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THIRD EYE TEEN PERSPECTIVES ON ART AND LIFE NEW ORLEANS
SPRING 2013
created by the
Teen Board
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What’s Inside... MARDI GRAS! Featuring Chewbacchus and a photo impression of that special season.
NOLA FOOD Reviews and recomendations for good eats in this city of treats.
ART and PROSE Poems, photographs, paintings, and works of art from Teens around New Orleans.
THIRD EYE PERSPECTIVE pictures from the streets.
FASHION What Are you Wearing? Fashion Do’s and Don’ts and A Photo Shoot to Remember
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BONUS! Find out if you are a New Orleans Teen and see a Map of Contributers
Photograph by Madeline Carlson
TEXTS FROM THE
BOARD
VERONICA: Hey guys, what do y’all wanna do today? KARISMA: Let’s do an open stage night! BRENYATTA: Nahh, we did that already. HELENE: Let’s go to Jazz Fest! JULIAN: -__- it’s March . VERONICA: Y’all wanna make a magazine? KELSEY: OMG! OF COURSE! MADDIE: :D KEELY: What should it be about? JANIECE: Fashion! HELENE: Poetry! BRENYATTA: Music! KARISMA: Robert Downey Jr. VERONICA: Uh. …. JULIA ANNE: ???????? TAMARA: Hm…Poetry, music, fashion, mardi gras… Let’s make it all about New Orleans KEELY: Let’s make it from our perspective, as teen New Orleanians BRENYATTA: Let’s call it “Third Eye” JULIAN: WTF? BRENYATTA: You know Third Eye. You have kids, then adult, and the third is teens. It’ll be from our perspective. JULIAN: Ohhhhh. KARISMA: Let’s do it VERONICA: OOOO…You guys are good!
digital collage by Nicola Preuss
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feature
Mardi Gras It’s how you roll that counts
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n February 2013, the crazy tradition of what is known as Mardi Gras–fighting to the death over plastic beads and sparkly shoes, camping out on the neutral ground for days on end, and dressing up in costumes from “Chewbacca” to drunk Elvis—comes to dominate New Orleans life for about four weeks. Teens participate in these wild adventures like no other age group. We get school off for a whole week! The following is a glimpse of how WE revel in the fun of Mardi Gras.
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“wanna buy some death Marching with the sticks?” Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbaachus by Keely Mizell
T
he Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus is a sci-fi krewe for nerds of all kinds. Instead of traditional floats, the krewe favors human-powered constructions inspired by Star Wars vehicles. The signature throw is handmade bandoliers like the one worn by Chewbacca himself. Chewbacchus first paraded in 2011. My family and I were out of town then, but we signed up the next year. My little brother wanted to wear a costume that looked like Kit Fisto, a green Jedi with a tentacled head. I originally planned to march as a Twi’lek Jedi (Twi’leks being an alien race from Star Wars), but then my mom came up with a great idea for a throw: death sticks. In case you didn’t see Attack of the Clones, there’s a scene in which Obi-Wan Kenobi goes into a club looking for a bounty hunter. A guy named Elan Sel’sabagno comes up to him and says, “Wanna buy some death sticks?” Obi-Wan (waving his hand in a Jedi mind trick): You don’t want to sell me any death sticks. Elan: I... don’t wanna sell you any death sticks. Obi-Wan: You want to go home and rethink your life. Elan: I wanna go home and rethink my life. (Exit.) Mom, my brother, and I had always thought this was hilarious. I colored popsicle sticks with red and yellow Sharpies and put sets of three in small Ziploc bags labeled “Death Sticks” in English and Aurebesh, a Star Wars alphabet. Since it wouldn’t look right to have a Jedi pushing death sticks, I created a costume based on Elan’s. On the day of the parade, my dad drove the four of us to the Big Top, where the “BacchanALIENS” were assembled. The place was so full of crazy costumes, there was hardly room to walk. Unfortunately, it was pouring down rain, and my parents wouldn’t let us march. As we drove away, we saw the parade begin. Oh, well - at least we got to see some good costumes.
