Kaleo Journal Issue 007

Issue 007

CREATIVELY EMPOWERING YOUTH

July 2017

Kaleo Journal

soak up the sun energy, experiences and empowerment

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Celebrating Kaleo Journal Kaleo Journal is a collaborative magazine of many talented young people who are looking to make their impact on the world in a positive and expressive way, using their talents to create something amazing.

And they have.

Brought together by a team of young people passionate about bringing social issues to light, Kaleo believes in the power of the youth. Dedicated to giving emerging creative people a platform, our interviews and profiles delve deeper into their talented minds to inspire and excite you.

Released bi-monthly, each edition is centered around a theme that encapsulates issues that deserve discussion such as equality, wellbeing and identity, in entertaining and engaging ways. With a range of articles, reviews, quick reads and our signature regular columns, we aim to express the diverse issues that matter to young people in a refreshingly clear way.

From Me to You Happy birthday Kaleo Journal! (I can’t believe I’m even typing this) When I first thought about starting a magazine, I never thought it would turn out to what Kaleo Journal is today.

Since we started exactly one year ago, I have grown into an entirely different person. I have watched the girls on our team achieve goals, create positive impact, and empower thousands of readers through their creative expressions.

Reading through responses from past contributors reminded me the purpose of Kaleo. Whether our audience shrinks or grows, the purpose of this publication is always to empower and support young, impacting artists in the world. The time and energy that goes into every page of this magazine is able to go towards creating something that will hopefully create a positive experience for someone. All in all, we always hoped that Kaleo would build a sense of community and family around a group of people who are passionate about spreading love and positivity. The people that I have met through this publication are some of the most talented and genuine young adults in the world and I am so thankful that I get to work with them.

So thank you to everyone who always supported this idea of mine, even when it wasn’t a reality yet. Thank you to my parents and brother for editing articles and deciding which picture should be on the front cover. Thank you to the readers who read the first issue of Kaleo or even the most recent one.

Lastly and most importantly, thank you to the team for creating content every issue to share with the world. I hope that we can continue to grow and create with Kaleo Journal, putting our energy to create experiences that empower.

Kamryn Kobal, Editor and Founder of Kaleo Journal 004

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Teriffic Tunes

Lorde Lord Huron Tired Pony In The Valley Below HAIM SZA The Bleachers The Head and the Heart Sundara Karma Coin Travis Scott

The Louvre Ends of the Earth Get on the Road Peaches Little of Your Love Pretty Little Birds Everybody Lost Somebody Let’s Be Still Flame Heart Eyes Butterfly Effect

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What's Inside

004 Editors Letter

038 Protests for Empowerment

005 Playlist

008 Meet The Team

020 Meet

Alyssa Noelle

042 The Reading Room:

Amanda Headley

010 Fill In The Blanks:

Alexis Torimiro

028 Empowerment Through Literature

046 Photo Essay:

Write Your Chapter 012

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Photo Essay:

Featuring

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Jonah Gerhards

058 Four Letter Words:

Calm

of Issue Seven

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Fill In The Blanks:

Fill In The Blanks:

Maura Hawkes

Chaun Pierce

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062 New York

Introducing:

Eduarda Craveiro

078 Dear Mountains

079 Lost In The Music

086 Blast From The Past 110 In The Spotlight:

Analog Echo

128 Sister Projects 080 Express Yourself:

Jua O'Kane

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Noteworthy:

Nakate Kakembo

129 Contact ABOVE US ONLY SKY

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Meet The Team

Kamryn Kobal Founder and Editor

Chloe Katopodis Creative Director

While reading the responses to our issues, I felt a sense of empowerment knowing that this team is a group who share positivity and love all across the world.

From the moment I click pay on buying a bunch of books online, to when my mum texts me that I have a parcel to when I find a place for it on the bookshelf, that's my vibe.

Hannah Ofczarzak Playlist Director

Alex Markey Music Columnist

The best energy is traveling to a new place for the first time.

Interacting with people from other cultures is extremely exciting and one of the best feelings.

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The best energy is the kind that I get when the buzzing starts and your best friend grabs my hand as we wait for the pink rectangle to light up the stage.

Hannah Lozano Writer One of the most important lessons I've learned growing up is that as a woman, we are strongest when we support and empower each other.

Mclane Stringer Photographer The feeling that I get when taking pictures makes me feel the most full of energy. â—?

Of Issue Seven

Our Incredible Contributors Alexis Torimiro // Illustrator IG @alexis.eke Amanda Headley // Poet and Writer IG: @inheryouth_ Analog Echo // Photographer IG @analog_echo Anna Gustavsen // Model IG @ajgus

Maya AristimuĂąo // Photograher IG @xmaristi www.maristi.com Nakate Kakembo // Artist IG @nakatekakembo Spencer Malott // Photographer IG @writeyourchapter

Bror Neby Hilland // Photographer IG @bror.vr

Valerie Martinez // Photographer IG @valleerriiee _________________________ From our previous issues:

Chaun Pierce // Artist IG @art.t.h.u.g

Clara Tang // Writer IG: @huamulans

Edison J. Harris // Writer IG @edison.j.harris

Nidia Marissa Donyada // Photogapher IG @nidiamarssa www.nidiamarissa.com

Eduarda Craveiro // Artist IG @googlyguys_ Halima Anita // Writer IG @h.alimaa Twitter @ughalima Herman Friis // Photographer IG @hermanfriis Jonah Oliver Gerhards // Photographer and YouTuber IG @youngblossom_ IG @caveprince

Niraad Senan // Photogapher IG @niraad_photography niraad.squarespace.com Seema Shakti // Artist IG: @seemashakti Sinae Carrotate // Illustrator IG: @carrotate

Jua O'Kane // Artist IG @wan.ai

_________________________ Contact us: www.kaleojournal.com IG @kaleojournal.com kaleojournal.bigcartel.com kaleojournal.tumblr.com

Matt DeLaine // Photographer IG @matt_delaine

General Enquiries info@kaleojournal.com

Maura Hawkes // Artist IG @__mogy

Submissions submit@kaleojournal.com â—?

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Fill In The Blanks

Hey there! My name is Alexis Torimiro. I express myself through illustrating and designing. I try to embody sketches and the aesthetic of traditional Japanese art in my works because I believe that it gives more character to my work.

My works often include black people because I believe that there is a lack of representation of Afro-centric art in the graphic design world.

I am an introvert; being alone energizes me while socializing drains my energy. A song that always pumps me up is ‘Deposits’ by Dave East.

A movie world that I wish I was part of is the Fast and Furious.

I feel empowered by being independent, because of the freedom it gives me. Through my works I hope to empower other black creatives because for me, there wasn't anyone in the creative industry that I could relate to, until about a year ago. One of my favourite experiences was going to see my Kanye West, my favourite rapper, live. One of my least favourite experiences has been moving away from family. One of the funniest experiences was when, well, there's honestly way too many to remember.

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Alexis Torimiro I am from Toronto; I like all of it, but I’m not so fond of our subways not being able to run for 24 hours. I wish it had more rollerblading rinks and less people calling Toronto "The 6". One thing people might not know about me is that I love horror movies. The impression I hope people have of me is ‘nice’ but is most likely ‘quiet’.

If I could collaborate with anyone, past or present, it would be Kanye West because he is my biggest inspiration when it comes to thinking ahead of the game and because he's insanely creative.

I would love to bring back disco music from the past, but am excited for new music genres in the future. My plans for the future involve owning my own business involving my art somehow.

Not sure what it's going to be exactly, but I know my art will have something to do with it. ●

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Meet Anna Gustavsen, the face of Maristi. Directed by Maya AristimuĂąo, this series shines a light on Anna's youthful femininity through vibrant colours and thoughtful expressions.

Starting her career as an actress, Anna uses her knowledge of being in the spotlight to entrace her viewer. Posing with grace and elegance, she styles the latest fashions around New York.

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Alyssa Noelle Californian student, Alyssa, explores photography and poetry, taking inspiration from her surroundings and social media.

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Meet

Could you introduce yourself.

My name is Alyssa Noelle, I’m a high school student in California. I explore photography and writing.

always been much of an introvert, so this is how I express myself. I feel like it’s just me and the subject, or me and myself (in self portraits) which is probably what I like most.

Where do you find your inspirations?

I find inspiration everywhere. I’ve been shooting since I was a child. My perspective and inspirations have changed with me. I think when I first started to really get into poetry, Orion Vanessa brought it to my attention.

Through her, I found other poets like Rupi Kaur, Keaton Henson, and I’m discovering more each day.

What works are you drawn to most and what is it about that kind of energy that attracts you?

I’ve always loved John Parvin’s photography.

His works evoke strong emotion. He brings out a side of his subject you likely wouldn’t see unless you were in a very intimate setting or moment with them, and it doesn’t seem forced at all. Mark Del Mar & Harley Weir are others I’m into at the moment.

What kind of energy do you aspire to create in your photographs?

Curiosity & thought are probably what I evoke with my self portraits. Appreciation, I guess, for the beauty of our surroundings in my still life photos. Flowers you might walk past daily and never notice, a crack in a wall, street graffiti.

Your photographs have such an intimacy and warmth about them—it feels like it’s just you and the subject. How does your style reflect you and how did you develop it?

It’s interesting you point that out. I have

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How do you feel empowered by photography to express yourself?

I have always been an introvert, quietly observing. I suppose I use photography, in place of my voice, to communicate my feelings.

How has taking self-portraits contributed to your personal growth?

The real question is which came first, personal growth or taking self portraits? I think they fuel each other, honestly. I wasn’t very fond of my looks before so I hated having photos

Alyssa Noelle

taken of me. Without personal growth, I might not have started taking self portraits, but I’m sure the positive response to them promotes more personal growth

what I’m trying to convey at that moment.

With photography, much of the interpretation is left up to the viewer, where as with poetry, I’m giving you a little more to go by.

Do you hope to empower others through your creative expressions, especially by how closely you look into yourself?

It would be amazing if I empowered others through doing what I love. I felt empowered by other artists, so I think that’s just the way it goes. We’ve all been inspired by other artists/ people we look up to, in one way or another.

You express an interest for concert photography too, what is it about that the live music scene that draws you in?

I love concert photography. Just think about all the insane photos we see of Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Hendrix and other greats. You feel like you’ve transported back in time when you see them. You almost feel like you were there vs someone just telling you about the experience. I wonder if those photographers knew they were capturing history in the making.

How does sharing photos through Instagram or other social media platforms empower you?

I’ve been shooting since I was a child and honestly, the response has been surprising, and definitely empowering. It’s always great when just doing what you love is so well received.

You also delve into poetry; is there a difference of your creative energy from photography?

Poetry is just another way to express myself without having to use my voice. I was debating with myself over which was more intimate, poetry or photography, and I guess it depends

What would be your dream project be?

I haven’t thought too far ahead, or about any collaborations in particular. I have been toying with the idea of putting a book together of both my photography and poetry. I’m also looking into selling prints.

