Crooked Teeth Magazine Mar/Apr Issue by Caitlin Angelica

MAR/APR 2011 ISSUE #2

LOVE 04 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 05 FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS 07 EDITOR’S PICKS 14 CAKE IN 15 83 COOKING CORNER 89 LAST LOOK

MUSIC 19 MIXTAPE 21 GABE BARNETT 23 THE ROYAL ENGINE COMPANY 27 LUCY MICHELLE & THE VELVET LAPELLES 29 THE ERICKSONS 31 I’M NOT DEAD/I’M NOT A ROBOT

FASHION 09 THE MINNEAPOLIS AFFAIR 15 VAGABOND YOUTH 33 PEACHES & CREAM PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID MENDOLIA 73 NIGHT LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BAOHIEN NGO

ART 47 JOSETTE AANAKWAD CLOUD 51 LUKE SMITHERS 55 ABBY MARLOT 59 EMME GLIDDEN 63 ALEXIS MIRE 69 DAVID MENDOLIA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Caitlin Angelica FOUNDERS Caitlin Angelica Eliza Cate India Hoppie

EDITORS Caitlin Angelica Eliza Cate India Hoppie Marissa Griffin Skye Horton David Mendolia Baohien Ngo Nina Ewest Neichelle Loh DESIGN Caitlin Angelica

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

We did it! The second issue of Crooked Teeth Magazine. The editors and I know it’s long over due, we also know it’s worth it. I hope while seeing the editorials, and reading through the music and art you feel inclined to go outside and enjoy the (well almost) springtime warmth. I hope you have the urge to go to a local musician’s show and enjoy friendly well known faces. I hope this magazine sparks a love for locality and it’s importance. I hope it compells you to love the terrific and creative people that Minneapolis holds and I hope you know how much work really went into it’s pages. Our last hope- We hope you know how much we love and thank you. Love,

Caitlin Angelica Editor-In-Chief

SELF-PORTRAIT BY CAITLIN ANGELICA

“SPRING MEANS NEW BEGINNINGS - ARE YOU PLANNING ANYTHING NEW?” NAME: Rikki Roath AGE: 16 WHAT: Models in the story “Peaches & Cream” (35).

“Well, I am about to have a new beginning; since I finished high school it's time to model full time in ASIA! A new job in a new place, what a perfect way to start Spring!”

NAME: Emily Mendoza AGE: 19 WHAT: “Poetry Corner” feature (85)

"I am indeed: I just started a new Polaroid project and next month I will be performing in The Vagina Monologues at Macalester College. I will also be planting my own garden and falling in love again."

NAME: David Mendolia AGE: 20 WHAT: Artist feature, (69) and shot Rikki for “Peaches & Cream (35).

"This spring I am going to start cycling more seriously and hopefully shooting 8x10 transparencies" ALL PHOTOS BY DAVID MENDOLIA

See David and Rikki’s work “Peaches & Cream” (35). Photo by David Mendolia, Model is Rikki @ Ignite Models Ins. Styling by Caitlin Angelica and David Mendolia, All clothing from Rewind Vintage

1. Brittany Reagan 2. Dennis Miles 3. Machkenzie Noelle 4. Lukasz Weirzbowsk 5. Lauren Treece 6. Anne H

BLOGGING DUO WINONA AND REED GREY TELL THE STORY OF EVERYDAY MINNEAPOLIS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS ON THEIR STREET FASHION BLOG THE MINNEAPOLIS AFFIR

What do you hope to portray to your readers? We try to not be too overt in what we are going for and to allow our readers to choose what they get out of it. Some follow us for the photography and care little about fashion, while for others it's the reverse. Some people follow us just because they love Minneapolis.

Do you ever get nervous when photographing strangers? In the very beginning we weren't sure how to approach it, but we've had so many great experiences that we're really comfortable with it now. Most people are flattered when we ask to shoot their picture and we've ended up making a lot of new friends. It's especially fun when we shoot someone and later find out that we have mutual acquaintances.

How old were you when you discovered an interest in photography?

Wynona started by shooting self portraits when she was 19. It was a difficult time in her life and she wanted to communicate something that she couldn't say with words.

What inspired you to start Minneapolis Affair? We love the culture here and wanted to capture it somehow. What other blogs do you follow and draw inspiration from? We love Jahna Peloquin's blog, le Petit Connaisseur de la Mode.

How do you decide who to approach when out shooting?

We give ourselves a lot of flexibility in this and our decisions are always very intuitive. We've passed up some amazing looking people because it just didn't feel right maybe they looked busy or in a bad mood. Sometimes fashion has nothing to do with it; one of our favorite pictures was of this amazing dog just outside Muddy Waters. In general, though, we're looking for a style that brings all of the pieces together into one cohesive look. And shoes. We love shoes.

INTERVIEW BY MARISSA GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE MINNEPOLIS AFFAIR

What makes fashion in Minnesota special? Figuring out how to survive winter is a special challenge. What do you love most about Minneapolis? Wow, that's a big question. We would have to say that it's the people here that make it stand out the most. What are you looking forward to with the coming of Spring? The later sunset! We haven't been able to shoot the evening crowd because we only shoot in natural light. What is your favorite personal item of clothing? Wynona has a dress that was her grandma's.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE MINNEPOLIS AFFAIR

CAKE IN 15 BLOGGER DUO STACY SWANSON STORM LOCAL MUSIC, ART,

SHWARTZ AND CARL THE WIDE WEB WITH AND FASHION.

www.cakein15.com So the first thing people ask, and even if they don’t ask it, they think it when they hear the name CakeIn15, is, “What does that mean?” That was the first post that Stacy (who bogs under “Staciaann”) ever put up, back when she started the blog four years ago. Long story short, Stacy was talking to a friend of hers and the friend, having a crappy day stuck in her desk-bound, paper-pushing office job, said something to the effect of, “At least there will be cake in 15 minutes, so I’ll put off complaining for 30.” Which is pretty much how we feel about music in relation lots of other stuff. Modern life can be crappy, relationships difficult and dayjobs sapping and numb, but at least there is music, and once you get the sweet stuff, everything seems lighter. Stacy blogged by herself for about a year, and then we started dating and I started writing for the blog. We’re not part of a professional news organization and don’t feel like we need to cover everything or beat everyone else to the punch, although a premiere or a scoop is nice. (Who doesn’t like scoops with their cake?) CakeIn15 lets us talk about music