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Chewbacchus Article Continued... This year, I was determined to march in they let me pass. I went into the den but couldn’t find a Chewbacchus. I was in a hurry to update my costume recycling bin or even a trash can, so I tried to go back the because I had very little free time, but with a lot of help way I came and ran up against a line of security guards from Mom, I managed to finish hours before the parade who said I couldn’t get through. I told them Mom would started. Raring to go, I asked Mom if she thought there worry if I didn’t get back soon. I could barely hear myself would be more than, fewer than, or about 75 people yell in their ears. After I told them twice, they let me watching, 75 being the approximate number of death through. I made it back to Mom and apologized for being sticks I had from last year. She guessed there would be late. slightly more than 75. Finally, the parade rolled out. My parents walked Finally, we got in the car and drove downtown. along the sidewalk while my brother and I marched There was a crowd in the street a few blocks from the behind the Ewok village and in front of the VaJar Jar Binks start of the parade, so Dad let us out, and we walked dance team. Almost immediately, I spotted a girl from toward the sound of a band. my school. I called her name When we reached the source and said, “Wanna buy some of the music, we found two death sticks?” I imitated solid lines of people facing Elan Sel’sabagno’s voice as I a space just big enough to handed her a bag. As we continued along walk through. Thinking the the parade route, I learned parade had already started, three things. First, I was we fought our way to the amazed to discover how middle and saw a man walk many people mistake Ewoks by pulling a lighted float the for Wookiees, as evidenced size of a shoebox. “This is ‘Tit by the number of spectators Rex!” said Mom. We turned who yelled, “Woo, Wookies!” around and practically ran to or something similar at the the Chewbacchus den guided by Dad’s instructions via cell costumed kids in the Ewok phone. village. Second, even if you Compared to the Big only hand out death sticks to every fifth person, 75 bags is Top, the alley outside the den only enough for the first third was almost as packed and at of the route. Third, it’s not as least as noisy. We met up with much fun once you run out. Dad, got our wristbands, and My legs were exhausted by the tried to figure out where in time my parents finally asked the lineup we were supposed my brother and me if we to be. I suggested the “Ewok wanted to peel off the parade. village” I’d seen on the way We ate at a restaurant where in. We squeezed through we could see the rest of the the crowd back to the front krewe through the windows. I of the alley. As it turned out, finished eating and was dying the village was for a family to go home before anyone group, but since one of them else was ready. As soon as was my brother’s classmate, Peter Mayhew as King of Chewbacchus we did, I collapsed into bed, we decided to march near on his Millennium Falcon Golfcart. -Photo by Keely Mizell only to hear Mom call my them. name. Now what? I thought, We watched over lumbering to the kitchen. As it the heads of the crowd as this year’s king, Peter Mayhew (who played Chewbacca), turned out, Mom had seen a commercial for an upcoming ascended his throne on a golf cart decorated like the news report - and my brother and I were in it! We waited Millennium Falcon. Dad left and came back with root for the other commercials to end, and when we did, there beers. I finished mine and went in search of a recycling we were, walking right in front of the camera. bin. On the way, I was stopped by a pair of security guards Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go make death who wanted to see my wristband. I showed it to them, and sticks. I need a couple thousand for next year.
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THROW ME SOMETHING MISTER!
Photographs by Niya Royal, Karisma Price, and Madeline Carlson THIRD EYE 9
culture
NOLA Food Beyond beignets, gumbo, and fried everything, recommendations for where, what, and how to eat in this city of incredible delights. By Kelsey Scurlock
FRESH BAR
6101 Magazine St. After indulging in too much Popeyes and king cake, eating at this new salad bar would probably do your body a huge favor. This place is serious about their green veggies. I am a frequent diner at this restaurant, coming here at least once a week. This place is clean, cheap, and tasty. My usual lunch from the Freshbar is a Classic Caesar salad with heated chicken added and the Caesar dressing tossed in. If ceasar is not your style, they have dozens of toppings and dressings to choose from. Also, if you buy 10 salads, your 11th one is free! Don’t miss that deal! I would have given the Freshbar a 5 out of 5 but sadly, the last time I ate there, they forgot the chicken in my salad. Out of the thirty times I have probably eaten there, this has never happened before, so do not doubt their awesomeness! Go check them out!
