From the Editor KISS-FIST FIRST ISSUE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Frank Gallimore PRODUCTION DESIGN
Rosa Lee Gallimore COVER DESIGN:
Frank Gallimore CONTRIBUTORS
Antoinette Abbamonte KJ “Cal” Balogun Christopher Brown Kristina Ching Diana Cho Tamara Copeland Janis Cripps Regina Daniels Sheila DeLao Terry Dockter Shira Grabelsky Frank Gallimore Rosa Lee Gallimore Kelly Jo Hancock Melissa Huber Irene Jazowick Maureen Klusza Dana Lenz Jenna Leon Christopher Smith Abby Strauss Mel Westlake Aimee Kirsten Whyte WEB DESIGN
Rosa Lee Gallimore
KISS-FIST.com info@kiss-fist.com
Dear Readers,
When my sister asked me what I thought of starting up a family magazine, I imagined it would go something like this. I imagined, because plenty of fascinating events have come to pass through our lives--sometimes funny, sometimes quirky, sometimes moving. Even in this age of information, most of what’s remarkable is forgotten. So here’s a funnel and a jar for safe keeping. We’ll put in it a few odds and ends. Perhaps something unusual will do, something that startles you and was in your back yard all along. We’ll add something to learn about. And, while we’re at it, we’ll throw in something funny from time to time, to make you giggle in that late hour at the office. We’ll also keep in this jar the kind of creations that, with a bit of encouragement, could have flowered into many more. We’ve watched those diamonds in the rough, artists and writers who create something wonderful only to put it away, sure it won’t amount to anything more than a little project to pass the time. But no projects are little so long as they transport us from the everyday and into that privileged space in which we are encouraged to dream. When I say “Dream,” I’m referring to that vivid and continuous dream John Gardner writes of in On Becoming a Novelist. As he puts it, it is a dream that demonstrates authorial generosity; reveals intellectual and emotional significance, is rendered with elegance and efficiency and, finally, exhibits an element of strangeness. These are the qualities, not just of art, but of anything that grabs our attention and transports us. The phrase “Kiss-Fist” refers to a sign in American Sign Language indicating affection. You might sign “I KissFist football,” or, hopefully, “I Kiss-Fist this magazine.” The name is fitting in that we’ve showcased here a sampling of what we love and admire. Kiss-Fist is also a “word of hand” magazine, meaning that it’s a way for us to spread the word on what we love about our friends, families, and whatever happens to pop up in the community that’s worth cheering for. We are a biracial family made up of both hearing and Deaf. I say this only because this magazine will inevitably reflect who we are. But that is not to say that any contributor should be limited. We have made it our goal to appreciate work regardless of whether it conforms to our views or particular background. The only condition is that we want, like anyone, to be surprised, delighted, and taken somewhere we haven’t been before. We hope you’ll enjoy the ride as much as we have. Truly,
Editor-In-Chief
Contents Dance ---------------23, 36, 44 Fashion ------------------------ 8 Food -------------------------- 38 Illustration ------------------- 20 Painting ------------------ 24,27 Photo Journal -------------- 36 Poetry ------------------------ 22 Short Story ----------------- 14 Soap Box ------------------- 28 Talent ------------------- 46, 48
19
12
4
Irene Jazowick is a deaf photographer from Oregon
“I like to capture 'a moment' something that speaks volumes when you see a picture.”
32
Jenna Leon is a deaf photographer from Canada
“You might forget tomorrow but pictures last a lifetime.”
42
Janis Cripps is a deaf photographer from Arizona
Terry Dockter is a deaf photographer from Washington
KJ “Cal” Balogun is a deaf photographer from USA
“I became fascinated in photography after my daughter was born. I look for close ups to show beauty faces and their details.”
“I look for and try to capture sounds in vision when I take pictures...”
“I typically look for moments that I rarely see on a daily basis. Who will remember these moments?”
COVER ARTIST: Frank Gallimore The Other Child cm 1.267x1.467] Gouache on bristol board
Canon 1D Mark II
IRENE JAZOWICK
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Ramblings of a Self-Confessed Shopaholic By Melissa Huber
I
am known to many as a fanatic blogger, but when I was asked to write up an "article", I have to admit I went "eeps -- an article!? How formal?!" However, I think that this could be a healthy outlet for my "fashionista-ramblings" -- healthier than going out and shopping. Thus, healthier for my bank account as well. I have had YEARS of trials/errors with fashion, it's impossible to sum it all up in one article, but I thought I'd start with a few of my all time favorite style tips, and a fun outlook at spring/ summer fashion.
the end, I'm walking home happily and comfortably.