(and theater and art and fashion and politics) in the way that we want to, showing off the things we are excited by and supporting our own local scene. It lets us develop and showcase our own skills- photo and text, and we’ve had some great help along the way- talented folks like Alexa Jones, Dan O’Neil, Pat O’Brien and Jeff McLaughlin have all contributed at some point or another. We hope that we’re creating something personal, informed and opinionated, that what we post up is an extension of what we already do in the world. One of the best things we’ve done is started up the Cake Shop house shows. It’s totally selfish- we get some of our favorite bands to play in our living room, and in exchange, audiences get intimate showcases and bands get chances to try out new material and some financial support. Bands use the money to tour, pay rent, finish up discs- Jeremy Messersmith used the proceeds from his “Murder & Death” houseshow to pay for the string section on The Reluctant Graveyard! We also keep a pretty great calendarnot everything that goes on in town, but handpicked shows and events, things we want to support and would like to see you out at, because it’s a great scene and its only made better when we take part in it. After all, we do live here. -as told by Carl Swanson (blogs under c.a.s) (logo design created by killtaupe.tumblr.com)

AMY LEE IS A 17 YEAR OLD FASHIONISTA RESIDING IN CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA. BETWEEN SCHOOL, A PART-TIME JOB AND FRIENDS SHE RUNS VAGABOND YOUTH A BRAND NEW ONLINE VINTAGE SHOP.

How did you come about starting two online businesses at the age of 16? I originally came upon the idea of opening an online boutique for handmade accessories when I was fifteen with my 18 year old cousin. We had seen people off etsy and lookbook and had been inspired by them. My cousin was always the crafty person in my family whereas my fortĂŠ was computer graphic design, working with Adobe Photoshop, and HTML so we decided to essentially team up and launch what would soon be known as BAMF Accessories. However, she was too busy with college applications so the business was under my wing for a year and a half. During that time, I spent a lot of my weekends making clay cupcake necklaces and phone charms

with my best friend. It was only until the spring of 2010 I realized that this business was not for me; I was not the type of person who liked to spend long hours doing tedious work like applying sprinkles on a 5 centimeter clay cupcake. I had found a huge interest in vintage clothing and decided others would enjoy it as well. Thus, in June of 2010 VAGABOND YOUTH was born.

The creators of Crooked Teeth are in their teen years too, do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs? I don't really consider it as advice but rather the motto I personally go by- don't have expectations, standards or anything that has potential to disappoint you. Just have a vision. Know what you want and how you're going to get it. Who is your fashion icon? Rumi Neely, Mary Kate Olsen, Abbey Lee Kershaw, and Alexa Chung are definitely some people to emulate style-wise even though I generally look to fashion blogs for most ideas and trends. Most of my favorite blogs are foreign. I love girls my age or a little older who are kicking ass in the fashion industry. Lisa Olsson and Filippa Smeds have been my favorite bloggers since I was fourteen! What is the one thing that really inspires you to keep going in the fashion business? The vision. I want to make it so that it's not just what I see, but what other people will eventually see too. Creativity also plays a major role in anything I want to accomplish, as I'd be nowhere without it! When you are out searching for those one of a kind vintage finds, what do you really try to look for? Truthfully I don't necessarily look for anything in particular. I don't shop thinking "these are really trendy right now so I have to get them!". I basically walk into a giant store and I can literally spend about five hours there, then move onto another and spend another three hours until every store is shut down. Whatever I find interesting, unique, or "one-ofa-kind" in that period of time is mine! Well, Vagabond's. Sometimes I think the ability to find things is innate though. You either have it or you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

What is your goal with the store? Like I said, I don't really work with standards or expectations. Therefore, I don't work "long term" or towards a goal albeit I know people say that this is the key to success and it's bad not to have any goals, but personally I think this works better for me. I don't ever want to be disappointed in what I do because I didn't make this many sales this year or because a celebrity didn't endorse my store. In truth, I just want to be content with whatever I am doing. Of course I have minor goals, such as shipping to every state in the US (I even have a map to color every state I've shipped to on my bulletin board. Texas, we're coming after you!) and hit more of the bigger countries out there, branch out to menswear, do in-person events, et cetera. If I really wanted to picture where VAGABOND YOUTH would be in the next five or ten years, I would most likely see it as an independent online retailer for independent/underground designers with a sprinkle of brand name designers such as Jeffrey Campbell, Dolce Vita, Alexander Wang and the like. That's only a dream though... if I could do this for the rest of my life, I would. What is the best vintage piece you have found? Ahh there are so many great finds! Rarely do I ever keep things for myself but I found the best dark forest green knitted over-sized cardigan a couple months back and had to keep it. It's warm and cozy with giant pockets for when you don't have a place to put your cellphone. I'm truly a sucker for a good cardigan. Some of the things I have sold that I think are the best are the floral lace dress which was originally a long maxi dress that we transformed into a mini with some scissors and this retro 80's sweater with bright hues of pink and purple- both of which sold on the first day they were put up!

Do you aspire to stay in the fashion business as a career? I don't really see myself in fashion realistically, but idealistically I would love to have a career in graphic design for major fashion labels. For example, I'd love to do the product packaging design for Chanel or Alexander Wang. That's what I really want to look into- a career in product packaging design or business marketing. With Vagabond, I definitely think I'm using skills needed for both careers.

Favorite article of clothing? Because I refuse to wear jeans, I am eternally attached to my black skinny jeggings. They have faux pockets and a good thickness to them but are the comfiest things ever. Definitely a staple for every girl's closet! What do you predict for the store in general? I can't predict but can only hope that VAGABOND YOUTH will continue to have the support system it has right now (Mom, I'm talking about you!) and will only expand its name to more and more corners of the world. Do you think that Vagabond Youth will be a bigger success then BAMF was? Yes! BAMF was an unorganized business as I skimped on inventory and product materials with the $80 monthly allowance I received from my mom. I didn't have any organization and once I got the money from my customers, I spent it on useless things so I never knew if I ever was really making profit. However, it gave me a lot of experience with working with Paypal, web design, and inventory check. With BAMF, I had no idea what direction I was going or who I was marketing to. Now I have great organization skills and a clearer sense of what I'm doing and to whom. How do you manage your time between the store, school and friends? On top of VAGABOND, I also work as a part time tutor for elementary children three out of five days of the school week. Because it's my junior year of high school, everything kind of just overloads and piles on. It's hard to focus on sin & cos or cellular respiration when I have three orders waiting to be sent out. I have a really bad habit of taking care of my work before my school work and sometimes my sleep schedule and test scores suffer because of it.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VAGABOND YOUTH