What are some final words you can share?

Thank you for giving other artists and myself a platform. Love the publication and the energy behind it! ●

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Empowerment Through Literature BOOK REVIEWS BY HALIMA ANITA

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Halima Anita The definition of empowerment is the authority or power given to someone to do something. This empowerment can be found in many things such as films, music, a person or a simple book.

These little things that empower us give us the courage to carry on when things are tough or when our self-belief is at an all time low. Literature has the power to make anyone believe in magic but most importantly the magic within themselves. We live in a time where people of colour and LGBTQ+ are finally starting it get representation positively in literature, instead of being a background character, we’re the leads in these romantic, magical and adventurous stories. Accurate representation in literature is of vital importance. It has a huge factor in how children see themselves and how they see their own future. When films, movies and literature only consist of white leads or heterosexual characters alone, it shows those children that they can not do what that person does.

That they way the world sees them is as a background character not only in these novels and tv shows but in life in general. Novels such as these challenges that narrative showing children and teenagers that their skin colour, their sexuality, their sex etc isn’t a deterrent, they make you beautiful, strong as hell and revolutionary—never forget that. If you’re looking for novels to empower and inspire, check out theses must-reads with LGBTQ+ and people of colour protagonist!

Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe “Another secret of the universe: sometimes pain was like a storm that came out of nowhere.

The clearest summer could end in lightning and thunder.”

‘Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe’ is a coming of age novel written

by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The novel is set in 1987 and centres around two MexicanAmerican boys named Aristotle and Dante following them between the ages of 15 and 17. Deep down Aristotle is looking for a friend and finds it in Dante, but unexpectedly finds much more. The book discusses much more than just sexuality, including family issues and the characters own struggles with their race and ethnicity. The novel is filled with many beautiful quotes, you’ll find yourself wishing they’d never leave your head. There’s something special about Saenz’s writing, it's filled with compassion and tenderness, so much so that it makes your heart ache. The author is also an inspiration in himself. He came out at 54 after coming to terms with his childhood sexual abuse and now at 62 is writing novels with LGBTQ+ themes in the most beautiful way possible.

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Book Review

Everything Everything

More Happy Than Not

“Maybe we can't predict everything but we can predict some things.

For example, I am currently falling in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.”

“I’ve become this happiness scavenger who picks away at the ugliness of the world because if there’s happiness tucked away in my tragedies, I'll find it no matter what.”

‘Everything Everything’ written by Nicole Yoon is a novel and now a movie about an 18-year-old Black and Japanese girl named Madeline Whittier. She suffers from Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, also known as the ‘bubble baby disease’ as it results in the person being extremely vulnerable to infectious diseases so they would have to live in sterilised environments and avoid the outdoors. Madeline consumes herself with literature to stop her longing for the outdoors, but that longing comes back in full force when she gets involved with her new next door neighbour, Olly. Madeline’s involvement with Olly leads her to leave her home for the first time, the novel follows her journey as she discovers the wonders of the universe for the very first time with someone very special to her. This novel is absolutely adorable and Madeline is a character to admire with her strong attitude, humour and love for literature.

Everything Everything was made into a film in May of 2017 starring Amandla Stenberg and Nick Robinson.

‘More Happy than Not’ is an incredibly moving novel with more plot twists than you could ever imagine. It was written by Adam Silvera and follows the story of a young boy named Aaron Soto who is fighting to find happiness again after family tragedies. He tries to find it in his girlfriend Genevieve and his best friend Thomas but instead of finding happiness in Thomas, Aaron finds out the truth, the truth he’s been trying so hard to ignore. The novel addresses mental health and sexuality in a touching tale of youth and remembrance. I don’t want to reveal too much about this novel as finding out all the secrets of this young boy is something truly special. Adam Silvera fills this novel with so much sadness, humour and the hard-hitting reality, of a boy who just wants to be loved.

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Halima Anita

The Sun Is Also A Star

When The Moon Was Ours

“He said that love and dark matter were the same - the only thing that kept the universe from flying apart.”

“She’d put her palm to his forehead when she thought he had a fever.

He’d set tiny gold star stickers on her skin on summer days and at night had peeled them off leaving pale constellations on sun-darkened body.”

Nicola Yoon creates another hopelessly romantic and educational novel through ‘The Sun Is Also A Star’. The novel follows a Jamaican girl named Natasha with a passion for physics and a Korean boy named Daniel, a hopeless romantic and poet. Their paths intertwine when Natasha is on her way to see a lawyer to prevent her family who are illegal immigrants from getting deported. The reader follows them on their journey of love and a race against time to stop her family from deportation. The novel also discusses racial identity and the difficulty of accepting yourself in a primarily white environment. The really interesting thing about the novel is the way it’s written, the chapters switch from being Natasha and Daniel’s point of view to the minor characters. The novel can also be seen as an encyclopaedia, explaining racial issues and the universe in the depth to allow the readers to fully understand the novel. Yoon fills the novel with humour, sadness, love and you learn so much. What more could you ask for in a novel?

This lyrical wonder was written by Anna-Marie McLemore, this love story follows a young Latina girl named Miel who grew roses from her wrist and Samir the Italian-Pakistani who paints moons everywhere he goes.

They both have secrets, Miel about her family and Sam as a transgendered male.

The story dives into and discusses gender, culture, family and self. This novel is extremely relevant in the conversation of teen sexuality and sex. Anna-Marie McLemore takes these serious topics and creates a truly magical fairy tale about two best friends who are targeted by the witches, the Bonner sisters for their secrets, making this novel unforgettable and haunting. ●

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Jonah Oliver Gerhards

Give a warm welcome to Jonah, the YouTuber using his platform to share his identity, including his asexuality and aromanticism, adding a much needed voice for the asexual and aromantic communities.

He shares his photography, a creative medium he uses to express himself.

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Featuring on their journey. Sharing my experiences is just one small thing that I can do that helps so many people, so I do feel responsible to keep providing resources and representation to those who need it.

How would you introduce yourself on YouTube to somebody who hasn’t seen your channel before?

I’ve been making videos on and off for nearly five years, but I began making content on my channel, youngblossom, in 2015. I made the channel because I wanted a platform to talk about my identity and experiences. I’ve done just that. I make content talking about my life, identity, and mental health, in hopes that my experiences will aid others.

How does a platform like YouTube that enables you to share your own experiences and actively engage with a community empower you?

Having a platform in which I can share my experiences and engage with a community definitely empowers me. I think the biggest reason it empowers me is just knowing

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that my voice is being heard and respected. The feedback that I receive is always incredibly validating and makes me feel so much more secure in myself. And knowing that I’m making a difference and giving a voice to people who don’t have one gives me even more of a reason to continue on this mission.

Do you feel like you empower others and what kind of responsibility do you feel you have to empower the LGBTQIA+ community?

I do feel like I empower others, which is something that’s really humbling to me.

Just knowing that by simply sharing my life I am giving strength and confidence to others is something that is still rather surreal to me. I get messages from people nearly every day, thanking me for what I do and for helping them

Isaiah B. shared his thoughts on the Internet in our last issue, believing that the internet, and blogging in particular, allows people, especially youth, to forge their own identities and create a space of their own and empowers people to connect and become part of communities, despite being in separate places. What do you feel about this and could you describe the experience of being able to participate in this modern phenomenon?

I think that’s one of the things I love most about the internet in this day in age. I know that I personally was able to find myself through the people I met online and the resources that were available to me through the internet. Being born and raised in a small town, I know without the internet, I likely never would’ve found words to describe how I was feeling. The internet was such a key piece in finding myself, and I know that it is for so many people. That’s why I talk so openly about my experiences online because I hope that maybe someone will stumble upon it who may not have had the words to

Jonah Oliver Gerhards previously express how they were feeling.

me to share my experiences, and eventually I grew into it.

What has been some of the challenges you’ve faced with this?

One of the hardest things is that while society has come a long way in accepting LGBTQIA+ people, not everyone is understanding and/ or accepting of my identity.

And being open on the internet about who I am sometimes opens the door for hateful people to share their opinions.

That’s the hardest part. I’ve grown thick skin about it, but I know that in the early days, seeing something specifically targeting and mocking a part of my identity would have absolutely destroyed me. I strive to create a safe space on my platforms so that people can grow confidence in who they are rather than have that robbed from them.

Asexuality and aromanticism have an incredibly small representation or awareness about them; what has been your experience navigating this?

It was really hard trying to figure myself out when there was so little information out there about asexuality and aromanticism. I remember making a post on Tumblr about how I wasn’t really interested in marriage because I wasn’t interested in sex and that’s when someone asked if I was asexual. I had no idea what that meant, so I took to Google and did hours of research. I was really overwhelmed by it because I was really only finding the definition and not any specific experiences from actual people. Thankfully, though, once I found the

asexual community on Tumblr, it went hand in hand with aromanticism. But I really had to learn about the two through my own experiences without many external examples from others. It was frustrating knowing that so few people talked about something that was such a big piece of who I was, so I made a goal to do something about it.

What would you say to your younger self who was struggling with coming to terms with their identity?

I would just tell myself to be patient. I remember getting so frustrated because I couldn’t figure it all out, and I was always feeling so overwhelmed. It takes time to figure out how you’re feeling sometimes, and that’s completely valid. It can be difficult to process your feelings and find words to

How did you arrive at a stage where you were comfortable in your asexuality and aromaniticsm that you wanted to share your experiences and what have those been like?

I really wasn’t comfortable in my asexual and aromantic identity initially. Even when I started making videos about it, I wasn’t confident with it, but I knew that there was so little information and representation out there. So even though I wasn’t confident in it, I knew how important that it was for

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Featuring reflect those feelings. Patience is key and there’s no deadline for finding yourself.

How do you express yourself through photography?

Photography is a big piece of how I express myself. I love being able to see something beautiful and show others a different perspective. I feel as this applies to so many things in my life, not just photography. But photography has definitely been a great way for me to show how I’m feeling and to show how I see things, which is one of the reasons I love it as much as I do.

What works are you drawn to most and what is it about that kind that draws you in?

Anything that shows a fresh, positive perspective really draws me in. I’ve come to a point in my life where I’ve realized that even though there is so much negativity in this world, positivity still exists and is more important now than ever. Positive energy can add so much to your life, and I actively try to seek it out.

What empowers you and what energy do you draw on when you face challenges?

The thing about empowerment is that it’s not always sourced in something significant. While significant things like creating art and talking openly about my identity empower me on a daily basis, there are a lot of

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smaller things that empower me as well. Things like making lists, learning new skills, being out in nature, and being mindful are all things that empower me and prepare me to take on the next challenge I’m faced with. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little anxious to take on new challenges, but ultimately I find myself drawing so much positive energy when I push myself to do new things, even if they frighten me. Seeing my goal and strategizing how to get there leaves me feeling determined, capable, and confident that I can rise and conquer.

What are some of your dream aspirations?