TRENDS ARE LIKE FRIENDS: KEEP THE OLD BUT MAKE NEW ONES
Trends come and go so quickly, sometimes it's hard to keep up with them. My personal philosophy? Who cares what's supposedly "in"? Wear what works for you, and what makes you FEEL good. If the hottest trends don't flatter you, don't bother. If the latest skinny jeans give you a muffin top, abstain from that trend. If you feel stupid wearing black nail polish, don't bother. I have to admit it did take me a COMFORT COMES FIRST while to go over to the "dark side" with using dark I have no idea why people associate New York nail polish. But once I took that plunge, and realized City with the sexiest stiletto heels?! I guess we have I loved it, I haven't been able to let go, even though our friends Carrie, Charlotte, "black nails" are supposedly out. Samantha and Miranda to Which brings me to my “Wear what works for you and thank for that. Have we ever next point - black nails, what makes you FEEL good.� leggings, and cowboy seen any of them take the subway in a "Sex and the City" boots (among other things) episode? NO! The have supposedly been on the "out" list for some time ugly truth is, save your heels for when you've got now. Trust me, they're still seen everywhere in New "cab cash" and can commute via cab. Or do it the York City, and isn't NYC supposed to be the fashion "Melissa" way --- I've been laughed at for doing this, capital of the world? If something looks good on you, but it always works --- I carry a pair of flip flops, and make it work for you with confidence, and you'll look fashionable -- trendy or not. (Scrunchies are a stuff them into a big purse whenever going out at different story, ahem, I personally believe that those night. Instead of whining about how my feet hurt at BEST PLACES TO SHOP
KISS-FIST FASHION
Target H&M Old Navy
are strictly reserved for overnight wear, for the help of getting a good blowout to last longer) For those of you that love being on top of trends, help yourselves, but DO be careful -- there is such a thing as being a "trendzilla." (Think Paris Hilton)
“Be fashionable. It is your right.” Melissa Huber
INSTEAD OF TRENDS, LOOK FOR WHAT IS NEW This is my favorite thing about fashion --- I'm constantly looking for what's "new" -- new color palettes, new ways to wear clothes, new shapes, and so on. Personally, I'm loving that the one shoulder look is becoming such a staple these days, now we have something else other than tube tops or halter tops to consider when we want to show a little skin. I always say that during the warmer weather seasons, Manhattan literally becomes my giant outdoor shopping mall! So with spring in full bloom and summer just right around the corner, there are lots of exciting new things. My favorite "NEW" thing of the season? All the bright, bold colors!!! The color palette for this season is simply gorgeous. And yes, everyone (even those that love wearing black) can wear color. It's just how you choose to do it. Go and wear something BOLD. Get a BOLD dress or top in orange, fuchsia, cobalt blue, or even yellow. But make sure you keep the rest of your outfit simple. You don't want two bold pieces competing for attention at the same time. Use color as an accessory. Add a splash of color to an all black outfit by accessorizing with a bright belt, bright purse, or even bright heels! It's that easy.