MIXTAPE: A LOCAL MINDSET

My Darling Light Caroline Smith with Jesse Schuster Sketches of Rattlesnakes Northern Howl Beautiful Children Jeremy Messersmith St. Paul Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles Make-Make Paper Tiger Kites Dessa All My Friends Fort Wilson Riot The Places Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m From The Alarmists Meet Me In The Mornin -Bob DylanPair Of Socks The Broken Bicycles Life After Life The Sudden Lovelys Forces of the Unseen Cloud Cult

PHOTO BY CAITLIN ANGELICA

MUSIC

WE TRULY ARE BLESSED in the Twin Cities with an abundance of local musicians. It doesn't take long for a person to find a band that they personally resonate with. My favorite part of the music scene here is walking into a small venue, or coffee shop, and recognizing familiar faces. It's easy to feel bonded with strangers when you're sharing the joy of a performance merely inches away. Not only are you bound to discover musician after musician of raw sincerity, but your favorite songs will reference the very city you live in,

creating a whole new level of connection. During any concert, it is easy to forget that the musicians are, in fact, people too. However, with local musicians, you are almost always guaranteed a chance to speak to those whom you were just admiring on stage, if you so wish. If you haven't already taken a chance to explore the wide range of music, and the friendly faces behind those songs, here in minneapolis: check out some of our favorites here at Crooked Teeth. -Marissa Griffin

GABE BARNETT & THE BIG HOUSE JUG BAND GENRE: FOLK LABEL: INDEPENDENT

We often find our “folk” music being diluted from its raw twangy origins with crystal clear notes and poppy choruses. However, Gabe Barnett gifts us a refreshing taste of the raw beginnings of folk in the shape of a young inspirational man in our own cities. As traditional as Gabe sounds, his childhood wasn't the farm dwelling, banjo twanging, train-hopping vision you may imagine. Barnett's earliest music fascination was Michael Jackson. He even went so far as to include an infamous moonwalk on stage to receive his kindergarden diploma. Next, he found himself learning the harmonica, a 12th birthday gift from

his dad. Later, during high school, he picked up a guitar and taught himself the familiar power chords required to start a punk band. “I thought I'd never be into Bob Dylan. I thought that was hippie bullshit music,” added Gabe, when speaking about his beginnings. Yet, today, Bob Dylan, our own local folk hero, serves as an inspiration for him. At first listen, punk and folk seem at quite the opposite ends of the musical spectrum. However, when Barnett found himself without a band, but armed with plenty of free time and an acoustic guitar, he started yearning to learn more and more about the variety of music you

can create with nothing more than that. It was shows are vague, “You just kinda go though it. then that the world of folk was revealed to him Its like a 45 minute mushroom trip or something. through what he knew best, his favorite punk You're singing your songs and you're aware bands. He connected the dots from Screeching of what you're doing and you know what Weasel to the Ramones to Rancid to X all the you're saying and you're connecting with the way up to Johnny Cash, Lou audience but at the same time Reed, Bob Dylan, and to his there's this whole other thing “I’M NOT VERY classic inspiration, Woodie that goes on in your head.” Guthrie. He listed off well over AMBITIOUS. I THINK For Gabe, it's always about 20 bands, all in a row, during THERE’S AMBITION IN the music and personal our interview to describe THAT THOUGH. SOCIETY fulfillment as opposed to just how punk derives it's impressing anyone else. He TELLS US TO BE inspiration from folk music. If told us earnestly, “Really the you're going to have a chat STRIVING FOR THESE only benefit of playing music with this music whiz, I hope BIG GREAT GLORIOUS on like the small club scene you are prepared with pen and WORLDY THINGS THAT in the Twin Cities, is free beer paper, for rigorous note taking. and the satisfaction of knowing DON’T MATTER” Now, after years of composing you got to do something you folky tunes, you would never love. And I'm not even a big drinker so really know that Gabe hasn't been playing folk his just the satisfaction of doing something you entire life. After playing solo for a few years, love.” It quickly becomes apparent that Gabe Barnett's friends began jamming with him at is uniquely humble. He jumped at any and a collective house, every opportunity they dubbed “The to compliment Big House.” After and raise up hearing the magic the people he being created in his appreciates, home, he began while consistently extending an open proving that not invitation to friends just his music, who wanted to play but every aspect alongside him at his of his life is gigs. “The summer for the joy and of 2009, there'd be gratification. like 13 people at Many of his any given show that songs are easily would show up and read as politically we'd have a whole orchestra practically. People charged, yet he explains that it's not about who never played on stage or in a formal convincing others of his beliefs. “The songs practice would show up,” Barnett explained. It that seem to have more of a message or is those who stuck around through our long be more like a protest song, it's more of a Minnesota winters that comprise his usual reminder to myself. I don't really want to lead back-up band today which he conveniently a life that is tied to the mainstream's ideas of named The Big House Jug Band, after his success. I'm not here to worship money, I'm home. “At anytime you can show up at the here to worship life or whatever the hell it is big house, which is where my band gets its that made the trees and the sun and all of us.” name, because its all these idiots that want to As an independent musician who's in it for the live with each other,” said Gabe. When asked joy of things, Gabe isn't too concerned about to describe his experiences performing he getting caught up in the competitive sides of explains that the memories themselves from things. He's appears to be living in the moment,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAITLIN ANGELICA AND MARISSA GRIFFIN

when asked about future plans, he justified a lack of ambition: “[I want to] continue what I want to do, and for the most part I like taking it easy and I like writing songs and playing music, laying around reading books. I like to say I retired when I graduated high school. So basically I'm floating...I'm not very ambitious. I think theres ambition in that though. Society tells us to be striving for these big great glorious worldy things that don't matter. That's what we all should be shooting for, personal content.” So, for now, once our icy snow and cold clear out, you can find our friend Gabe enjoying bonfires with his crew at The Big House, exploring railroad bridges, and performing on the porch at Grumpy's Bar, in what he describes as: “Very in the folk tradition.” -Marissa Griffin

MICAH PATCHIN, AARON BRISTOW, AND ZAK STELTER GENRE: FOLK ROCK LABEL: INDEPENDENT

MICAH, AARON AND ZAK INVITE MARISSA TO THEIR HOURSE FOR COFFEE AND A JAM SESSION.