1912 Magazine St. Looking for a fast and healthy lunch? Honeydeux is the perfect spot for you! Honeydeux is a new bubble tea restaurant. Having experienced the glory of bubble tea in Boston, I was thrilled to see this trend migrate to Nola. They have various flavors of bubble tea which includes blueberry, green apple, banana, honeydew, strawberry, and milk tea. You can even add tapioca or coconut lychee if you want that jelly factor in your bubble tea. Even though Honeydeux is mostly noted for their tea, the wraps should not be overlooked. I ordered the Chipotle Steak wrap and it gave wraps a new meaning to me. The steak was on par and the peppers gave it quite a kick. They also serve soup, ice cream, and shaved ice. I would recommend this place to any tea lovers in the Nola area!
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HONEYDEUX
NINJA
8433 Oak St. Looking for a cheap Japanese meal? Go to NINJA! It is one of the best sushi restaurants in New Orleans. I got the Chicken Teriyaki for lunch at the low cost of $7.95! It came with rice, a salad, miso soup, and fruit. I wasn’t able to eat it all but it made for good leftovers! When you enter NINJA, you find yourself in bar. Fear not! The restaurant is located on the second floor! You can sit at the sushi bar or in a table. The restaurant is modern with some unique touches like cuckoo clocks going off every hour. The menu includes various tempura options and a never ending sushi list. No matter what you’re into, NINJA will have something that will make you want to come back again!
8227 Oak St.
Mellow Mushroom
This pizzeria strikes a perfect balance between healthy and delicious – they even have vegan cheese! In addition to pizza, they also offer a variety of calzones, sandwiches, and salads. If you like loud music, color-changing lights, and a TV at your table, go to the one in Metairie. If you prefer peace and quiet while you eat, I recommend the one on Oak Street. Either way, you’re guaranteed a great meal! Reviewed by Keely Mizell
So get out there and EAT!
By Lea Grzywacz THIRD EYE 11
comic
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Photograph by Karisma Price
ARTs & PROSe
feature
Photograph by Karisma Price
ans e l r O w e eN We Choos WE choose to live inside the lasso of The Mississippi, Though we rarely look at it, Churning brown, wide. We shoulder drunken weeks before Lent, Our city goes into heat. Mardi Gras beads come in throngs, Glittering strings of nothing worth fighting for. We acknowledge that spores of racism and mold grow, Hide behind wallpaper. We keep track. Do nothing. We are good at watching. If we decide to, we can tell you who New Orleans is. Â New Orleans, The old man that cannot read. Still, he buys the paper every day. New Orleans, the terrible child, Enfant terrible. Music. Violence. Kids crave both. We love a city that cannot be saved by levees. We are brilliant losers. by Karisma Price THIRD EYE 17
by Juan Fortunel
Photograph by Margaret Zrabkowski
You blow past good,cuz your more like great Your mentioned in most of the tracks that I make Don’t mind if they give a double take Cuz you know where you’ll be at the end babe With me cuz you know we belong You must be right,cuz them other girls wrong For the record,it’s been you all along And them other girls weak,but with you loves strong Uh,loves strong what can I say From your head to your feet,there ain’t nothing I would change Ain’t nobody judging covers when your on the front page So just stay the way you are,there’s nothing to rearrange And it’s kinda hard to believe but I do It’s been a minute,I’ll admit cuz,it’s true So just never change,stay real,stay true Cuz I don’t think I’d meet another girl like you.......
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The Devil by Derondice Reese
Toy Car by Allisyn Malsbury THIRD EYE 19
“My love is too Saturday night to have thrown back in my face” -Ntozake Shange
Singin’ among liquor bottles and beer cans in a slurred speech, I used to twirl to slow saxophone notes in the street. I’d spit on already damp concrete from a leaking fire hydrant, and stumble down dark alleys. I’d walk with men, fling my leg up in the air to see lamp light Beam off my skin, and strut down the street to my version of “Phenomenal Woman.” Sittin’ on the curb, waitin’ to recover, inchin’ closer to the lamp post with peelin’ paint just to feel the cool of the metal on my skin. No love on those Saturdays. In my dreams I’d see murals of music notes and women in bright chiffon skirts. Black women frozen, touched by lamp light in their time; black women whose legs were grazed by their garments as they twirled to a faded trumpet. Women that were once told they could not Drink or Smoke or drive on any day of the week. But this is a mural of Saturday, and this Saturday they love. Love to drive; Love to smoke; love to drink, and have sex. Love to love. This Saturday, they have wiped Vaseline on their legs, dressed in red, turquoise,and yellow skirts; they light cigarettes and dance in the streets to invisible music notes. They prepare to collect the absent love, the love thrown back.They’ll whisper to themselves, and caress their own thighs for other women, just as I have done for them.