My ultimate dream aspiration is to just continue to learning, loving, and growing in all areas of my life. Isn’t that what matters most? Where I end up

doesn’t matter that much in the long run, but whether or not I’m learning, loving, and growing is very important to me. And as long as I’m doing that, I will be satisfied with where I end up.

What are some final words you can share with us?

If you find something that makes you feel good about yourself, hold on tightly to that, and don’t let anyone try to take that away from you.

Nobody is ever going to fully understand your experience, so they have no authority to talk over you. So many people who have tried to change the way I felt about several things in my life, but I know myself and my experience better than anyone. Find people who validate you and give you the strength to be true to yourself.

That has value that goes beyond words. ●

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Protests for Empowerment The experience of how quickly a protest can turn sour, as well as ways to safely equip yourself.

WRITTEN BY EDISON HARRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW DELAINE

Attending a protest against the proposed funding cuts and fee increases of tertiary education in Australia, I was joined by 250 people as I witnessed firsthand the nonchalant attitude towards the wellbeing of citizens some officers take.

Walking up to the crowd, there was a youthful energy, with chatter and cheering resonating down the street. Marching along main roads, we were escorted by police officers for our safety. A peaceful march, we chanted slogans of empowerment to the people and waved signs promoting our message, with slogans such as ‘not cuts, no fees, no corporate universities’. The afternoon began with speeches to enthuse the crowd, and ended in the congregation being slowly pulled apart, after witnessing a show of police brutality

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upon a young woman, in response to her taking the paper of another protester. She was restrained by two large male officers.

The balance of power between protesters and officers often causes tension, and when this is broken, the trust and privileges of the people are stripped.

When attending a protest, one should do so safely by preparing for the worst possible outcome. Carry only essentials, such as your phone, keys and wallet. Writing the phone number for legal assistance on your arm can also be helpful. If you witness violence or illegal behaviour at a protest, move away as standing nearby can be construed as participating. Attend with a group of friends if possible, this way you have witnesses if anything happens. ●

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The Reading Room A COLLECTION OF POETRY

BY AMANDA HEADLEY

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Amanda Headley

In this society, people will always judge, always belittle, always set these ridiculous standards, but we have to, as cliche as it sounds, stay true to ourselves. Our natural, true selves, our uniqueness, our self-accepted imperfections are our weapons, our power against all the negativity shot at us. I still have a lot to learn about self acceptance—self love—but I'm getting there, and I think the more I inspire people to feel this empowerment in themselves, I'll feel it too, because then I've accomplished my goal in writing. Instead of beating each other down, we should all build each other up, help each other grow. We all talk about changing the world, making the world a better place, and the first step to that is ourselves. We have to make the change in ourselves; appreciate, love, and strengthen ourselves, so that we may do the same to others, and to the world. —A.H.

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The Reading Room People choose to see what you're not. the number on a scale, likes on a photo, gender, the clothes you choose to wear, the colour of your hair, your past.

What they don't choose to see is what you are. Your 2am giggles, your croaky morning voice, every tear you've wept, the people you love, the way you take your coffee...

Darling, just know. You are not defined by what you're not, but what you are, and what you are, is a million more beautiful things.

Be gentle with yourself until it becomes second nature.

You deserve life and happiness just as much as everyone else.

You are made of rose, gold, and stardust.

Don't let one, of smog, dust, and chemtrails erode you, my dear.

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Amanda Headley

Allow the opportunity and time for flowers to grow where holes, digs, and cracks lay on your soul.

Enough is enough.

It is not our job to change ourselves, to become society's idea of a worthwhile human, to the appropriate size in order to fit in.

We're alive, we exist, therefore we matter.

Its as simple as that.

Everything about each of us matters.

Our thoughts, or words, our actions, our feelings, our gestures...

Take up as much space as you want, as you can.

Never shrink yourself, or dim your light for the sake of others.

Own who you are and every beautiful thing you have to offer to the world.

Because you and I and everyone else do not need the ignorant validation of others.

Because we are wise, we are strong, we are intelligent, we are power, we are beautiful, we are passionate, and we are important.

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Write Your Chapter Spencer Malott's deeply personal photo project ‘Write Your Chapter’ empowers people to tell their own stories and express themselves and journey of their mental health.

She shares with us about how the project formed and the importance of speaking out.

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Photo Essay What are you studying at the moment and what inspired you to pursue that?

I am currently double majoring in psychology and communication, media and film. Although I’m majoring in film, theatre was where my heart originally was. I wanted to tell stories, make people feel, get a message across – it wasn’t until very recently that I realized I could still do that, just in a different and new way.

Where does the name ‘Write Your Chapter’ come from?

The name Write Your Chapter just comes from me wanting to tell my story in my own words, in my own way, and in my own time. By being able to do that, I felt more in control of what was going on in my life. I found it helpful.

When did you start photography and how did this project evolve from that passion?

I’ve always enjoyed documenting moments, even the smallest ones. And stories have always been something I’ve been drawn to—whether it’s listening to them, telling them, or bringing them to life through some medium. Mental health and mental illness awareness has also been something I’ve been passionate about for a while now, and I’ve struggled with multiple diagnoses myself. So this project formed at a really low point during this past year, and was almost like a form of coping for me. It forced me out of my comfort zone, but also into an area that I’ve loved and been interested in for a long time. I put it out there that if anyone wanted to get together over the holidays and have their picture taken, hang out, and just

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connect—to contact me. And people did. I’d never let projects get past a certain point, but this time, right away people were interested.

People I’d never met before, not just people I knew, personally. It became a project about documenting different types of growth.

What moments do you try to document and what is the significance of having those small memories to look back on?

Moments that really make me feel. I try to pay attention to that, and to the people and energy around me. I always love when someone is going through my photos and they come across one of a moment that didn’t seem photoworthy. It’s the “No way, I forgot about this [laughs]! Can I have a copy?” response and watching them catch themselves smiling, as they’re brought back to small moments through those photographs. That is what gets me and that is why I love and continue to capture them.

What kind of energy do you aspire to create in your photographs?

I try to capture organic moments so I try to keep people continuously engaged. When they’re having a good time, you can feel it when you look at the photographs. Capturing genuine laughter is my favourite thing to do, it’s that kind of energy I hope people leave with. But parts of this project aren’t always happy and high-energy so I try to create a comfortable environment for everyone.

What is your process from finding the people to sharing their stories?

Write Your Chapter Usually someone will send me a message asking if they can be a part of the project, and we go from there. I give them an idea of what we’ll talk about and what will happen when we get together. The photo-taking process varies. If I’m meeting someone for the first time, I try to do more talking first.

I ask them what music they’d like playing in the background because I’ve found that it’s comforting, and also eliminates anyone feeling pressure to fill any silent gaps. I try to make it a good environment for them because I know how important it is to feel safe in a space, especially when you’re allowing yourself to be so vulnerable. Most of the time I’ll just ask them if there’s anything they want to talk about, and if they seem nervous, I’ll just ask them to talk about something or someone they love—that usually helps them relax.

What has been a highlight of this?

Meeting new people, connecting with people I’ve already known but on a different level, and hearing about how the project has helped them reflect on where they are in terms of their mental and physical health.

What has been your experience with mental health?

I struggled for a really long time with coming to terms with diagnoses and the fact that I needed more help, but I’ve been pretty lucky with support from professionals. I’ve definitely had some negative experiences with people and services but for the most part, I’ve been very lucky. My mental health journey hasn’t been anything close to linear, but I’m learning more and more that it really is something

you have to continuously work at to maintain.

Healing takes time, there will be bad days, but the good days—they’ll come too.

How do you feel empowered by photography to express this experience?

When words are too hard to put together, or too hard to say out loud, photography allows me to maintain a “voice” even in the absence of writing or speaking. Sometimes, for me, photos can get a message or a feeling across better than spoken word can.

Do you hope to empower others through your photography, especially by giving them an opportunity to share their story?

I do. I hope that the overall experience is a good one for the, and that giving them the chance to share their story, in their own words, at their own pace, helps them heal.

Or get whatever they need out of it.

Has there been any influential figures in your life who have shaped your journey?

There have been a few. Friends of mine who I first opened up to who never judged me for anything I was dealing with or had been through. My doctor who has always listened and never brushed off how I was feeling. My therapist, past and current, who is helping me see things from a different perspective. And most recently, a professor of mine who really went above and beyond to make dealing with my mental health a little bit easier.

How meaningful was that support from an educational figure?

It blew me away. I absolutely did not expect

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Photo Essay it and the fact that she not only helped me navigate this past semester, but also sat and listened to me on multiple occasions, gave me a lot of faith in the post-secondary education system. A lot of the time you’re made to feel like a number, but educators like her that make a huge difference in students’ lives.

Why do you think it’s so important to normalize mental health?

Because we have to take care of ourselves and sometimes taking care of ourselves means reaching out and asking for more help. Stigma can impede or delay someone’s decision to go out and get the help they deserve. It’s important to normalize therapy or counseling, it’s important to normalize getting both physical and mental check ups. Someone shouldn’t have to experience a full-blown breakdown to feel deserving of getting help. Normalize mental health; keep fighting to rid the world of the stigma and shame and embarrassment attached to mental illness.

How has this project contributed to your personal growth?

Being able to look at all of the photos I’ve taken and how that part of me has grown has been very cool, but the project has also

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helped me keep a line of communication open with people. Instead of disappearing, or pushing people away and isolating myself like I would do every time I got overwhelmed with negative emotions, I’ve learned to talk about things instead. I’m learning to acknowledge when my mental health isn’t the best and I need to take a step back to try and gain a different perspective on things.

Where do you see the project going?

This is a project that’s still growing, and into what exactly, I’m not completely sure. Right now, it’s just about helping people get their stories out there, and connecting people in the process.

What would be your dream aspiration be, maybe like going into documentary work?

I would love to continue telling people’s stories and so documentary work has definitely been a big area of interest for me and my studies.

What has been one of your favourite captions?

“For a moment, every negative emotion and worry I had in my body washed away—I find it ironic that the thunderstorm that was my life at the time was forgotten about for an instant as a result of a thunderstorm.” – Meghan. __________________________________________ The series commences over the next pages.

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Lauren

ALEXX “I believe in following your heart and doing what is needed to fulfill your dreams. I believe in doing what you love and always putting your best foot forward. I am a Child Life Specialist and it is my job to help children find normalcy in traumatic events. I work with families experiencing illness, injury, death, and other forms of trauma. My journey to this field has not been easy and my mental strength has been tested along the way but it has been my unwavering goal no matter what I may have

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had to face. One of the most important things I’ve learned along the way is that nothing can replace a strong support system.

No matter who you choose to turn to—friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers—it is crucial that they play a source of positivity in your life. Always look for the positives and never be afraid of reaching out your hand. If you reach in the right direction, someone will grab it and pull you in.”