For myself, there is no sound more satisfactory or more comforting than that made from the voices of harmonizing boys. When you add that goodness with the high energy and classic twang of The Royal Engine Company, it's pure magic. These three young men discovered something much greater than the usual deserted pizza boxes in a college dorm room: They found musical compatibility like no other. The Royal Engine Company are entering the music scene here in Minneapolis

with crisp skill while holding on tight to the free-spirited sincerity that comes from relaxing with good friends. The warm playful dynamic between these three is apparent and will make you feel right at home whether you're at a show or listening to a cd. With one album down, they are looking forward to continuing on and blessing us with a new album this coming fall or winter. So get yourself ready for more earnest folky tunes from this crew! -Marissa Griffin

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARISSA GRIFFIN

What do you love most about being a musician in the Twin Cities? “The people that we meet. Everybody knows each other so it seems like you meet one person and then that person introduces us to other people so it just spreads out so rapidly.” -Micah

What are your memories of your first show together? “We had just been playing in the dorms a bunch and kind of just needed an excuse to keep playing. So, we just booked the first gig we thought we could get, just so we'd have something to work towards and a reason to keep playing. That was one thing that really kept the band together in the primitive stages, trying to rally together for that gig We had about 50 or 60 people who came out which was really encouraging, but it was kind of scary for playing for all of your closest and dearest friends on your very first show.” -Micah

LUCY MICHELLE, ASHLEY BOMAN, GEOFF FREEMAN, EAMONN MCLAIN, CHARLIE SMITH, JESSE SCHUSTER, CHRIS GRAHAM GENRE: FOLK, ROCK, GYPSY, MOUNTAIN, DANCE, JAZZ., LABEL: INDEPENDENT

Lucy Michelle and The Velvet Lapelles are a Minneapolis gem that we all need to keep our eyes and ears locked on; For they are well on their way to making local music history! Together for three and a half years now, The Velvet Lapelles are in constant motion: Creating new sounds, performing for their local enthusiasts, as well as gracing other states with their presence on tours. Their shows are guaranteed to be filled with spunky energy and

are bound to make you wonder how so many good looking people can share one stage so easily. If you ask me, their albums were made to be put on repeat and zealously sung along with. Yet, you'll find yourself unable to match Lucy's passionate, unique vocals. If you haven't already, give them a listen and be drawn into the comforting sounds of a distinctive full layered Minneapolis band. -Marissa Griffinn

What are your memories of your first show together as a whole band? “Our first show isn't to much to speak of but the first year of shows were pretty nuts. We played probably over a 100 shows in a real short amount of time. One being a travelling freakshow at Big V's! Only one of us had a car at that time so we ended up shoving most all of our stuff into my room mates car and biking to a lot of our shows. All of this was while the majority of us where in school. We learned so much in that one year, and have carried that with us since then.” –Lucy Michelle

What do you love most about being a musician in the Twin Cities? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Twin Cities are so supportive, I don't know if we could have had the same local success if we had been living in another city. It's truly humbling how many people continuously come to our shows and let us know their thoughts afterwards. I really appreciate that interaction. I love Minnesota and it's great place to be a musician!â&#x20AC;? -Lucy Michelle

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE BAND

BETHANY VALENTINI AND JENNY KOCHSIEK GENRE: FOLK LABEL: INDEPENDENT

What are your memories of your first show together? We had no real idea what we were doing. We just put together a list of our songs and got up on stage and played them. I remember breaking a string during one of our first shows and sort of panicking. Mostly, we just had fun and hoped that it would go alright.

Band members typically have a bond and sense of loyalty towards one another. However, the Erickson's dedication and connection literally goes as deep as the blood flowing in their veins, for they are sisters. This duo originally began playing together during 2007 in New York. Yet, now these musical sisters have found a home in our own beloved state of Minnesota! If you happen to be a fan of other whimsical and

What do you love most about being a musician in the Twin Cities? People here seem to care about local artists and they seem to recognize when an artist is doing something honest and original. We have felt very supported.

folky acts that balance themselves with strings and harmonies, such as The Wailin' Jennys or The Weepies: you'll certainly find listening to The Erickson's to be a treat. Their heartfelt tunes stir nostalgia within myself for the days of green grass, heat, blue skies, and freedom that we all start to crave for this time of the year. Currently touring, these gals are touching many more than just our Minnesotan hearts.

29 PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAITLIN ANGELICA

BAND MEMBERS: JASON MCLAUGHLIN GENRE: ACOUSTIC SINGER/SONGWRITER LABEL: OLD FASHIONED RECORDS

I'm Not Dead/I'm Not A Robot is, in fact, true to it's name. Not dead, nor robot, but a living, breathing, and thriving Twin Cities musician by the name of Jason McLaughlin. He recently dove head first into pursuing music after befriending the man behind the banjo music that filled his own apartment building. That man turned out to be no other than Thomas Maddux, who went on to start Old Fashioned Records, and encourage Jason to play his music for more ears than just

his own. We all should thank him for it, too! Armed with an acoustic guitar, and original song writing skill, McLaughlin is certainly a new face on the block who is worth not just one listen, but an abundance of them. It doesn't get more personal or genuine than one man sharing his words and voice alone. Look for his cd that was released at the beginning of the year, properly titled: I'm Tired Of Being Quiet. -Marissa Griffin

What are your memories of your first show? My first performance as I'm Not Dead/I'm Not A Robot was nerve-wracking. There were only a few people there. I had been playing for my own enjoyment in my living room for years before I finally decided to play for a crowd. All that build up made me feel very nervous until I started playing, and then I calmed down significantly. I remember afterward someone asking me if she could buy my CD, and that really boosted my confidence, since it was just my first time performing. What do you love most about being a musician in the Twin Cities? Holy crap, it's so great. I just started playing shows and recording about 6 months ago, and I already know so many great people because of music. I haven't come across any jerks, or people who are up on a high horse. It's very camaraderie-based, and very comfortable. I love the bands I play with, and that makes the shows so much better. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARISSA GRIFFIN

CAITLIN ANGELICA AND JASON AFTER A CHILLY ALLEY SHOOT!

photographed by David Mendolia

model is Rikki @ Ignite Models Inc. styled by Caitlin Angelica & David Mendolia all clothing from Rewind Vintage

ART

JOSIE MCLOUD LUKE SMITHERS ABBY MARLOT EMME GLIDDEN ALEXIS MIRE DAVID MENDOLIA

JOSETTE AANAKWADCLOUD HOMETOWN: MINNEAPOLIS AGE: 19

What is your favorite medium to work with? Well recently I have been working with pen and colored pencil and I really like that, but I also really enjoy acrylic paint.