-Matthew Draughter 20 THIRD EYE
Photograph by Janiece Marchand
Ways of Women
Eve The dominance she portrayed made the men she knew afraid, so they gave her busy work and made sure she was unpaid. They made her “place” the kitchen so her wrath they could evade, but if you treat her with disdain then she’s harder to restrain. She fought for them to be kinder so they put her in a binder, rising above her drama she made sure they knew her name. Woman. The mother of the earth, the bearer of all burdens, the cradle and the crib, and by far Adam’s best rib. So when you see her stride by, hair flipped, curves and all, just know that the scars she bears are the reason she stands tall.
Grayson Lirette
-Andreanna Atkins
Where are you? Her feet arranged a position to fleet across the surface. Lightly carving her skin into the wet bark Her soul has been torched With a stony face, “where are you?” Choking on salty misty air Waves ripple as they obey Poseidon’s order She waits alone With a stony face, “where are you?” She’s left alone in her mind Everything is silent, except her thoughts Calm water brightens as the sun peeks above the horizon With a stony face, “where are you?” Now she is aware but continues to ignore it. This love has become pragmatic With a stony face, “where are you?”
Harriet McDonald
Where are you? -Brenyatta Taylor
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Photograph by Armand Clark
Danaus Plexippus I hang upside down, J-足shaped, squirming. My skin splits open, and I am pale green. I writhe until the wrinkles smooth out. I know a golden line appears on my green surface 足 I have watched it happen to my siblings 足 but inside, I can feel myself dissolving. I wait, impatient, for my cells to reform. When this is over, I will be able to fly. -Keely Mizell
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Honey Honey drips from the tail of his slender, scaley, limbless body into my open mouth. My heat dissolves the sugars. My fingers stick to his albino body. I swallow, laugh, and dip him back into the vat. -Julianna Nelson
SOL
I have this... Desire to shine, To rise, From the ashes that have become me, Undone me-Drained and stained me, I will not let pain win. I have this... Desire to be subtle, But POWERFUL, Like how the wind Drifts softly... Has the power not only to uplift flowers, But to uproot the largest of trees... Like how the water, Can cleanse you, Renew you, Save you... But can also unhinge you, Send you Drifting unexpectedly... Knock you off of your feet. I want words that soothe you, Words that move you, Words that inspire, Get you higher And... I want words that are so STRONG That you can’t help but succumb to me, Grow numb when I speak, Because the feeling I give to you is narcotic. I want to be FELT, Do you feel me? I don’t want to be characterized By being victimized, Tortured, bruised, and lessened By men Whose skin is lighter than mine. I don’t want to be Restrained, chained, Pouring my heart out in letters from a jail cell.
See... I’ve settled for hell for too long... I’ve felt like I didn’t belong For too long, Not realizing that hardships are inevitable, And that in the end, They make you stronger. I will not sell myself. I will not fail myself. I will not shape myself in the image that someone else created for me to live up to. I will not live in fear, Nor doubt, Nor misery, simply because I’m told that this is how it’s supposed to be. Settling is not an option. I will radiate, Like the stars and the sun.. And I’ll watch for the looks on their faces, stricken by amazement As my name goes Down in history with the greats. I will pave new roads for my brothers and sisters. I will bring forth a new hope for the misses and misters Who want to know that their desire to educate Wasn’t in vain.. I will please my mother, Become strengthened by the pride that shines from her eyes as she’s able to say That her daughter escaped the grasp of society and succeeded, despite all the failure that preceded her. I will... Dedicate myself to achieving greatness, ‘Cause it has been stated, That dreams are just misguided hopes, Visions created in vanity, If you aren’t willing to do what it takes To make them into reality. -Janiece Marchand -Digital Collage by Brenyatta Taylor
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ARTISTS: 1. Tina Tran, 2. Eddrina Owens, 3. Anne Vullo, 4. Melina Chester, 5. Taylor Pavlovich 6. Lindsay Smith, 7. Chloe S., 8. Christie Cutrer, 9. Blair Cassidy, 10. Margo Roussel, 11. Claudia Rodriguez, 12. Catherine Algero 24 THIRD EYE
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ARTISTS: 1. Abigail Sewell, 2. Anna Michiels, 3. Kaitlin Daly, 4. Olivia Mitchell, 5. Noel Rivers, 6. Beth LaCour, 7. Katie Wherry, 8. Andrea Remy, 9. Chloe Evans, 10. Amira Muhsen, 11. Chris Kerry, 12. Inara Phayer THIRD EYE 25
Our New Orleans Told in Photographs
by Janiece Marchand
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Skate Scene Photography by Martin Skate Valdez
COMIC
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FASHION
What Are You Wearing ???????? HAMSA HAND
The open right hand, is a sign of protection that also represents blessings, power, and strength, and is seen as potent in deflecting the evil eye. Also The Eye in Hand symbol is a multi-cultural expression of the interactive bond between two essential human senses, touch and sight. As such, it is the icon that represents the user-created 3D virtual world community “Second Life.”