Write Your Chapter

LAUREN, AN EXCERPT FROM HER STORY “I remember when I realized I was more than just sad. When someone pointed out that I didn’t seem like myself anymore. Life has been something that I’ve always considered to be hard. For the longest time, I was angry with the hand I had been dealt. Angry that I had no control over my emotions and why I felt so unenthused with life when so many others were basking in it. Most of all, I was angry that I was angry. I was angry with the person I was and had become. Depression has, and still continues to dig its roots deeper into my chest. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I decided it was enough and that I couldn’t take it anymore. I had shaved my head, lost 30 pounds, and completely isolated myself. I felt it was the perfect time to leave this world.

I noticed how my mental illness affected everyone around me, and how my death would affect those closest to me.

Without the support system I have, I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be sharing my story.

I wouldn’t be here to thank everyone for not giving up on someone who had given up.

All throughout my journey, I was afraid to change and take steps in order to get better because I thought I would lose a part of me that flourished due to my depression. My ability to feel empathy, my self awareness, and the source of my creativity. Depression would fuel all my art ideas and they would turn out painfully beautiful and I loved that.

Depression became my best friend and the crutch I leaned on. I’ve learned that I can live with this illness yet still create beautiful things. I learned that I am ME and not my illness. I learned that healing will forever be an on-going process and that beginning to accept who you are, can help you see what you can become.”

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FELICIA “I was once very deeply in love with someone.

It was beautiful (at first), I had never felt that way about someone before. The first time I told him that I loved him, he smiled and told me that he had loved me from the moment we first met – I felt like I was floating. No one had ever loved me like that before. That was the day I told him I would do anything for him – and I did. I always put him first. I began to love him more than I loved myself, and when that love ended in an explosion of pain and drugs and lies and addiction, I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself. I had lost

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myself and my self worth.

It took me a very long time to disconnect myself from that person I had become, and it took even longer to accept that putting myself and my needs first was not selfish.

I rebuilt myself, brick by brick, with the help of loved ones who saw my worth and always reminded me of it. Everyone deserves to be loved, and everyone deserves to see their own worth. Putting yourself first isn’t selfish.

And if he/she really loves you, they won’t make you feel like it is.”

Write Your Chapter

JOSH, AN EXCERPT FROM HIS STORY “Being afraid of being myself, and even more so, not letting others understand who I truly am, had always remained constant throughout my life – until recently. Although I’m not sure whether or not my coming out story is exceptionally different from others, I do know that it’s extremely personal to me. I didn’t truly admit to myself that I was gay until I was 21, after my first kiss. After that, everything moved so quickly. I fell in love, got my heart broken and fell in love again. I told everyone.

My best friends, acquaintances, that random girl at the club – everyone. The most difficult part, however, was telling my family. At first

they took it as a bit of a shock, but soon after accepted it like it was nothing. Looking at myself from four years ago and comparing it to where I am today is absolutely amazing.

Although I haven’t really changed, I have changed. A lot. I’m happier, more outgoing, and confident. I’m able to express myself in so many different ways that I never would have dared to do previously, whether it be with fashion, art, whatever! Today I can honestly say that I am truly myself, and I’m so much better off for it. I wish I’d done it sooner. After all, “it’s only love, what’s everyone so scared of?” (Get Real, 1998).”

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HANNAH, AN EXCERPT FROM HER STORY “It’s been three years since my last hospital trip, and although I still struggle everyday, I have learnt how to deal with them better.

I’m still in counseling and I’m currently on a waitlist to get in with a psychiatrist and get back on medications. Most of all, I’m trying to stay positive. I take it day by day, and some days, I have to take it minute by minute. And that’s okay. I share my story to crush this stigma that surrounds mental illness. I share

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my story to be heard because I want people to know that they’re never alone. Everyone struggles. Everyone has “stuff” that they have to deal with. I want people to realize that. I want people to realize it’s okay not to be okay.

By sharing my story, I hope that people will be able to reach out and get the help that they deserve. Because if just one person reads my story, and is then inspired to get that help, that’s enough for me.”

Write Your Chapter

JENNA “In the past I’ve felt very let down by Canada’s mental health services. One family member of mine had to wait months to get into addiction counseling, another was too worried about payment and stigma to attempt to access a much needed support, and I was very disappointed when I came to

a counselor to discuss a scary diagnosis only to end up feeling more isolated and without proper support. This is the unfortunate reality for many. I hope it gets better for all the Canadians unable to access adequate mental health services due to stigma, payment issues, or wait periods.” ●

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Four Letter Words A COLUMN BY KAMRYN KOBAL

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As someone who struggles with feeling the need to be present in each and every moment, I sometimes find myself tending to run out of energy. Just as anyone experiences, trying to please others and be at every event can be incredibly draining. I have discussed in past issues how I have tried to slow down and enjoy moments with those around me, without trying to rush to a brand new place.

As I am definitely still working on that flaw of mine, I have recently realized the importance of just being still. So much energy is wasted while worrying about others and what they will think of you if you don't make an appearance somewhere or if you choose to take time for yourself. These things are actually perfectly healthy to do—despite the stigmas or guilt around dedicating time to focusing your energy on you.

older brother allowed us to have conversations that I will cherish forever. Not wasting my energy on thoughts of those around me introduced me to a love that has taught me more about myself than I’ve ever known.

Looking back on the first issue of Kaleo Journal, I wrote about the word “dawn”. In my first Four Letter Words column, I discussed how each new day brings opportunities and experiences.

But thinking to almost twelve mo nths ago, I realize how much I have changed since then.

In the previous months while Kaleo was being created, planned, and organized, I felt a sense of empowerment that I had never experienced.

Though this publication, I am able to give people a voice and allow them to express their creativity and uniqueness. The idea of Kaleo came from a time when I wasn’t sure who I wanted to be or how I was going to make an impact on this world. I was in contact with people who made me feel small for the things that make my heart the biggest.

However, now almost a year later I can happily say that I am today, who I have always hoped that I can be.

Calm

But as I am getting ready to pack up my life and move to at a university located over two hours from my family and friends and everything I've known for eighteen years, I'm now having to understand what it means to be calm. Calm in the sense of the soft ocean waves lightly brushing along the shore. Calm like the stillness of the leafs in Fall. Calm like the sun that move slowly across the grass.

In this crazy world, where everything can seem to never stop, I'm taking a moment to be calm. Life gets chaotic and messy but taking a step back to enjoy the chaos can actually be so beneficial. Rather than focusing on the outcome of current relationships and how my whole world is soon to be flipped upside down, I've had to learn to enjoy each moment.

I'm learning to take my fear and anxiety about starting this new step, and seeing it as an adventure and a challenge. Putting away my phone and grabbing a cup of coffee with my

I've made a friendship with Chloe as we've worked on Kaleo—someone who I connected with from the opposite side of the world. Hearing about the talents and experiences in our contributors lives inspires me to pursue my dreams too. Lastly, the most important thing that Kaleo has taught me is self-love and empowerment.

Writing a positive article every few weeks forced me to open up about topics that I would have rather chosen to ignore. But through learning about my strengths and weaknesses as a person, I’ve seen a transition in myself. I’ve felt myself grow into a girl who understands how to be still in the moment, soaking in the rays of sunshine that those around me pour out. ●

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Fill In The Blanks Hey there! My name is Maura Hawkes.

I express myself through my art in a variety of media. Although I often work with oil paint, I constantly experiment, not only with a variety of media but with technique and style.

I try to embody my own inquisitiveness in my works because I find observing the world around me fascinating.

My sketchbook is always with me, and every day I draw my surroundings, the people around me, or ideas. My works often include people and the human form because trying to capture someone’s physical form as well as their personality always poses new challenges.

I am from a small town called Chesham in Buckinghamshire; I like the closeness to London, but I’m not so fond of how right wing it is. I wish it had more of a diverse nightlife.

One thing people might not know about me is that I only recently decided to follow my passion for art, I used to want to pursue a scientific career. The impression I hope people have of me is that I’m positive, and kind but is most likely that I am shy.

One of my favourite experiences was when I saw The Strokes in Hyde Park. It was the summer after my GCSE exams and it felt like my first taste of freedom. I also made a best friend. One of my least favourite experiences has been studying for exams over the last few months and not being able to be creative. I’ve missed drawing so much.

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Maura Hawkes I feel empowered by visiting art galleries because of how inspired and excited I feel by them. Through my works I hope to empower people with emotion and enthusiasm because that is what I think art is for, to make people feel something in response.

I am an introvert with extrovert tendencies; alone time is important but being around people also energizes me, pessimism drains my energy. A song that always pumps me up is ‘Call Me’

by Blondie. A movie world that I wish I was part of is ‘Rear Window’ so I could be Grace Kelly, I love her style.

If I could collaborate with anyone, past or present, it would be Edward Hopper because I would like to have a better understanding of how he composed his pieces. There’s a feeling of narrative to his paintings, a story is playing out and all we get is one frame, leaving us full of questions. A contemporary artist I admire is Malcom Liepke, his luminous painting style is so fluid and full of expression, aspects I would like to try and achieve in my own work.

I would love to bring back the art of letter writing from the past, but am excited for space travel for everyone in the future. My plans for the future involve doing an art foundation next year to experiment creatively, and further develop my artistic skills. ●

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Wednesday, 31 May 2017 A concept: Ten girls, age 17 to 20 years old meet over the course of four years at a series of concerts of one band, meet in New York on a Wednesday in the beginning of summer.

They fly from all over the south and reside in a Brooklyn apartment until the end of the week. They bring the city beyond itself, sending light not yet seen in Houston, Austin, New Orleans, San Antonio, or anywhere else.

They gather at the garden of Madison Square.

They live forever and remain in New York for as long as they know.

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Friday, 2 June 2017 New York. I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve seen you in movies. Listened to you in songs. Seen you in pictures… but never with my own eyes. Until now.

Here we are all together.

New York, you have been so wonderful, so fast, so full of light and energy! But… I don’t think you, New York, are the reason we feel alive. Because we could be anywhere. I think it is because we are all here together, sharing these moments and making memories. We are holding hands and holding our breath until the next moment takes our breath away.

New York, you are an amazing city and I love you. But the light is in us and we shine in you.

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Poet Tree

Dear Mountains, You take me to the sky like no one else.

You’re the pride when it comes. I enjoy the breeze from up here. I don’t mind shouting or yelling. I want to embrace it while I am on my own. I take in the view you offer. I can see my breath. I can see the stars. I climb the trees and kiss the ground goodbye. I see many others in my stance. I see many far below as well as those who fly above me.

We are all together. We see the world from different heights but we exist on the same level. I came so far from where I once stood. If all goes well, I will still be here tomorrow. Even with the elevation, my mind doesn’t change. I have seen so much upon my arrival, yet there is so much left to explore. I can still see higher ground and I crave it. I wear nothing new. I have learned so much just to know what steps might bring somewhere I want to be. You and I sit from this height, just listening, watching, and breath taking.

With love, Hannah Lozano

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This month, I went to my first music festival outside my hometown of Austin, Texas. I travelled with a friend of mine who I had only met once before this to Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.