Is there a certain weather, mood, or day that can inspire you immediately? When the weather is bad (snowing, raining etc.) And when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m cooped up I seem to be more inspired.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, is there any musician that inspires you most? Do you associate any of your pieces with a song or musician because you were listening to it as you worked? Yes sometimes I listen to music but I just put my music device on shuffle and listen to whatever comes on. Did you ever take art classes or are you self-taught? If selftaught, how did you get into art and what did you do to arrive at the level you're at now? Well I did take high school art classes and one photography class and MCTC. My high school art teacher did teach me a lot but mostly he just let me do my thing and would rarely give me advice unless I asked. I also have been doing art since I was very little so you could maybe say I was self taught too. Was there a "defining" moment in your life when you realized that you were an artist? I think when my art teacher in high school gave me recognition for my art and put me in a couple art shows, that is when I really thought I might be an artist. I have always thought I was a little artistic but that is when I thought I was an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Artistâ&#x20AC;?. It is still hard for me sometimes to think I am an artist. How frequently do you produce art pieces? Well I think I probably make a piece once or twice a month.

Do you have a single favorite piece of your own? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have a favorite piece at the moment. When I was 16 or so I really liked a self portrait I did, it symbolized some of the things I was going through at that time in my life and it was very healing and rewarding to finish it. What artists do you admire most? I really admire Frida Kahlo, Joel Peter Witkin and Jacques Fabien Gautier.

Are there any other fields you haven't tried but would like to? I would really like to try print making and welding but I have never had the chance. What other areas of art do you explore in? I do some photography but, I mostly just do drawing and painting. What is your favorite place in minneapolis and why? Hmmm, that is a hard question. I love all of Minneapolis. Anywhere near the river makes me the happiest, like Boom Island or St. Anthony main because I grew up in that area. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Hmm hopefully finishing college and trying to jus t be happy haha. What is the most rewarding part of creating art? I think the most rewarding part is getting those certain emotions I am feeling at that time out of my system. All of my art is really personal and all of my pieces have a particular meaning to them so it Is really nice to finally see those emotions, thoughts and beliefs on paper and right in front of me. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? I would have to say strawberry.

HOMETOWN: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS AGE: 16

Who or what inspires you most? I’m really inspired by poetry (Sylvia Plath and Elizabeth Bishop are my favorite poets.) and other photos in general. Whenever I want inspiration, I can always go into an antique stores and leave with several shoots in mind. Objects that hold a past almost always possess a magical future, whether it be a future I invented through an imaginary concept or not.

What is your favourite camera you've ever worked with? I will say my favorite camera I’ve ever worked with would be my Polaroid 600 SE. There’s something special about instant photography. It is the only camera I own that can make me scream, come close to tears, and jump up and down, all within a matter of minutes.

What's your artistic process? (How do you see a photo from idea to completion?) The process begins by my sketching down a concept and then scouting for the required props and appropriate location. I always think it will be easy from there, but getting a model always proves more difficult than expected. Friends aren’t always reliable, and I’ve never worked with a professional model.

How has photography impacted your life/the way you live? Do you see things differently? Definitely! Photography has preserved my imagination from dwindling with my older age. Though I’m 16, I still dream of castles and treasure, with a sunset thrown in for good lighting.

Tell us about your first experience with photography. A moment that stands out to me is when I was visiting my brother at college with my parents. I was bored, so I began playing with my mom’s digital point-and-shoot. Thinking what I was doing was artful, I started collecting trash throughout the day and placing it in fake plants and taking photos of it. My brain was all over the place.

Is there a reason you use female models in your work? I’ve never photographed a guy beside myself for a shoot. I’ve been around girls so much that it would alien for me to shoot a guy. To be honest, most of my friends are girls, and they are the only ones available, so I work with them. I also think that the world is made where it is easier to dress a girl up and take a photo and be pleased with the result (How exciting can I guy in a suit be?). They are more possibilities using female models. If only the world was different…

What are your best and worst photography-related experiences? I’ve had many photo scares. I went through a period where all my lenses ended up on the ground cracked. Now, it is more of the wrong place at the wrong time. I was in California a few days ago and went to this mansion to take photos. I put on my brand new suit and everything. Every photo turned out bad because of the afternoon sun. Other experiences include being asked to take dozens of pinwheels off a golf course and getting strange looks after hanging plastic baby parts in a tree. My best photo experiences are always those that are unexpected.

What are some ideas you've had but hadn't been able to make happen?/ Shooting film usually means a few mishaps. Have you ever had any "happy accidents"? Oh, of course! That’s the reason I love my Polaroid 600 SE. Sometimes the colors are out of this world. Recently, I’ve starting using colored filters and have gotten some pretty cool results from that using my digital camera.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years, regarding your work? In three years? Hmmm. You know, I really can’t say. There’s no doubt I’ll be in college, but I really can’t say what my life plan will be then. I’m currently going to an art school for writing, so writing will probably still be a part of my life. Photography is something so special to me, and I’ll always keep shooting. No matter what, photography will still be with

HOMETOWN: MINNEAPOLIS AGE: 17

Where do you draw your inspiration from? I draw my inspiration from everyday experiences. I see the beauty in relationships, forgotten objects and locations, and the cyclical nature of life.

What artists, if any, do you admire most? I admire all artists for living creative lives, but I definitely admire Audrey Kawasaki.

How has attending an art high school, Perpich, benefited you most? Attending Perpich has been one of the best life decisions I've made. As an artist, the sheer amount of time that I'm able to devote to art has benefited my work above anything else. The teachers are phenomenal, and the opportunities to work as an artist outside of school are incomparable to other Minnesota high schools. What do you love most about the twin cities? I love the feeling of the Twin Cities and the mindset of the population. Both St. Paul and Minneapolis are two of my favorite places to spend time.

Are there any mediums or techniques that you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tried yet but would like to? I would love to try sculpture and weaving. I love to do both smallscale and large-scale work, and those two mediums are so versatile.

Do you use any symbolism in your artwork? I always use symbolism in my artwork- sometimes by accident! Even when I speak I will sometimes realize that I'm speaking in metaphor and I'll have to explain my train of thought. The symbolism in my art ranges from the use of certain colors to the placement of objects in my compositions.

Favorite kind of tea? I have never met a tea that I didn't like. The most meaningful teas in my life have been Jasmine Green, Earl Grey, Tazo's Zen, English Breakfast, and Teavana's Youthberry tea.

Do you intend to make art a career, or keep if for pleasure? I intend to go into business and keep art as one of my pleasures. I sell pieces here and there, but I do not plan to become a full-time selfsupported artist in the near future. Did you ever draw on the walls as a child? I was too afraid of the consequences to draw on the walls as a kid! What is the most rewarding part of creating? The most rewarding part of creating is knowing that I made something meaningful out of nothing. That I formed this embodiment of an idea that could not exist without my having created it.