One of the best things about "NEW" things is that there are SO MANY affordable pieces out there. Old Navy, for one, has somehow re-surfaced lately with some of the cutest and awesome clothes. I'm also a Target addict -they have wonderful pieces in their GO! International collections, which brings in a lot of famous designers at super low prices. The next collection, due to hit stores May 18th is eco-friendly and features Rogan Gregory's designs. And of course, one of my all time favorite stores, H&M always features the latest trends that anyone can afford. You can even use color on your face! Your face is an awesome place to experiment with color. Fuchsia, or even orange is very in for make-up this season. Vamp up your lips with some fuchsia. Or, add some girly cheeks with bright blusher. Again, keep the focus to one main area on your face. If you choose to vamp up your lips, keep your eye make up simple. If you choose to glam
up your eyes (a favorite suggestion of mine -- jade green eye shadow and lots, lots of black mascara) keep the rest of your make up simple with light lipstick. BOLD color can even be used on your nails! Consider that when going for your next pedicure or manicure. “Be fashionable. It is your
ALWAYS HAVE A GLOW (EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO FAKE IT)
Another thing I LOVE about the warmer weather season is having a fabulous tan. However, being a Manhattanite, I don't get the sun until WAY LATER. I've been raving and raving about this product to girlfriends for the past few months -- Jergens Natural Glow Express. It is an awesome product! It really does give you that natural sun-kissed glow. I have to admit that if my husband didn't strictly forbid me to do so, I'd be a tanning bed addict, but, that's ok -- I know my skin (and dermatologist) is secretly thanking my husband for keeping me healthy. So this is the FIRST
YEAR that I haven't had a desire to touch the tanning bed, with thanks to this lotion -- I swear by it. It really WORKS, and the "self-tanning" smell is NOT potent at all. I put it on at night, and then rinse myself off in the morning -- within two or three days, you can see a natural glow, as if you've spent your days being sun-kissed. For your face -- there's also Jergens Natural Glow for the face, or even Clarins (a higher end brand) for the face. Add bronzer on your forehead, nose, apples of your cheek (places where the "sunlight" would naturally hit) and you too can give your face a glow. Oh! One key tip here for using any self-tanning lotion ... (trust me on this, I've learned the hard way) when washing your hands, put a dab on the back of your hands and rub the back of your hands together. There is nothing more embarrassing by "fake tan" jokes, when your arm's brown but your hands are white. To amp up your "glow" -use a dollop of shimmering lotion. If shimmering lotion reminds you of a little girl's princess make-up kit, don't be scared off. Mix in a little bit of shimmering lotion with your daily lotion, and it gives your skin a gorgeous sheen. Wearing bold colors with glowing skin -- you're good to go for this summer season! One of my all time favorite style icons once quipped, "Fashion is not a Luxury. It's a Right". How true. Go and have fun with fashion! Be fashionable. It is your right.
Melissa
TOP: ONE SHOULDER LOOK BOTTOM: BOLD COLORS
youth
It's not inherited, it's experienced.
AKW
JENNA LEON JENNA LEON
Canon EOS 40D
KISS-FIST SHORT STORY
G
Glennis By Tamara Copeland
lennis Gilmore stood staring at her reflection in "Aw, Momma, it don't fit right!" Glennis the mirror. She turned first to one side, then the yelled through the thick velvet curtains. "I'm too other, tilting her head until it rested on her shoulder. fat!" She poked her head out and pouted at her She squinted her eyes real tight hoping that the mother. image would somehow shrink right in front of her. "Them's just yer bones. Now, come on outta The red satin dress made her look like a Maraschino there and give us a look!" cherry with a skirt on. She shook her head and Glennis made a small whimpering sound sighed. before tossing the curtains aside, revealing her "Carrot sticks, Glennie, think carrot sticks," bulbous ruby-covered figure. she mumbled to herself as she wiggled to and fro, "Now, don't you look nice!" her mother trying to get the dress to settle smoothly over her exclaimed, pulling her closer. "Turn around." wide hips. She pushed Glennis around in a small circle, Her older sister Jheri was getting married in poking and tweaking her beneath the thick fabric. a few weeks. She knew Jheri did not want people Glennis imagined she knew exactly how the second staring at her fat little sister instead of the bride. hand on a clock feels as she was jerked round and Glennis would have preferred to have stayed home round by her mother. all together, (and she was sure "Wouldn’t you like to Jheri wouldn't have minded wear this to your sister's “It wasn’t her fault that either) but their mother wedding?" her mother said as would not hear of it. It didn't she too attempted to tug the that she was so big.” matter that Glennis weighed skirt of the dress further down 235 pounds and looked like over Glennis's rear. she was made of marshmallows, her mother insisted As her mother inspected the back of the she be a part of the wedding. So, Jheri had dress, Glennis stuck her finger in her mouth and reluctantly made her the Gift Watcher. Her mother made a face. The older woman glanced up at her had decided early this morning that it would be a daughter, grinning, and Glennis quickly flapped her good idea if Glennis got a new dress, regardless of arms to her sides with a smile spread across her thin the fact that Glennis would be hiding in a room full lips. of packages at least until her sister had walked down "Jheri won't