Growing up surrounded by live music, I heard about the magic of Bonnaroo and had always wanted to go. After convincing my friend to come with me and spending basically all the money I had left in savings from my last two jobs, I bought a ticket and decided I was going to be a part of that magic this year.

The people I encountered at Bonnaroo were so incredibly passionate, carefree, and positive, that no matter who you go with or who you talk to you’re always going to feel welcome. Every random person in the crowd would instantly become my best friend. From the minute you enter the campsite, to the food vendors, to the random guy next to you in the crowd, I never saw a face that didn’t look like they were having the time of their lives.

Everyone cheered me on as I try to move up in the crowd, and I didn’t walk anywhere without someone giving me a high five and screaming “Happy Roo!”. The energy was electric, you could just feel the buzz in the air.

Lost In

The Music

This year, the lineup was amazing, and I knew no matter what the festival was going to be like, I was going to see bands that I loved, and that was enough. I was kind of blindsided because I had literally no previous expectations for the weekend had no idea what to expect. First, walking through the campsites of everyone who set up tents, RV’s, or campers to stay in throughout the four day festival, I realized that this festival was so different from anything I’d ever seen or imagined. There was this crazy graffiti wall where everyone painted their own mantras, words of wisdom, and anything else you could think of to get people ready for the festival.

Everyone in the whole festival literally radiates positivity and is so excited to be a part of the experience that you’re having as well. I’ve never Delve into Bonnaroo, been to a place with the music festival where 80,000 strangers and everyone becomes friends felt so at home. It was a surreal sensation. There and you can feel the was something about this electricity in the air. festival that I couldn’t put into words because I felt like it wouldn’t do it justice.

A COLUMN It was the most uplifting

BY ALEX MARKEY place I’ve ever been to and I think everyone should be able to experience the magic of it. Bonnaroo embodies everything that is positive energy, empowering, and the ultimate festival experience. ●

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Jua O'Kane explores their experiences as a nonbinary person with cosmetics as a form of self-care and empowerment.

Hey Jua, how are you today?

I’m in that kind of hazy mid-summer place where you’re feeling a little lost without the structure of school to tell you what to do and you’re inspired to create but keeping your focus is difficult. Or is this just something I experience?

Can you share some insights and inspirations for the pieces you created?

Makeup is something that I never really touched before realizing I was nonbinary but it’s become quite an important way for me to empower myself while coming into my identity. To many people it must seem contrary for a transmasculine nonbinary person to be embracing makeup as an aspect of their transition but I’m not interested in conforming to traditional notions of what

“masculine” or “androgynous” means.

In these pieces I wanted to explore this fraught new relationship I’m cultivating with makeup because as much as I enjoy using it like any other medium, the art can be complicated by the politics and toxicity of the beauty industry and its surrounding culture.

Right now more than ever there’s a prescriptive and rigid definition of what makeup is, how it should be used and what “looks good”. That is what distanced me from it for so long, the fact that I felt I had to conform to this heavily contoured, nude and matte look which is so popular. It was my exposure to people whose use of makeup contrasted these ideas (Juliana Horner aka @ claropsyche, Alok Vaid-Menon, G-Dragon, Bea Sweet) that allowed me to embrace it as a medium and I wanted to express this creative

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Express Yourself energy in these pieces.

What works are you drawn to most and what is it about that kind of energy that draws you in?

Primarily, I’m drawn to work that allows me to understand myself and other people better. I think what really convinced me that I had to follow a career in art was seeing myself in art that other people had made; there’s something very powerful about being able to wholly resonate with another person’s experiences, especially among marginalized communities. I think because I didn’t necessarily see myself in the media around me growing up it was all the more important to me when I could recognize myself and my feelings in the work of someone else. That’s what draws me to keep creating, the thought that I can vocalise my own narratives and potentially touch people who have had similar experiences.

faced with challenges, whether that be an artist or a musician or just one of my friends.

The knowledge that people I admire are constantly battling similar difficulties or have overcome the same ones that I am dealing with now is a major comfort. Like if they could do it then so can I? I’d want those people to be proud of me if they saw how I’d handled a tough situation.

“Primarily, I’m What are some of your dream aspirations? drawn to work I try not to think into the future too much because that allows me to I’m the kind of person understand myself and who will endlessly stress about it. I try not to set other people better. That’s myself too many goals since I really have no what draws me to keep idea what path I’m going to take yet. Regardless, creating, the thought that I want to try so many things artistically, I’m I can vocalise my own primarily an illustrator want to be able narratives and potentially tobutdoI also more fashion and photography and film, I touch people who don’t want to be limited in the scope of my art ever. have had similar Also ideally I’d like the kind of platform were I could actually experiences.”

I’m very drawn to comics as a medium, I feel like growing up on tumblr and reading other people’s short comics about their experiences with mental illness or gender or race really shaped me as a person. There’s a kind of brutal honesty in a lot of indie comics that always pulls me in.

What empowers you and what energy do you draw on when you face challenges?

My idols. I think I try to embody the energy of the people I look up to whenever I’m

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affect change, the politics of my work tends to be quite introspective but it’s important to me that it remains connected to activism and does not just become theoretical.

What are some final words you can share?

No matter who you are, there are other people out in the world just like you.

Don’t ever feel that you’re alone in your experiences! You will definitely find people who feel the same things as you, you’ve just gotta start looking. ●

Jua O'Kane

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Fill In The Blanks Hey there! My name is Chaunessey Pierce, everyone calls me Chaun. Very recently, I changed my name to Selah, which means 'to pause and think'. I express myself through poetry and artwork of all mediums. I try to embody my culture and my community in my works because I believe that the 'hood' and 'ghettos' are some of the most beautiful places filled with art and passion. People often over look these things within the community or don't have the time to sit and relish in the diversity among us. One thing people might not know about me is I'm a very grounded person. The impression I hope people have of me is ‘wow that kid is lit’ but is most likely ‘dang she's loud’. I feel empowered by problack instagram spam accounts. However my friends empower me more, because of how we manage to bounce off of each other's energy. Pushing each other towards greatness and full potential.

One of my favourite experiences was attending the Women's March we had in North Carolina.

Everything about it was beautiful, there were moments where I can honestly say I almost cried. The energy was surreal, all of these women from different cultures and colors and walks of life came together for something bigger. One of my least favourite experiences has been growing up. In growing up there's lots of revelations within yourself and those around you—at times it can be confusing. What's kept me grounded through this "early life crisis" is my mom. She's my rock. One of the funniest experiences was when my friends and I were all together sitting around the table cracking jokes about each other last year at lunch. The energy shared throughout the table was authentic and it just bounced off of each other.

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Chaun Pierce

I try to embody nature; I believe nature is the most purest form of life and it in itself is something to awe at. My works often include vibrant portraits paired with vivid colors and textures because I like to grab people's attention with my art. A song that always pumps me up is Freakum Dress by Beyoncé. One day I was listening to my 'Yonce' playlist and it came on, I wanted to strut down the bus like a Diòr model at New York Fashion Week.

Beyoncé is Queen. Through my works I hope to empower my brothers and sisters of color because they need it. They need someone on their side to show them that they are loved, celebrated and appreciated. That it doesn't matter how many of us they try to kill, we won't be nameless and we will fight and be resilient. I hope to empower my people because the African-American community is beautiful and needs to know it.

If I could collaborate with anyone, past or present, it would be Basquiat because our art styles differ so much that I feel they would work together. I'd like to learn what moves him to paint and go into art period. I would love to bring back R&B from the past, but am excited for what will evolve from our current music genres in the future. My plans for the future involve greatness. Greatness for everyone and our world. World peace sounds like a really hippy thing to say, but it's true. That's what I hope for everyone.

I aim to go to college and become an art therapist to help people (widely in the inner city) who have been through traumatic events, hoping to heal them through artistic expression. If I help one person I'd feel like I have accomplished my job. ●

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Blast From The Past We chat with five people from our previous issues who we connected with deeply to discuss how they've been and why they believe in Kaleo.

PHOTOGRAPH BY NIRAAD SENAN

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Issue Four

Seema Shakti 'FILL IN THE BLANKS', ISSUE FOUR What does Kaleo mean to you?

I believe Kaleo means energy and vitality.

Why do you think it’s so important to support and empower young creators?

It’s important because it brings new energy and new perspectives into a world that is constantly in a state of rebirth.

You’ve been uploading a lot more gorgeous artworks on your Instagram, where have you found the inspiration for

those works?

The inspiration comes from being home again, being closer to my family and my inner spirit that always whispers inspiration into my ear.

What is one thing that empowers you?

Witnessing women empowering each other.

Can you share one of your most memorable experiences.

One of my most memorable experiences was my first vacation out of North America

with my family, to South America. I was 9-years-old and I remember us visiting a river and it was near the Amazon so it was more of a brownish color; I called it ‘iced tea water’. It was the coolest thing I had ever seen at that age.

Some final words of wisdom: We are all creators and each of us has something that gives us this tranquil feeling from deep within. It removes us from time and leaves us in a state of timelessness. I would say, do that thing. ●

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Blast From The Past the capacity to be heard or impact the world with your own opinions and your own speech. However, Kaleo does an incredible job of bringing together several powerful voices of youth, no matter how small an individual is, there’s always room for them to contribute in putting their voice out there. So for me, Kaleo is best described as a powerful and beautiful storm made up of passionate voices.

Clara Tang 'THE VALUE OF HUA MU LAN'S NAME', ISSUE FIVE What does Kaleo mean to you?

For me, Kaleo is a platform for the quiet voices to have the energy of storms. As a passionate writer and speaker, I find it really important to incorporate my thoughts and opinions on the world into my writing. At the same time, I consider myself a

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very reserved or internalised person at times, which makes putting my voice out there difficult. To find Kaleo and see a community of people who are driven to use their work to express their thoughts, warmed my heart very much.

As an individual person, you’d think that you don’t have

Why do you think it’s so important to support and empower young creators?

When I first started writing, I remember being the only person in my friendship group (at the time) who found writing as an outlet and saw it as one of my favourite treasures. Because of that, I also felt lonely in the sense that no one else around me really saw value in my craft and what I loved. At least, not enough to support me and allow me to feel confident in my writing. Even now, I still don’t feel completely confident in letting others read what I write and as a writer, I think it’s really important to believe in what you write. Part of that belief in your own craft is heavily prompted by people supporting you or showing that they care for your work enough for you to be motivated to keep going. From what I see of it, once people stop supporting young creators, there’s a

Issue Five chance that they don’t feel like their craft is worth pursuing or further improving. For people who are just starting out with their creativity and discovering their own strengths in the creative sphere of society, empowerment and support tell them to not give up on that creative journey. For me personally, having support for my creative projects tell me that I have an audience and my work matters because it can possible have an impact that’s greater than a personal gain.

You’ve been travelling a lot lately, where have you gone and what has that been like?