Do you have any messages you hope to conveythrough your images? When it's important that I communicate something very specific in my work, I typically include text in a piece. For example, "Look Us in the Eyes" is a text-base piece that encourages people to examine their own opinions on samesex marriage equality. If I do not include text but still wish to convey a particular idea, I'll incorporate a dramatic facial expression on a subject or choose colors with specific emotional connotations.

How much planning goes into each piece before you create the final work? How much planning goes into each of my pieces depends on what I'm working on. It ranges from simply making art as a stream of consciousness, to planning for weeks before I begin a piece. Most often, I'll create art before I analyze what it is that I'm creating.

HOMETOWN: MINNEAPOLIS AGE: 17

Do you tend to use symbolism in your art? I would say yes, but I'm not sure if it comes across. My biggest trip lately has been the consideration of art as a language of its own, one that might be able to portray emotion in a more universal way. So with that being said, symbolism is really important to me. The challenge of it is learning how to turn my personal symbolism into

something that everyone can grasp. For me, my art talks most simply about desire, and choices. It's important for that to come across, but there is also a lot of beauty in the fact that what everyone else sees in my art is subject to what their lives have been like.

Do you prefer to work on one piece at time, or have several going at once? Ohh, I always have a million different things going on. Every now and then some really gripping idea will take me and I'll get absorbed by it more than the others, but I think it's refreshing to be able to change over to a different piece or project so I can come back to the big ones with new ideas or perspectives. How much planning ahead of time goes into each piece? It varies a lot, based on my mood. Sometimes the best thing in the universe is to just throw paint everywhere I possible can. Mostly that happens when I'm feeling something really giant and aggressive, like if I'm in a temper or really happy. But those feelings are very fleeting, they are impulsive and fast. The really profound feelings come to me slower than that, and that's usually when planning is called for, because there is something much more specific that I want to share.

We’ve noticed your art features female figures, is there a specific reason? Well, first off women are beautiful. But really, I think it's just a habit that I fell into. Not that I think it's bad, necessarily. I do draw men, but I think my inexperience makes me a little shy to it. It has been happening more often lately, but I guess I feel like I have to hone those abilities a little more before sharing with the world. What other mediums do you enjoy working with? That's an overwhelming question. I have a really hard time sticking to one thing. Lately everything I start turns into a soup of mediums. Acrylic paintings will also have details and designs done with markers, pencil drawings turn into watercolors, which in turn get gel penned with metallic colors or gold inks, and then finished with thicker paints. There are a lot more layers than people may assume. But outside of the world of canvases and paper, I've dipped my toes in lots of different art-oriented places; ceramics is big in my world right now, and my piano, though I'm not sure if that qualifies as a “medium”. In the end, I am open to anything. You can learn a lot from letting one “style” or “kind” of art consume you, but right now I find the idea limiting. I think it changes your way of looking at the world, and your art, to experiment. Where do you see yourself in 3 years, regarding your artwork? Life and art are so intertwined it's hard to talk about one without talking about the other, so it feels crucial to say that I won't be in MN much longer. That will change everything. Beyond that though, I can really only express my hopes. I don't want to talk about humans forever, with my art, I mean. I've been on a slow road to animals, particularly birds, and things with horns. I'm drawn a lot to animalpeople. Or maybe plant-people. I fantasize a whole, whole lot about doing really large installation pieces. It kind of makes me drool, actually. I would LOVE to be able to create spaces and worlds for people to experience. Being able to do that is, in my opinion, one of the ultimate artistic abilities, and is one of my biggest dreams for the future.

What's the biggest art-related mishap you've had? Hmm... So I know that this will disappoint anyone looking for a juicy and hilarious story, but... There are no artistic mishaps. I mean, if it threatened one's health, maybe, but accidents are truly a part of the process. I hope that one day I will have some incredibly humiliating stories to tell, because then I will have had some big learning experiences, but thus far there's been nothing so much more drastic then simple trial and error. Although, trying to build props for plays always seems to bring on a little trouble- but like I said, things usually work out with some poking and prodding. Interview me in ten years and I'll have something good. How old were you when you began drawing? It's hard to say. I can't really remember a time where I didn't draw or paint. I think it became really big when I was 7 or 8 though, because that's when I changed schools and suddenly I was allowed a lot more time to do things like that. It's interesting to look at art from when I was younger than that, it was a lot more abstract. I don't think I was as human-centric when all this first began...

How has being an artist shaped you, how would you be different without that form of expression? I definitely run the risk of sounding a little absurd by saying this, but art is everything to me. Either I was born with or I have acquired a sort of obsession with creating things. I mean, creating things. I want those words to sink in, because they are important. People have a tendency to want to get things done so fast. But we are capable of doing so much with our hands, why not slow down? I think everything we do deserves to be done with passion, observation. It's easier said than done, but I think that's where art stems from for me. I mean, art isn't about making something look pretty, it's about creating a way to communicate. We can make food, and share a taste with some one, a smell. We can paint a picture, and show the world how we feel. We can turn our thoughts into sound with music, it's like synesthesia. Art can communicate to all of the senses. It can be really hard to speak sometimes, but there is so much to be said. Creation really drives me. I don't think that I would feel sadder without it, necessarily, but I do think I'd be out of my skin, and I wouldn't know what to do with myself. When I feel something it comes out of my hands, I don't know what I'd do if it had nowhere to land. I could talk about this forever, and might not be able to fully describe it.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, is there any musician that inspires you most? Do you associate any of your pieces with a song or musician because you were listening to it as you worked? Yes! Yay! Music! This is a dangerous question because I might not ever stop talking about musicians I like. Music is like a secret limb of mine. I play piano, and I'm pretty much constantly listening to something or searching for new music. Musically, my source of inspiration really depends on the mood of my life, but I'll list of some big ones. Yann Tiersen (who I just saw live, which rekindled some old flames). There was a year that I was obsessed with Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. I had a big Portishead phase, and Beach House, Explosions in the Sky, and Jeff Buckley will probably never leave their little home in my heart. I definitely listen to music while I work, but more than associating a piece with a specific musician/ song, I relate my artwork to certain times in my life, which can, in turn, bring me back to certain music.