like it, Momma," Glennis the isle. She had no more than mentioned the idea replied, stepping away from her mother's fidgety before she promptly dragged her daughter to fingers. Fredrick's Department Store in excitement. "I suppose you are right. That red will not Now Glennis was standing in the tenth dress do! Can't have you looking better than the bride!" she had tried on that day. She picked up her long Her mother winked at her, and patted her on the mangy black curls and piled them on top of her behind. "Go try that pretty blue one on." head. It did nothing for her features except expose Glennis rolled her eyes and waddled back her thick neck. She hung her head and looked down behind the curtains. She glared at her reflection, at her bulging figure. The dress had looked so hating the dress and as always, her body. It wasn't beautiful on the rack. It now hung on her like a slick her fault she was so big. She had always been that rubber glove over a bag of marbles. Sulking, she way since she could remember. She wished she was tried again to somehow smooth out the lumps by a skinny dip like Jheri who flaunted her size 5's in sucking in her stomach. front of anyone who would look at her. Glennis "Glennis! What's takin' you so long, girl! stared at the last dress hanging on the opposite wall. Come on out and show yer momma!" It was a blue crushed velvet dress with spaghetti
straps. She could already imagine what she would look like, a large shriveled blueberry. She sighed and heft the red satin over her hips. It had been practically a war to get the garment on in the first place. As the dress made it's way over her rear, past her watermelon stomach, it stopped. She wiggled and squirmed, but the dress would not budge. "Oh, shoot," she mumbled under her breath as she twisted and contorted herself in order to get an elbow between her breasts. She tried to squeeze the dress over her left arm but it only made things worse. With the dress half way over her head and her boobs and left arm trapped, she let out a long whimper. She became frantic and began jumping up and down. She rubbed against the wall hoping the friction would help things along, but the more she tried, the more stuck she became. The dress was crushing her arm into an awkward position and she wondered how it could remain so intact without ripping to pieces. "Calm down, Glennie, calm down!" she chanted to her self. She took in a deep breath sucking in as much air as she could before she attempted her dance again. She shimmed and shook with all her might trying to at least get the dress to budge and inch, but it was indefinitely set on sticking to her. "Glennis? you all right in there? What's taking you so long?" Glennis remained quiet. Finally her mother poked her head into the dressing room and Glennis could hear her take in a sharp breath. "Glennie! What on earth are you doing?" "I can't get it off," Glennis mumbled through a mouth full of satin. "Good Lord," her mother whispered as she circled her daughter. She stood for a moment in deep thought. Glennis peered at her helplessly over the neckline of the dress. "Glennie, you take the top I'll take the bottom, all right? on the count of 3...1...2...3!" Her mother grabbed a hold of the hem of the dress wedged just below Glennis's boobs and gave it quick upward jerk. Glennis frantically pulled on the neckline with her remaining hand while trying to keep her balance. She tripped over a dress that had fallen during her previous rain dance and fell forward. She managed to stop herself from hitting the ground by balancing on her toes and her right arm flaying in front
of her. As her body bent forward in order to remain balanced, there came a loud "SSSSSSSSPPPPPPRRRRRRRRRTTTT!" Glennis froze. She could feel a slight breeze tickling her right armpit. "Oh, no," she muttered, slowly wriggling out of the dress. Now that it was looser, she could pull it off inch by inch. "Now we'll have to pay for it...it's ruined," her mother grumbled, shaking her head. Glennis turned away, feeling the tears well up in her eyes, not only did she not have a dress for her sister's wedding, but she had more proof that she was a bigger burden than she'd ever meant to be. She slipped the dress off and tossed it on the small bench. She stood sniffling, with her arms crossed over her chest in her pink pale underwear. "Glennie? It's all right. It don't cost all that much and I can use the fabric for some nice pillows for your sister," her mother whispered. They stood quiet for a moment. Glennis began to pick up her sweat pants and T-shirt off the floor. "Hold a minute, Glennie." Her mother shuffled out of the dressing cubicle and returned shortly holding a beautiful lavender silk dress with a ball gown skirt and a halter top. It had tiny shimmering beads along the bodice and hem. Glennis stood, mesmerized. "Wow, that's really beautiful! Isn't it a little out of our price range?" she asked reaching out to touch the delicate beads. "Don't worry about it." Her mother held the dress out to her. "Here, try it on." Glennis wiped the tears from her cheeks. "What if it doesn't fit?" She said, her lip quivering. "Oh, just try it on. I think this is the one." Her mother shoved the dress into her hands and winked at her as she exited the dressing room. Glennis stood in front of the mirror, holding the dress in front of her. The color was so beautiful against her skin and the fabric felt so rich and smooth. She took in a deep breath and let out a sigh. "Just try it on," she mumbled, tossing the sweat pants and the T-shirt on the floor. She unzipped the back of the dress and stepped into it. The silk felt so smooth against her skin and she had no troubles slipping it over her hips. The skirt billowed out to the sides and as she slipped the straps over her neck she felt transformed.