I’ve recently travelled around the UK as part of a uni course that I took in my previous semester. As a third culture person, I’m Chinese but I don’t necessarily find myself to entirely fit in that label, mostly because I grew up experiencing an Englishinstructed education. I am still continuously discovering what being a third-culture individual means. I think travelling to UK to experience the other end of the spectrum of my “interspace” identity was necessary. If anything, my trip to UK further confirmed for me that I don’t have one specific cultural identity. I am very much a mixture of my ethnicity (which is Chinese) and my upbringing (which is British/ American). There were many

instances in UK where culture shock overwhelmed me or culture was one of the main reasons why people would treat me differently. Aside from the initial awareness of my cultural self, the trip made me fall in love with travelling so much more. Travelling isn’t an opportunity that I get a lot, but it’s one of my favourite ‘activities’ to live through. I will never get tired of seeing unfamiliar sights and discovering new things.

What is one thing that empowers you?

Knowing that I surround myself with people who I love and care about wholeheartedly. Personally, I find myself empowered by the social energies I allow myself to be around. My friends are without a doubt one of the most important people in my life. I think the capacity for human emotion and the knowledge that it can be shared is what empowers me.

I’m someone that runs heavily on ‘feeling’ and having such a large capacity for emotion.

To be able to feel so much is a powerful thing in itself.

Different kinds of love lift me up all the time.

Can you share one of your most memorable experiences.

I had a few days left in London a couple of weeks ago and I decided to spend them all with my best friend. On one

of the nights, we decided to go grocery shopping at around 10pm and we ended up doing way more than picking up groceries. After we left the store, we walked along this pond and we notice two swans and their babies nestled together floating on the water. The parent swans surrounded their children and stayed awake on watch whilst they slept. We walked over to look at them because they were cute and my best friend adores all kinds of birds.

So we walk up, with one of her Spotify playlists playing out loud blasting from her phone in her pocket. At one point, there was a rustle in the bushes and we saw the adult swans wagging their tails in anger. I looked to my left and along the bank, I saw the smallest fox. And as if it were part of a film, I suddenly heard the plastic rustling of a chip packet. I look to my right and I see my best friend opening a packet of chips that she bought fifteen minutes prior to this ‘event’.

She began snacking whilst squealing looking at the swans.

I remember walking back to her flat that night feeling very content and happy having witnessed swans protecting their babies and having a best friend who would eat chips whilst observing nature. It was a peculiar night, but I remember how warm it made my heart. ●

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Blast From The Past

Nidia Donyada 'IN THE SPOTLIGHT' ISSUE FOUR What does Kaleo mean to you?

Kaleo gave me an opportunity to express myself differently, not only through my photography but by giving me a chance to get to know me.

It was my first ever full spread feature which is something I never imagined I would have.

It's a true pleasure to know the passionate team behind Kaleo who want to shine a positive light to the world through their magazine.

Why do you think it’s so important to support and empower young creators?

We need growth and progress to move forward.

Young creators have fresh

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perspectives because they are hungry and eager to push the creative community in to something better and something greater than in already is. That's what the creative industry needs — a continuous cycle of old creators and new creators.

What is one thing that empowers you?

Music. It keeps me going. It's the one thing that doesn't let me down, let alone anyone.

You’ve been involved in some exciting things lately, can you tell us more about those.

It has been a fruitful journey.

I was honored to be featured

on Refinery29 as a Female Muslim Photographer because I was able to represent Muslim women and show that we are just as strong, capable and creative. Not once has my religion or race ever affected my ability to progress as a designer or a photographer and I think it was important to show that to people. As for -ING Creative Festival, the event let me meet so many creatives from all over the world. I felt I was a part of a community that respected one another regardless of experience. There was no judgement from any creatives I met which is one thing I never experienced in Singapore.

Can you share one of your most memorable experiences.

I don't think this is exactly a memorable experience. But there's a feeling that I will always hold dearly, which was when I was at a stage in my life where my mum and dad no longer needed to support me and I was relieved and happy that I could finally start giving back to them for all their love and support they gave me.

Some final words of wisdom: Don't let people tell you what you can or cannot achieve.

Don't let your religion or the color of your skin be an obstacle. If you have to strive alone, then strive alone. Be proud of who you are. Work smart and dream big. ●

Issue Four of people who seem way more talented than you are on social media and it is so easy to fall into the imposter syndrome.

I think what would help us to bat off the negativity and grow is through the support among the creative community! We all deserve to grow more creative and open. We will all play an important for changing the way people think I think and it is really important!

Your Instagram is buzzing with new works, what have you been exploring lately?

I am flattered! Since I talked to you, I started taking up couple of different things. From making out of air dry clay, now I work with actual clay with kiln and it is actually really fun to shape things out of clay. But now I’m back to using air dry clay to make small figures.

Sinae Carrotate 'FILL IN THE BLANKS', ISSUE FOUR What does Kaleo mean to you?

To me, Kaleo is an excitement.

Sometimes you meet a stranger who just clicks in few lines of exchanging conversations and you feel like you are here in this world left alone crying! Each creator in Kaleo has a full of story of their own and it is near impossible to put words how

exciting it is to be connected to other creators throughout the world.

Why do you think it’s so important to support and empower young creators?

I think today it is almost impossible not to feel insecure about what you are doing as a creative. There are thousands

Also I have been pushing myself to do more screen printing because it was something that I was not very confident and I absolutely love how physical I get when I am working on it. I made a book about seeing through using the risograph printing and since that I like the texture effect of the result and made a couple of prints out of it. Those prints from the risograph and screen printing will be displayed to be sold in Seoul illustration fair in July. I am nervous but super excited about meeting people through the fair and see the

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Blast From The Past reactions on my work.

What is one thing that empowers you?

It is really difficult for me to answer because my instant answer would be coffee and biscuits.

But besides that, I seem to be inspired and motivated by being connected to other illustrators. Recently I became closer to other illustrators in the UK and actually sharing stories about difficulties and the individual practice makes me feel really connected and stable. That makes me more confident and when I am confident, I feel more motivated to work.

Can you share one of your most memorable experiences.

My friend and I went to Brighton beach two weeks ago and there we doodled on stones on the beach and they were found by two lovely mates and they actually tagged us on Instagram (we wrote our accounts on the stones too) and we became friends! We thought that was pretty cool that they said they found the stones and decided to sit next to them among loads of other spots. It actually made our entire day.

Some final words of wisdom: Give yourself a license to continue making. You are more than fine. â—?

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Niraad Senan 'IN THE SPOTLIGHT' ISSUE SIX What does Kaleo mean to you?

To me, Kaleo represents a movement to a more open, understanding and accepting society through exploring engaging and provoking themes. It challenges us as to artists share our stories and experiences. It challenges us as readers to listen and embrace thoughts, ideas and ways of life that may previously have been foreign to us.

Why do you think it’s so important to support and empower young creators?

As one of them myself, this has given me an amazing platform to share my art and

ideas. The early stage of any creator's "career" is the toughest; trying to make a name for themselves and get some recognition and traction in the art world.

Offering an outlet to share more than just the art but the artist behind them is a fantastic boost for their personal morale and strengthens their selfconfidence at such a crucial and daunting stage. An opportunity to be supported or featured like this gave me the external validation I never knew I wanted and has given me the confidence to proudly continue to chase my creative dreams.

Issue Six You generously ordered quite a few print copies, where did they go to?

They went to family and friends. I am proud to be surrounded by incredibly supportive people who couldn't wait to get their hands on a copy and I was blown away by their responses.

In particular, my grandfather, who is quite ill right now, was on the brink of tears when he told me how proud he was of me when he read the feature.

Even if my photography amounts to nothing in the future, the years of dedication to the artform and the effort I've put into it have all been worth it, thanks to you guys, for that one moment with him.

Can you share one of your most memorable experiences.

I have one clear answer for

this one: my parents' divorce. The idea of a broken family is seen as a negative thing and though it is the breakdown of the "typical" family unit, it actually blossomed into the most amazing family dynamic.

Through the divorce, we have ended up blurring the lines between parents and children as we have all had to grow and adapt to this new dynamic together. We have an incredible relationship with each of our parents as more than just parents but as friends; friends we can talk to openly, without judgement or fear, free to be ourselves and express our thoughts. This in turn is met with respect and understanding on their part. The result is that we have parents we want to talk to and parents we can (and do)

brag about to our friends.

What is one thing that empowers you?

Family. Both the family I've been lucky enough to be born into and the family of friends I have found over the years.

I am surrounded by some of the most impressive people in such a wide variety of ways and each and every one of them inspires me to be the best I can be.

Some final words of wisdom: As a 23-year-old, I can only turn to the words of those much wiser and more experienced than myself. I'd like to share this beautiful message from my grandfather: live a life full of laughter.

Surround yourself with those you love. Live true to your heart and have no regrets. â—?

Become part of the Kaleo family Kaleo Journal would be nothing without the support of our readers and contributors.

Our mission is to creatively empower youth through giving their voices a platform, so we accept all forms of creative expressions, including artworks, articles, essays, music, short stories, poetry, photography, reviews and videos—anything you imagine.

Head to kaleojournal.com/submissions for all the information on becoming part of a future issue. We absolutely welcome all ideas and believe in open communication with our contributors to realize their dreams through our platform, so even if your work doesn't suit the upcoming theme, it may help shape a future edition.

Photography is also something we love to keep to support written articles, so we encourage you to send some works over to keep in our database. Email submit@ kaleojournal.com with your pitch or works; we're looking forward to it!

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Nakate Kakembo

Say hello to Nakate, the visual artist who draws on her cultures, faith and the natural world around her to create bold depictions of strong women, breaking down stereotypes and leaving her impression on the world.

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Nakate Kakembo Hey Nakate, how are you?

I’m feeling so magical and amazing.

How would you introduce yourself to a room full of people who have never met you?

I feel like the way I dress and look introduces itself, so that’s a form of introduction.

How would you announce yourself to a room full of people who you know well?

I'd probably walk in the room dancing.

How did you find your passion for art and what was the response from your family like when you wanted to pursue it? Did you notice culturally ingrained reservations, from both ethnic and Australian cultures that might not respect creative fields as highly as others, or did you find support (in the attitudes and environment)?

Since I can remember I’ve always turned to art for an escape. I was always daydreaming and creating, I still am. Growing up in an ethnic family, it was considered a hobby to be an artist, not something to pursue further than that, so I grew up with that always at the back of

my mind and I would only draw for fun.

When I got to high school, I remember I begged my mum to let me do visual art as an elective because I did the IB program; you had to choose between art and chemistry.

I think my parents knew from then on that the hope of me becoming anything medically related was out the door.

I continued to pursue art until university, when I decided to undertake a degree in urban design, which I thought might allow me to be somewhat creative but still “realistic” about finding a job.

After graduating university, I decided to focus most of my energy on my art (whilst also working and interning) and I think my parents are more supportive now because they see that it makes me happy but also that people pay me for commission work.

Australia feels like it has a

lot of emerging talent at the moment, the youth are brimming with creative energy and proving that we have the passion to tackle global issues but there are still a lot of reservations or restrictions.