Who are some of your favorite artists? I'm a big art-hunter. I've had big â&#x20AC;&#x153;gallery-ownerâ&#x20AC;? dreams in that past. I'm definitely a fan of weird, sometime morbid, art. AND, if you are too, I have four words for you readers out there: Look up these artists. Chris Berens- seems like digital art, but it ain't! His process is very, very interesting, there's a video about it. James Jean has been totally influential on me, he does some digital stuff as well as traditional. Kate MacDowel is an awesome ceramics artist who works a lot with porcelain and has some creepy, political undertones to her work. Yoskay Yamamoto is a pretty cool painter/sculpture. Eric Fortune, Sam Weber, Stella Im Hultberg, there are so many. Can't forget that creepster Alex Pardee.

Best way to eat a wonton? With lovers, friends, and mango chutney, (or if your feelin' sweet, some powdered sugar). What is your favorite spot in minneapolis, and why? Depends on the time of day and time of year. I like crossing the bridge that connects Lake st. and Marshall in the few moments after sundown when the sky is dark but still luminescent and very blue, the color it turns the Mississippi is riveting. I like train tracks in the fall. Of course, the places I'm attracted to have a lot more to do with my memories than anything else. Take me anywhere, have some super-fun, it'll be my favorite ever.

HOMETOWN: FLORIDA AGE: 18

Recalling December 25, 2010 at approximately 5:30 PST The most mortal making moment of my life was having my chest pressed up against yours, feeling our cardiovascular systems palpitating in the same animal rhythm. Feeling your fear pressed right up against my own. Your instinctual feelings running through your anatomy, the basic symptoms of fear, of excitement. Your racing, rabbit heart. Your basic animal behavior. Not a heart as much as a ball of muscle pumping blood through your entire body, not a rib cage as much as a mess of bones to protect your delicate organ systems. You werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a man, but an anatomical masterpiece. A diagram, a temporary little life that I was tangled in. You were mortal. In retrospect, I have cried from being afraid of dying, of being ashamed of my mortality, but never once have I felt so ignited by my human condition; to be just blood, bones and brains. Somehow, in that soft slice of time, to be just occupied bodies beating up against one another elated me. To both be so transient kindled a pride in me. We were two animals roaming the earth whose hides just happened to collide in the middle of Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mayhem. To be present in one moment, together, tore me into a thousand fragments of pure flesh.

What luck. We are a spark.

what better way to surface strength than to find yourself in someone else, so we peel back layers of one another’s skin to see what’s beyond the smoother texture, so we pick through parts of each other’s brains to learn where the storm is coming from. Because I learn how I seem through the reflection in your eyes, because you learn how you speak through the echoes in my ears. I am a soft atmosphere with a red hot core and it may burn your fingertips or singe your tongue, but it isn’t about the destination, and you are an endless list of legends and biographies with a sharp edge and I may cut my corners or bleed myself dry, but it isn’t about the rivers and streams, but the ocean. You see, I am pulling out your hair to find the skin underneath it and I am testing the waters to see what breaks you, and you are softening the conversation to see what sends me to sleep and you are brewing up questions to see what makes me boil over and it’s quest fiction, and this is the call to adventure and I am tired but I am willing, so I am plunging, do not catch me, do not cradle me, for I desire to see how far I must fall.

this is what it means to be a human being after riding in a car all night with three stoned girls and bad rap music, I find myself half naked in my aunts bed trying to breathe with all of the louisiana heat overcoming my skin and I have an empty stomach and a full heart and there is something about temporary bliss that is so tempting. I don’t mean to seem like an optimist, I’ve seen more open wounds these past two years than ever before in my life. I am trying to close the cuts that gape their mouths at me, I am trying to mend the rips and tears in the webs that compose my trust in humanity. There is a vanishing point on the horizon and I will escape to it and slip into the sunlight because when I was a child, I spoke as a child, and now that I am a woman, I will drown that child in my sweat in tears until she realizes that there is more to this world than sex, drugs and the inevitable feeling of not being good enough. Chances are, I will never see 90 percent of you people in my life, and as much as that hurts me, it aids me because you know too many of my secrets to be good for me. goodnight. but really I cry five times and week and stopped biting my fingernails so ryan’s mom would like me and today my grandmother slapped me because we bumped heads on a religious topic and that is what it means to be human, you win some and you lose some and you take all of this mayhem and you turn it into something you can swallow and it radiates through your skin like a phosphorescent, and it isn’t a blessing and it isn’t a sin, it is just reality. thick, sick truth. you can run, but ladies and gentlemen, you cannot hide.

We are just rough around the edges and we brush against one another to create warmth and friction. I left everything behind and headed North, but I didn’t realize that I was fragmented and now pieces of me at itch from miles away. My phantom limbs are twitching and stinging, but I don’t know how to find them anymore. I could dig up the grave or I could sift through the ashes, but it’s all bound to be burnt out and scattered away, digestive and decomposed in the bellies of ants and beetles and creepy crawlers that you don’t dare remember when you think about death. While these bits of flesh are missing right now, I am not lonesome for them, and I think they will throb until the end of time, because I am not going back. WRITING BY ALEXIS MIRE

HOMETOWN: MINNEAPOLIS AGE: 20

What do you hope to capture and portray in your photographs? I try to keep my camera with me at all times. I like to shoot subjects and study them slowly, so most of my photos of people are ones that are a progression of images. The ones that come to mind are those of my girlfriend Shelby, my mom, brother, uncle, etc. To me it is simply more interesting to see this sort of long term growth than to see just one shoot where you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the person. I suppose that what I am looking for then is a real honest image, something that feels real and intimate.

Are you self-taught in photography, or traditionally taught? I took some Photoshop classes when I was in elementary school and have a strong background in computers and technology, so I know the value of experimentation and reading a userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual. I really believe that with some time and effort anyone can pick up a camera and teach themselves photography, or really anything for that matter. I did take a traditional black and white photography class that helped push me into shooting more film, and gave me a nice traditional foundation to build from.

What inspires you the most? The work of others, and the people around me. Small moments make me really happy, and I try to reflect that in my work. If I had to choose one photographer right now I would pick Mando Alvarez, who’s work and correspondence has done wonders for me. You can see more of his work on his site; http://mandoalvarez.com/. Do you have any tragic film stories? The one that comes to mind is loading a Hasselblad for the first time. I loaded the film “backwards” and it shot out when I opened the back. Another time when I first shot 4x5 and forgot to “close” the lens before pulling the dark slide off the back. I have a nice blurry picture of my face from this.