"Ginger Rogers, eat your heart out!" she said as she twirled around. The Bodice was tight fitting and made her chest appear somewhat smaller, the skirt billowed in such a way as to make her look as if she actually had a waist. She couldn't take her eyes of the image in the mirror. "Glennie? Are you stuck again?" Her mother called from outside. Glennis parted the heavy curtains and sashayed towards her mother, her chin held high in the air. "Oh Glennie! It's beautiful!" Her mother smiled, reaching out to hug her daughter. She motioned for Glennis to spin around. "Momma, I love it!" she replied, twirled so that her mother could see her in the dress. "Well, that's settled!" Her mother gave her a pat on the shoulders. Glennis grinned, her eyes sparkling like smoothed onyx. She was thrilled. Her mother shoved her to the dressing room. "Hurry up now, the store is about to close soon." Glennis turned to her mother with tears in her eyes. "Thank-you." She mouthed before entering the dressing room. Her mother winked at her again and waved her hand, gesturing for her to go on. Glennis stood in front of the mirror for the last time, looking at her reflection. Ten dresses ago she was a fat girl reluctantly cast in her sister's wedding, now she felt like a princess who wasn't such a burden after all. Glennis slipped out of the dress with ease and hung it neatly on its hanger. She put on her sweatpants and T-shirt. She smoothed her hand along the lavender dress one last time before picking it up and heading out to the cash register.
Got a short story? Send it to submissions@kiss-fist.com
Tamara is a deaf poet and a writer from Texas. I AM A WOMAN Curved deliciously The sweetest fruit of Eden I AM Perfected, not just elected To receive the rib of man. Mind and body By sumptuous design I AM Chosen not punished As the Mother of humanity. Full hips and sultry lips Voluptuous and divine I AM Beauty boundless not confined To a simple measurement. Look into the mirror See those eyes, they tell my story I AM Poetry not a vulgar word You cannot crush my spirit I AM ever changing like the seasons I AM vast as oceans far and wide I AM my own creator I AM A WOMAN filled with pride Curved deliciously The sweetest fruit of Eden Poetry Perfected, Chosen boundless creator I AM A WOMAN -Tamara Copeland
The jknoouwrnseyheorf mashappiter. nes AKW
Canon PowerShot S2 IS
JANIS CRIPPS
Nikon D40X
MAUREEN KLUSZA
www.moeart.com Maureen Klusza, born from Red Bank, New Jersey was inspired by her father who is an artist. She started drawing cartoons and sketches for her teachers in grade school and then continued to draw cartoons all the way to high school. Maureen received her formal training in Illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. She spends most of her time now living in the bay area of California where she works at California School for the Deaf, teaching graphic arts to high school punks.
KISS-FIST ILLUSTRATION
A Deaf Man Without Hands by Frank Gallimore
KISS-FIST POETRY
He said waking was to be sliced free of a dream in which his fingertips would spell his daughter's name. All day, the phantom pain kept telling the best lies he could no longer tell. His daughter swung between alders hammocked together so the branches closed, prayerclasped, and she waved when we brought my mother's sticky casserole and orders not to sign "disappear," rounding one hand into a cylinder and drawing the other through it, which also meant "pass away." He nodded once for hello and twice for goodbye. We were always looking away, he too from the dialect in our hands, flagrant as wild birds inside his house. The old language made him pale, as if we were the ghosts of it. He'd meet us in the dark of his kitchen of all places, walls racked with utensils. Handing him each sweet smell on a glass dish as if reaching into shadow, I felt what I couldn't see hold onto me and stared sidelong at the one window too rusty to shut. Through it, an elm swung. Its leaves, having stolen his accent, lilted, performed.