From your experiences, how have you found being a young visual artist in Melbourne and how do you think we can move forward and reach higher goals?

I think Melbourne is so artsy and full of creative people that all want to make a change or leave an impression. My experience as a visual artist is connected to my experience as a black woman, a Muslim woman, an interracial woman; it comes with many labels and many societal conditions. I only hope that I can make a small difference via my art, get people to think a little more, about our world situation and the way we see and treat people. I feel like the older generation look down on young people like myself, and they complain that we are too lazy, because they

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Nakate Kakembo associate passion with idleness.

But what’s wrong with being passionate?

I admire the youth, because they are the most misunderstood but also the ones with the freshest ideas and the hunger to create. We can only move forward with unity. We could build so many galaxies if we unite and reach higher and higher but do it together, with mutual respect and tolerance of each other and our differences.

What have your experiences being from Chinese and Ugandan heritage and Muslim faith been like in the arts world and Australian environment?

I love being mixed and having two amazing beautiful cultures that I gain inspiration from and that make me who I am, but it took me a long time to love that and accept myself. Artistically, I never realised how much my cultural background influenced my artwork until my mum pointed it out to me. I draw women and mostly women of colour, women who

look like me and my friends and family.

I identify with the women I draw and I want other girls to feel the same way. I think a lot of people are scared of Islam because people fear what they don’t know, and I love busting their bubbles and their stereotypes of what a Muslim is and how a Muslim woman should look and act. I remember in my second year of university we were having class and one of the girls sitting on my table said “I love your head wrap!

Why do you cover your hair?”

I replied, “Oh thanks, I’m Muslim that's why.” And her facial expression immediately changed and she blurted out, “But you’re so nice!” It’s as if being Muslim in the west is a negative thing, but it’s only because people stay feeding on the media, and I have to remind myself on the daily, that not everyone is ignorant.

When searching for people to feature for this issue, a friend recommended you to me saying how

much she feels empowered by seeing strong characters, especially women, in your works and just the creative energy flowing from them.

How does that kind of response make you feel, knowing that your empowering others through your art?

Is that something you are conscious of when creating or is it more subconscious?

It’s so beautiful and it makes me want to keep drawing and creating because I want people to feel empowered and I want them to realise their own strength and power. I don’t think I’m conscious of it when I’m creating but I guess it makes me more critical of my work, because I want my message to shine through and in order for that to be possible, the artwork needs to reflect what I’m trying to say.

What empowers you and what energy do you draw on when you face challenges?

I get a lot of inspiration from nature. When I feel lost I go outside, take a deep breath and recollect my thoughts. I feel most powerful when I am confident in myself and my capabilities as an artist and individual. When I am faced with challenges I try to relax and not stress myself out, I noticed that I create better

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Noteworthy art when I’m in a positive mindset. If my mind is occupied with negative thoughts, I have to clear that negativity before I can create.

What works are you drawn to most and what is it about that kind of energy that draws you in?

I am drawn to works with symbols. I think symbolism is powerful. I often use the symbol of the sun and moon because it represents power and strength but also light and darkness. I like the contrast between light and dark, that’s why I mainly work with black and white. There is something about opposites that is alluring. There needs to be darkness in order for light to be illuminated, just like we need to allow ourselves to be vulnerable to reveal our power.

Your works also depict many bold diverse women, particularly from African and Asian backgrounds and integrating Arabic text throughout them. Could you expand on the significance of this and why it’s important for you to

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connect with your cultures and express them?

I didn’t particularly intend to draw African and Asian women, but I think it happened quite naturally and organically for me.

We draw our own reality, and the more I draw women of colour the more I see the importance of cultural awareness. I actually don’t understand Arabic but I can read and write it because I read the Quran as a Muslim, I learnt how to read the language from young and it stuck with me. Arabic is so beautiful, and it fits perfectly with my art because it’s eloquent and the calligraphy of the text looks like it’s own art form. Drawing women of colour, African and Asian women, it’s a form of healing for me, it's a form of self love and respect for both of my cultures, which I embrace and learn from.

What would be your dream collaboration or project be?

My short term project is to start looking into murals but in a long term dream of mine I would love to see my drawings come to life as an animated short video or film, give them more life.

What are some words of wisdom you’ve learnt growing up that you can share with us?

I think one lesson I’ve learnt is to cherish the day, to be patient and to go with the flow. I believe everything happens for a reason; if things don’t turn out the way you wanted them to it’s because God has a greater plan for you, but in the end, it all works out. ●

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Eduarda Craveiro

Introducing Eduarda, an aspiring illustrator from the United Kingdom who loves exploring different techniques and is about to venture into a foundational arts course to pursue her passions and have her name in lights.

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Introducing

Hey Eduarda, how are you?

I’m great, thanks!

If you were lost in a theme park, what would your friends call out on the tannoy to describe you?

I have very curly hair and I love to chat, so probably something about that, but to be honest I would probably be talking to someone so I wouldn’t hear it.

So your finishing up high school now, how has that been and what’s interested you in

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exploring art more?

School was good, after spending 6 years in the same school I was pretty excited to leave and to do what I like the most all the time. I’ve always enjoyed art, so it’s only natural that I pursue it!

Could you describe the experience of visiting the Louvre in Paris?

Even though I go to Paris often, I had no idea what to expect, it's definitely way more traditional (and religious) than I

had envisioned. The Mona Lisa is also way too overrated, just go Google it.

Who are some of your favourite artists and why?

My first pick is Paula Rego for sure, I feel so connected to her artwork and her as an artist; it’s also crazy how much we have in common! We share the same birthday, nationality, and we both immigrated to the same country, if I had an artist soulmate it’s definitely her. Also, the impressionists,

Eduarda Craverio especially Toulouse-Lautrec, his illustrations are fantastic.

How have you developed your artistic style?

Mainly experimenting by looking at other artists, even just by copying a piece of artwork you like can help you to find your own style.

I think looking at the people and the colours that surround you can really change the way you work.

that’s so?

My likes and dislikes, my hobbies, my culture, the people that surround me. I’m definitely externally driven, and I feel empowered by letting myself be inspired by my environment. I’m from Portugal, a country that is very rich in tradition, I like having that cultural background to bounce ideas off from.

How do you think that young people are being empowered by social media platforms?

I think more than ever, young people are becoming more and more empowered through each other, social media is a great platform for people to be able to share their ideas and work with a wide range of people and voices that would otherwise not be heard.

I’m not much of a painter really, I much prefer to be working with pen and ink, carbon paper is also a real favourite of mine. I recently started using soft pastels and they have been a real revolution for me, I would love to experiment more with oil paints as it is an area I have only really dipped my toe into.

How do you think art can empower people, and has there been a memorable moment for you?

I think realising you have a skill, to be able to put ideas from your brain onto paper whether it is through drawing or writing is such a gift, and not only for a select few have it. I’ve never had a singular moment of empowerment, but I always try to remind myself of all the things I’m good at, and to work on these skills.

What other things empower you and why do you think

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Introducing

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Eduarda Craverio

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Eduarda Craverio Platforms like Instagram also give you the control to customise the way in which you present yourself and your work which I find very freeing, of course, some can get a little too caught up in their selfimage but in healthy doses, social media is definitely a platform for empowerment.

What is the energy like in the UK and how does it affect you as a person and your artwork?

The UK is such an inspiring place to be, I am constantly surrounded by such a vast collection of cultures, religions and ideas and it is a huge contributing factor to my work.

I think on a personal level the whole energy has really taught me to look outside my own culture and to absorb my surroundings.

What kind of energy do you look for in music? Does it differ from artworks?

I’m very picky about the type of art and music I like, that being said I can’t really predict what I’d like, even my boyfriend has described my taste as ‘sporadic’. On the whole I think I gravitate towards a light-hearted energy to music and art, I love music that sounds good to my ears and art that looks good in my eyes.

• Jim Morrison: I feel as

•

•

•

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though he’s quite an intense person, maybe it’s his deep voice. I’d say a maroon or a deep red.

Gustav Klimt: It’s hard not to base it on the colours he uses in his paintings as the way he uses gold is so iconic, but a warm colour like a yellow or orange is a good pick.

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard: A bright toxic looking green, if it was the colour of their blood I wouldn’t be surprised.

Angel Olsen: She’s a Scorpio but a turquoise colour for sure. She sings these ‘blue’ songs, but you can tell she’s great fun.

Claude Monet: A purplyblue, like the one he uses in a lot of his paintings.

Salvador Dali: My heart says an ugly colour because I’m not the biggest fan of his work,

but a deep blue. He’d look great in a blue suit.

What are your plans for the future?

I start my art foundation In September which I’m sooo excited for, the idea of doing art all the time is keeping me alive, and doing it with my best buddies?! Count me in!

After that I hope to go to uni and possibly do illustration or something along those lines.

The future looks EXCITING. What would be a dream project of yours?

Designing artwork for an album would be cool, if not, selling out the O2 arena, or my name in lights.

What are some lyrics you keep in mind?

I’m a massive Strokes fan so I like to think about the lyric “don’t be a coconut”. The coco keeps me from going loco. ●

In a sentence, could you describe the colour of the energy of these artists:

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Analog Echo

Meet Herman and Bror, the photographers from Norway capturing the raw energy of youth through the lens of disposable cameras and sharing their journey of creating art for art's sake.

PORTRAITS BY FABIAN FRAMDAL FJELDVIK

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Analog Echo consists of two young adults, Herman Friis & Bror Neby Hilland. Bror is a 20-year-old musician that makes telepop music (which is exactly what it sounds like) currently living at his apartment in Oslo, Norway. Alongside taking pictures for Analog Echo, he is starting his own secondhand clothing store called “Ditto”, inspired by different secondhand stores in the U.S. such as Round 2 Hollywood and Rif LA. Herman is a 21-year-old artist. He fulfills his passion everyday by creating original content. Between the passions of the two boys, they put their energy together to create Analog Echo.

“Analog” simply means taking pictures with an analogue camera, while “Echo” represents Bror & Herman posting pictures that mirror one another. Two different viewpoints of the same environment.

Mirroring different feelings and energy.

Mixing chaos with order.

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Analog Echo How did you guys meet and form this project?

Bror Neby Hilland: We met each other about a year ago, right after we finished school. Our gap year started with a party at our friend Pita’s house. I knew that Herman played in a band called “Me & the Julios”, and asked if Herman would play bass on some of my tunes.

We then started jamming together frequently, eventually becoming even closer over time.

I noticed that Herman was always equipped with a disposable camera and was amazed with the idea of how something so unpolished and rough could be so divine.

Herman Friis: I made the account in the beginning, thinking it would be a solo project, but after getting to know each other better, I knew that I had to bring Bror along with on the journey.

What is it about analogue photography that draws you in, as opposed to digital?