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UPSIDE -DOWN CROSS
The inverted cross, or the Petrine cross, comes from as early as 200 AD. It represents the crucification of St. Peter, who was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus Christ. Instead of representing antichrist, as many people believe it to represent today, it is actually a symbol of devotion to Jesus. It’s popularity caught on when an image of the Pope donning the Petrine cross went viral on the Internet as an effort to prove the links between the Catholic Church and Satanism.
TRIANGLES!
The triangle is so commonly seen on clothing, in earrings, and tattooed, that we forget to ask, where did it come from? The upside-down pink triangle was originally used to identify gay prisoners in Nazi concentration camps, but has been reappropriated by the gay community as a symbol of pride. Triangles have also been said to reveal the secret order of the cosmos. It is also argued that triangles are simply mathematical tools, for example, the Pythagorean Theorem ...
THRIFT SHOP FASHION
MODELED AND DESIGNED BY THE CAC TEEN BOARD PHOTOS TAKEN BY THE TEEN BOARD with ZAC MANUEL
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COVER PAGE: Left to Right: Janiece Marchand, Helene Lovett, Keely Mizell, Niya Royal, Tamara Singleton, Madeline Carlson, and Karisma Price.
I wear your granddad’s clothes I look incredible I’m in this big #$$ coat From that
thrift shop
down the road -(“Thrift Shop” a great song
to do a fashion shoot to)
LOOK TO THE LEFT: Upper left: Brenyatta Taylor. Upper Right: Niya Royal, Helene Lovett, Karisma Price. Bottom Left: Karisma Price Bottom Right: Brenyatta Taylor, Julia-Anne Harris, Niya Royal.
THIS PAGE: Janiece Marchand, Tamara Singleton, Julian Hayes, Madeline Carlson, Brenyatta Taylor. THIRD EYE 37
According to Tamara Singleton
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Teen Board and
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teen zine were made possible by the generosity of The Zemurray Foundation The CAC Teen Board is a group of 11 highly motivated and creative teens who want to play an active role in their arts community. Teen Board members execute their own outreach program to give Teens in the New Orleans area access to a top-rated arts center, to help craft teen-centered arts programming, deepen their understanding of the arts, and build essential life skills. They work with professionals to develop experience in curation, marketing, and development as well as specified art forms. The 2012-2013 Teen Board created an Open Stage Night which invited all teens to take the stage, curated an exhibition featuring 90 works of art from teens around New Orleans, hosted workshops in film-making, print-making, and graphic design, as well as created the magazine you hold in your hand. If you would like to hear more about the Teen Board or would like to join it please e-mail teenboard @cacno.org or go to cacno.org to see what is coming up next! Teen Board Coordinator: Veronica Hunsinger-Loe Teen Board Intern: Shelby Stoor Cover Art by Brenyatta Taylor Special thanks to
Thanks to Ken Korman, Yuka Petz and Nathaniel Kusinitz for helping to make this zine possible.
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for Arts.
Contemporary Arts Center :: 900 Camp St. New Orleans, LA 70130 :: 504.528.3805 40 THIRD EYE