What do you hope your life will look like in 5-10 years? I would like to be either working or in graduate school. Currently I am in the process of transferring to a four year school to study business. I am hoping to build the commercial side of my photography and turn it into a more lucrative side job as well as continuing my personal work. I really hope that in 10 years photography is still a strong part of my life. What Cameras do you shoot with most? •Canon 5d Mark1 •Bronica SQ-b, •Ansco Super Speedex (Agfa Super Isolette) •Mamiya 23 •Bessa R •Toyo View 4x5

What other forms of art inspire you? There are other artists that come to mind but you couldn’t really shove all of them into a particular category. I love movies, paintings, street art, installation art; basically everything that has ever been considered art. What would you tell someone who wanted to start photography? Get a camera and shoot. The only advice I would give would be not to get heady about your work. Remember, “all I know is that I know nothing”. It’s a great mantra to learn with. Be humble and open to new ideas. Furthermore I would tell someone to shoot for themselves. We want to see the world through your eyes, not some contrived version of someone else’s. What is your favorite hangout in Minneapolis? I like Mesa Pizza as a place to hangout and people watch.

Do you prefer candid or posed photography, and why? I love both and the results that each can create. Candid/Street type photography is significantly more difficult than working with a professional model of course, but when executed well it can be much more profound. Asides from photography, what are your passions? I enjoy technology, politics, cycling, automobiles, cooking, fashion, music, and spending time with friends and family. What is your most ideal weather? April showers.

photographed by Baohien Ngo

TOP FROM AMERICAN APPAREL

TOP FROM FOREVER 21, PANTS FROM URBAN OUTFITTERS

PANTS FROM URBAN OUTFITTERS, ROSE TOP FROM AMERICAN APPAREL

DRESS FROM AMERICAN APPAREL, DENIM JACKET FROM FOREVER 21

IN THIS STORY// MODEL IS DANA HANSON @ NEAL HAMIL IN HOUSTIN, TEXAS, STYLED,BY DANA HANSON, PHOTOGRAPHED BY BAOHIEN NGO

FOR THOSE EPICUREAN PYROMANIACS OUT THERE LOOKING FOR A NEW DESSERT RECIPE TO TRY, LOOK NO FURTHER. OTHERWISE KNOWN AS BANANAS FOSTER, BUT LET’S FACE IT, THE ONLY REASON YOU’D TRY THIS RECIPE IS TO LIGHT BANANAS ON FIRE, AND THEN PROBABLY EAT IT AFTERWARDS. You’ll need handy: 4 ripe and firm bananas 3-4 Tablespoons butter 1/3 cup packed brown sugar A couple dashes of nutmeg, and/or cinnamon Vanilla or coconut ice cream (Optional) 1/2 cup dark rum

THE COOK: TREANA MAYER AGE: 17 HOMETOWN: MINNEAPOLIS

On a side note: -Don’t worry kiddos. You’ll be cooking out all the alcohol from that last ingredient. -Also, if your house has been raided by pirates recently, and thus all of your rum is gone, you can try another dark liquor, such as brandy. -Earth balance or other vegan butter substitutes are fine. -I recommend also having handy a handy extra pair of hands with you in the kitchen, so that you don’t have to neglect your pan and burn the butter. Burnt butter is a bummer. -Just in case, where’s your fire extinguisher?

WHAT TO DO: -Take your bananas, peel them, and first cut them in half lengthwise, and then into quarters widthwise. -Then find yourself a skillet, put it on medium heat, and slap in your butter. -Once it’s melted, not burnt, stir in the brown sugar with a wooden spoon. Since it should be packed in good inside that measuring cup, you can make those extra hands loosen it into the pan while you stir. Add your spices of choice, and keep stirring until all the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture starts to bubble. -Add the banana quarters, and gently push them around in the butter till they look caramelized on the bottom. Flip them and repeat this step. -While you’re doing that, you can have your handy helper hands take the 1/2 cup of liquor and microwave it for 15 seconds. This step isn’t necessary, but it helps. Otherwise, just have it at room temperature. When they’re done, the quarters will be lightly browned on both sides, and a fork should slide through a banana piece easily enough from top to bottom. But don’t overcook them! So slide the pan off the heat for now. -If you want to flambé them in another room, make sure there’s a pot holder or something to put underneath the pan on the table, and have a long lighter, fireplace matches, or possibly a long candle stick at the ready. -Once passing the fork test, take the nuked or luke-warm liquor and pour it over the bananas. Return to heat immediately, but just for a few seconds, and then bring the pan where you want it. -Dim the lights before you take your igniter of choice, and light the fumes on fire (not the direct liquid) as you hold the pan away from yourself.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARISSA GRIFFIN

-Enjoy the pretty blue flames while they last, and wait till they die out completely.

NAME:EMILY MENDOZA AGE: 19 HOMETOWN: MINNEAPOLIS

The City

After the sun goes down The city comes to life Without you. Children scurry to their dreams Mothers to their dens But these streets? They dance. And all those local bars Shake the light of day to their ankles Like someone's gonna be makin' love All hours of the night. Without you. Those women put on their cheap lace and crimson mouths And crawl out of mundane, Even for just one night, And they smoke and howl and carry on Like they might die happy Without you. And me? I fall between sheets Immune to dreams and For all I care That whole damn cityAlive with cutloose ladies and 40 proof kissesHas burned to dust Because I'm breathing writing sleeping Without you.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID MENDOLIA

My Kaleidoscope

Wasn't it torture? To live and move Unbroken Unseperable Taking the shape of every love in all the books. Water. That's what we were. You are. And it was hot and fragile and crimson and It must have had a warning label or something required by law To tell us WAIT CAUTION STOP, even, But we missed it. And maybe the tea is gone and the bed has moved And maybe the snow has begun to fall And maybe we're insanely broke But I see you in gold flecks brilliant diamond rays My Kaleidoscope You are.

Summit Avenue

Darkness fell upon our shoulders as we stepped into the night. We weaved through the streets like a loom filled with different colors, tangible colors, Telling old jokes and bad pick-up lines. Somewhere between, "Did it hurt?" and "How much does a polar bear weigh?" I looked to the sky. How we praise the moon, Giving him control of our tides And slumber And dinner dates. We love him juvenile. So carelessHe's too cool. I recall wishing I could live among the starsBe one of them. No. We are an us. Swapping secrets Like cigarettes and chapstick. Life never seemed so down to earth. I could plant my toes into the ground And bear fruit for spring and autumn And all year round Until our world no longer tasted of chai tea and togetherness.

PHOTO BY WILL PETERSEN

PHOTO BY CAITLIN ANGELICA

NAME: KYRA C. HOMETOWN: MARYLAND

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