HF: For me, it’s the unpredictability about it. You can’t see how the pictures will turn out until sometime after and every camera has its own unique style. I have everything from cameras that expired years ago to cameras fresh from the store. In doing so, the account remains exciting. I also enjoy the way you can manipulate the cameras in a way that can’t be recreated through digital editing. For instance, while at Roskilde Festival in Denmark [pictured adjacent], one of my favourite pictures came after holding a lighter underneath the camera for a few seconds which gave it a green hue.

I can recall a surfing trip I was on in Biarritz, France back in 2014 [pictured above]. That was

the first time I shot with a disposable camera.

It only consisted of 27 pictures, but every picture was worth saving. When I realized I only had a selection of pictures to take on the trip, I put emphasis on the fact that every moment had to be captured carefully. The pictures I took with my phone, were only taken for the sake of having memories to look back on, however the digital pictures aren’t as everlasting as disposable ones.

BNH: I attended a very photo-oriented school where we learned a lot about photography, but only modern things like editing and such. We were told that this was the path in becoming successful photographers.

Despite what I was told at school, I do believe that knowledge of photography is nothing more than a starting point.

To me, truly great photography comes from the ability to spot the right motives and perspectives.

When gazing upon, experiencing and attempting to capture the wonders of nature, I rarely pull out my phone. Though my phone can capture what I am gazing upon, it seems to fall short of capturing the beauty I experience. Above all, this is the reason I love analogue cameras. Analogue cameras offer an outside perspective which differs from what I can see and recall. From the moment of exposure, the analogue photos seem to visualize an experience filled with the aesthetics and nostalgia of my memory. This is the purpose of my photography.

We live in a world where technical skills only

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Analog Echo control the background and the logistics; people are only interested in emotions and personality in entertainment. You cannot rush the creative moment as life is slow and the world moves slowly. Therefore, I almost failed my photo class but now I’m being interviewed by a magazine because of the pictures I have taken. It's not the fact that analogue attracts me, it's the same reason as Herman, with the unpredictability and the roughness of it all. Everything that is not polished and not edited in its 1000 draft before it is posted on Instagram.

Forget having thousands of followers, I want to see the grain when I zoom in.

For that reason, the picture gives a completely different feeling. We are not journalists who need to clearly show what is happening in a photo.

It is different than that, it is untouched surroundings where the tightness is lying behind a thick wall of old visions that have been revived to a new generation of hipster fashion.

The pictures have such a clear mood, which feels like a very real experience of youth in comparison to much of what can be seen on TV or movies.

What experience do you try to create through content and medium?

There isn´t really any motive behind using Instagram. Here in Norway people usually use Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram. So for us, it was natural to post the pictures on Instagram.

There is something about the challenge of the Instagram grid that motivate us. Although there is one image spread over three panels, each image must also be able to stand on its

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own. It's not like we try to show how exciting and fun our lives are, we just take pictures of how we live, no matter how funny or boring it may be at any time. It is very unfiltered that way. Unlike digital pictures, where you make the pictures into something more than what they are. Much of what makes it exciting, we believe, is that we are just friends who take pictures and do not attempt to make it extraordinary. The biggest effort we put into this, is choosing photos and putting it on the page so that it is coherent with the energy we are trying to create. If you look at the page, you'll see that it starts with a white, glossy stripe, and evolves into a “story” with its own chapters.

What kind of energy to you hope to create?

We want people to see the pictures and be inspired to live freely and enjoy their youth. Cherish every moment and leave everyday troubles behind. I take photos of people in an environment I want to show. When I take portraits of people, I always get the same reaction, a big fake smile, because that's what people want the world to see and not everything behind it. It’s a big façade they put up. We actually encourage people to pose as little as possible, to really capture the moment instead of capturing a pretty smile. The energy must come from a real place. We are young adults who have been thrown into a life where we have to look for an education/profession, but we focus on the freedom we have as young people instead.

What empowers you as young people, and as photographers?

Analog Echo HF: The only thing I care about is expressing myself. I have to admit it—I live in an uninspiring place at times. Yet, I find that expressing myself through music, directing videos, modeling, taking pictures and painting, etc. gives me enough inspiration to pursue my dream which is working on creative projects.

When I find something creative worth doing, it gives me a sense of purpose and meaning.

BNH: Reflecting on the parallels of everyday life is the driving force behind my creativity.

Keeping an eye on culture and keeping track of relevant things in society, contributes to what I do as a photographer and strengthens the virtual reality in my mind.

What kind of energy inspires you?

BNH: The easiest source of inspiration for me is the aesthetics in natural phenomena and different vibrant sensations in art.

Anything that gives strong impression and focus on freedom and all energy that counteracts and opposes a routine life.

HF: Raw energy. I'm inspired by destroying objects: Crushing glass, burning materials etc., destructive art. I like the aesthetic beauty in destruction. For example, once I took gasoline and poured it over a cart in an empty parking lot and lit it on. The whole cart was in flames and I could feel the heat as well as watch the fire rising. I did it to release frustration and to take a good picture and it felt liberating. I got so much inspiration afterwards. There is something about crossing borders that allows me to listen to my own intuition. Jim Morrison

once said ‘Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.’ The more rules that are broken the better. I like destruction in a structured way.

What the intuition tells you instead of what others say.

Do you enjoy photographing moments of joy or excitement or frustration or something completely different?

BNH: Generally everything. All moments that provide a clear energy wave of emotions. As long as the intentions are real, the pictures will be as well.

HF: I like to make a story with the pictures. Make the pictures alive and natural.

Your Instagram is so strong too, using panels to make a bold impact. Why have you chosen to arrange them this way?

HF: It's a challenge to put it in place and get a three-panel image to work both individually and collectively and connected with the rest of the "story" we are trying to convey.

BNH: The challenge of creating structure out of chaos. Symmetry also plays a big part in how we place the pictures. Sometimes we can take an ear on one picture and the rest of the head on another. As long as we make this conscious decision, it makes sense.

How does the Norwegian environment influence your works?

HF: Norway is a small country, but there are

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Analog Echo big differences between communities from city to city, so we can only talk about it from our point of view. Oslo is divided into two sides, East Oslo and West Oslo. The two sides are divided by a river called Akerselva. We live and operate in the middle of the area, about 10 meters from Akerselva, so we get a lot of impressions from both sides. I was raised on the East side, while Bror was raised on the West side. When I went to school, people could wear what they wanted without being judged. I remember when I started defining my own style from 6th grade. My friend and I were already outsiders back then. While everyone else played soccer, we started skating instead and took in a lot of that culture. I was raised right before the rise of social media, so I refrained from the pressure of maintaining a social media status. Today’s kids experience massive social media pressure which may even result in psychological disorders such as social anxiety, eating disorders, depression and other issues.

BNH: I remember when I went home from school in the 8th class and everyone listened to a Skrillex and reggae Dubstep. One of my friends asked why I didn’t listen to this kind of music. To be honest, I had not put much thought into music before 8th grade and from the top of my head I could perhaps remember five songs. I went home and started listening to this genre everyone was talking about and I formed my own opinion of what I liked and disliked. As a result, I learned to have my own opinions about things. My impression on the techno genre made me more confident to pick my own music, creating a gateway into style, fashion and cultural direction. I was angry and hated a lot at that time and wore my clothes on backwards to not follow the crowd, instead I followed my guts and my own style. That has also been the foundation for the store I have founded. It is called “Ditto” and is opening this summer!

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What would be your dream project to shoot?

BNH: Ooohh, that´s an exciting question. I’m planning a photoshoot to promote the store I’m making, which we’re going to incorporate Analog Echo into.

HF: I want to make my life my project. My entire life is a project that I’m excited to see how unfolds.

Are you thinking of pursuing photography through further study?

HF: I'm always interested in learning, I want to learn for the rest of my life, so who knows.

What do you see Analog Echo becoming in the future?

We do not know what the future holds.

There's no specific future goal with the account, we've made it because we love taking photos. If the account continues and it gets more recognized, it would be amazing.

We will never make our account into anything but our passion. We feel that we can create an image and compose something original. The essence of what we are doing and what we want to keep on doing is to have three stripes with a photo divided into three. A disposable camera is always the tool. As long as we have energy and enjoy what we do, we will not stop.

Analog Echo’s future is what we do in the future. As Jim Morrison did sang, “The future is uncertain but the end is always near.”

What are some words of inspiration you keep?

HF: My phone pin-code is an inspirational, but I don’t want people to know my code [laughs].

BHN: Dwayne Carter Jr. said “Work hard.

Be somebody. Be something more than what you see in the mirror. Let the world be your mirror. Don’t let them judge you, cause the mirror can’t judge. You judge what you see in the mirror.” ●

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Submissions Do you know someone who would really suit our style? Let them know of Kaleo OR send us their profile of work (Tumblr, website, Soundcloud, Instagram, etc) and their email address so we can contact them ourselves if we think we’d make a merry match.

Or how about you? Do you have something that you would love to express in Kaleo? Well then let us know! We would absolutely love to include you in our publication! Head to our website for all the guideline details and then email away! kaleojournal.com/submissions submit@kaleojournal.com

In Issue Three, we formed the beginnings of +you with our photo essay to promote unity among girls and the importance of physical wellbeing. We are looking to expand on what we started through an online series and we're looking for features.

If you are an artist, model, express yourself on social media or simply want to have a discussion about self love and positivity in our technologic age, then we would love to know.

For more information to submit, partner and support this venture, email info@kaleojournal.com

Kaleo Vent The emerging online community of publications on platforms like Issuu, Instagram and Tumblr are largely being driven by youth, which is incredible to see how this younger generation is expressing themselves and uniting. But sometimes it can be difficult to find these gems, so we're looking to initiate a directory to connect publications, readers and contributors, building a stronger community.

To be involved in this, email publications.connect@gmail.com

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Vent is a project we manage through Tumblr. The blog is a place where people can anonymously send in any thoughts playing through their mind or stressing them out. It is based on the idea that just telling your thoughts or feelings to someone, anyone, can make you feel better because it’s not pent up inside. Our goal is to create a safe space and promote mental wellbeing through communication and expression.

The submissions can be anything, serious or minor, ranging from: ‘I accidentally closed the door on my cat’s tail’ to ‘I recently came to terms with my sexuality.' kaleovent.tumblr.com

Let's Connect In the vast abyss of our planet Earth, we can sometimes slip apart. Let’s never let this happen. Let’s Connect.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERMAN FRIIS OF ANALOG ECHO To send us a hello, share your enjoyment or for serious enquires send us an email at info@kaleojournal.com

Find all things related to our magazine, including contributors profiles and more about us www.kaleojournal.com

To order your very own copy of the magazine or a nifty subscription deal, head to kaleojournal.bigcartel.com

To see all the work behind the closed curtains and the antics that go with it, follow us at instagram.com/kaleojournal

To read a free copy of this magazine or other editions any where at any time head to issuu.com/kaleojournal

Check out our inspirations, take a glimpse at the things we love and see our Tumblr feature at kaleojournal.tumblr.com In Issue Three we featured poetry by Ashley McNally who has her own site dedicated to giving a platform to writers at www.ampoems.weebly.com

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