a break to sing and dance along to The Temptations and Michael Jackson. When Danis strolls around the room to see how
* Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the guests
everyone’s work is coming along the guests, who are always excited to see her, gently tease her about her British accent. Mostly, the conversations turns to dreams of what will happen next, where they’ll be going from here, because down here, they’re easy to imagine.
tive on things, often asking the most intriguing questions and making unexpected connections. While most art audiences approach it with some level of jadedness, these women appreciate every piece.
The two hour block of time allocated for trips is often The arts You can give them something barely enough. program On one trip to to eat and a place to stay, and further the Museum that’s wonderful, but giving emphaof Fine Arts to sizes Rosie’s them opportunities like these see a photogmission of raphy exhibit, nourishes them completely. uncondiMaria* asked if tional love she could stay by working behind at the hard to offer museum when workshops, field trips and perforthe group was set to leave at 11:30. mances representing all different After Danis was assured that Maria cultures. Tie-ins to African-American had her Charlie Card to get home and Hispanic heritages cater to the safely, we left. The next day, Danis diverse population of Rosie’s guests. asked her how the rest of her stay Guests learn about all different styles was. She replied that she didn’t leave of art, from contemporary artist, until closing time at 5:30. Shepard Fairey, to the Renaissance to Frieda Kahlo. Danis hopes the When the trips and workshops return varied calendar opens the minds of to Rosie’s at the end of the day it is the women to different cultures and just in time for dinner. Crowds of different ideas of what art is. They women are spilling out from the small can point to similarities between an sitting room into the lobby, milling exhibit celebrating one culture to about and perusing the crowded bulanother and break down the barriletin board announcing workshops ers of seeing others as so completely and events. Many have spent their different. whole day there, meeting with advocates, socializing with friends, doing Danis attempts to balance doing their laundry, picking out groceries. art through the workshops and this They will enjoy their meal and return seeing of art by organizing field trips. to where they’re staying. Today they She estimates that about half of the have gained essential goods, an eduwomen who join her on the trips cation and advice, but most imporhave never been in a public art space tantly they gained respect and dignity. before coming to Rosie’s. Joining And from there, anything is possible. them on a field trip is a refreshing experience, uninhibited from the usual snobbery of normal museum-goers. The women bring a fresh perspec37 37 // A. M // A.M
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Fashion fades, style remains the same. Isn’t that right, Coco? Well, just ask these ladies on the following pages, whose style exudes personality. Or is it the other way around?
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Shoshanna Akins Shoshanna is wearing a Topshop dress that helps her conquer Boston’s bitchin’ cold by feeling like a bedazzled ice princess, a sweater she bought from her Russian lit teacher, snowboarding leggings, Converse to replace her beloved Old Navy knock-offs and a necklace stolen from her best friend.
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Michelle Cheever Mish is wearing a Target shirt and sweater, skirt from Express, Vera Wang tights, vintage shoes from Poor Little Rich Girl and a typewriter necklace her girlfriend bought her.
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Christina Tucker Christina is wearing her staple blazer from Target that adds some business casual flair to every outfit, a dress from Marshalls fit for a concert in the park, Target flats that don’t make her feel like she’s standing on skis and one of her many, many, many scarves.
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Alice Stanne Alice is ready to work in her studio in her “casual with a hint of elegance” clothes: a Marshall’s shirt in her favorite shade of grey, Forever 21 jeans that can take a beating in paint and Blowfish flats.
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Ariana Hakim
Ari was inspired by folk music with her green cardigan andflowery dress from Forever 21, the earth tone of her scarf given to her as a gift, Urban Outfitters belt, tights from Marshall’s and her classic brown boots from Baker’s.
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Ta, Darling
a moment with: sophie blackall, illustrator If it is even possible, can you describe the process of arriving at your unique style and choice of medium? My style has developed over the years but has always been influenced by Victorian trading cards, Chinese firecracker designs, Indian sweet wrappers, Japanese woodblock prints, antique French wallpaper patterns, illuminated manuscripts, Victorian valentines… I paint in Chinese ink and then build up layers of watercolor washes over top. The end result is a little like a hand-tinted photograph and is vintage looking and yet not, because I mix in contemporary patterns and bright luminous spots of color.
Why do you think people are so fascinated with the Missed Connection ads? What attracts you to them as a source of inspiration? When I stumbled upon Missed Connections it was a perfect fit. Small glimpses into strangers’ lives, packed with mystery, pathos, beauty and humor. I know it’s not a New York phenomenon, but somehow it seems the perfect product of this city; people seeking intimacy in a crowd. Sitting on the subway I’m always wondering what’s going on inside people’s heads, and Missed Connections posts give me that opportunity. I’m sure other people are drawn to them for the same reasons, but I think on some subliminal level there’s a vague desire to recognize ourselves as the person “missed”. It’s nice to know that people are looking at each other and noticing and appreciating details. That we’re not just a swarm.
To read the full interview, go to http://audreymonroe.wordpress.com A. M //44