Walking home, I looked back only once to see him pull the burlap from his stumps, bald as babies' heads, to shine and sweat; and then his daughter would feed him without pity, bringing up each spoonful with no extra care than was needed. That night we stayed up, spooked, signing to each other by flashlight, our hands casting shadows and premonitions. My mother said snap out of it, that paranoia's just a fear interchangeable with what you're scared of. Still, come morning, what wasn't there moved everywhere. The first snow came, a fencerow extended into white, erased like a longing answered by silence.
Frank is a CODA poet from California.
Kristina Ching
Kristina Ching is a CODA dancer from Oregon
Sculptures of Orissi dancers can be seen at many ancient temples in India, making Orissi one of the oldest dance traditions. Movements are characterized by a softness of the upper torso contrasted with firm footwork. Elegant hand gestures and fluid wristwork are illustrated by facial expression and explicit movement of the eyes, often comparable to ASL. I started learning classical (Indian) Orissi dance at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA under faculty member, Dr. Ratna Roy. I love dancing Orissi because it is so beautiful, challenging and complex.
KISS-FIST PAINTING
Sedona Acrylic on canvas 43” x 36”
Aspen Acrylic on canvas 39” x 30”
MelWestlake “I was asked to do two paintings for my friend’s baby room. She wanted a fall color theme so after hiking at Sedona, Arizona, I took pictures of these two trees that I thought were beautiful. These are what I came up with -- two paintings of Sedona and Aspen trees.” Mel is a deaf painter from Arizona
KISS-FIST MAGAZINE
To KISS-FIST readers:
W hat do you hope for? Send your comments to submissions@kiss-fist.com
INTERWINED SHIRAGRABELSKY “Painting is a way I make meaning of my imagination or give my ideas some concreteness. When I paint, I wonder about perspectives of and connections between light and dark and how things relate to one another.� Shira is a deaf painter and a poet from Boston.
O THE SCREECHING OWL KISS-FIST SOAP BOX
By Christopher Brown
“S
uccess has nothing to do with the ability to worker’s hand while he was holding a coffee cup. hear, all right?!” Those kinds of scenes. That quote keeps playing in my mind over My eyes twitched involuntarily and I closed and over and over. I actually said that quote recently my eyes to take a deep breath. to a middle-aged cochlear-implanted lady who was “So…let me get this straight, lady...” I began, raised oral and perceived sign language as the standing up and giving a polite, but completely language of monkeys. Yes, I am exaggerating a hypocritical smile to her. “You’re telling me that little, but you know what I mean about those kinds having the ability to hear leads to more productive of people. Not too long ago, we were having a lives for anyone, is that what you said?” casual discussion about cochlear implants and she “Well, you know...I mean, I have suggested having my brilliant and spunky red-haired always wanted to be a singer. But, I couldn’t because deaf daughter be implanted. I asked her what was I couldn’t hear, you know?” the purpose and it all went downhill after that. I raised my head while my eyes were still “I believe that having the ability to hear piercing through her poor, naive soul. makes deaf people more…better people.” “I see. Let me give you an analogy. Do you “Huh? Come again?” I raised my eyebrows – know the homeless bum around the corner of this asking her to clarify, to make sure that I was not building? The one who has a glass eye and begs for hallucinating. money on a daily basis?” Realizing that she may have struck a raw She nodded rapidly – realizing that what I nerve, she swayed her was going to say arms and fumbled – was probably not attempting to get out of the “...rumor says that your voice good. quicksand that “So do you sounds like a screeching owl she might have slipped actually think that into. this bum, who I when you talk!” “Oh, I mean, you assume can hear know…to lead more… and speak, leads a productive lives.” more productive life than a person who happens to The next thought I had was in the form of be deaf, but also has a college education, a family, several scenes in a comedy film. Suspenseful music and a house and is a contributing member to played. A frumpy, big-haired lady – whose attire was society?” “Oh, I don’t mean it that way. I was unfortunately stuck in the 1980s – stopped talking just trying to explain that – “, the lady started. on the telephone and turned her head away from the “Explain what?,” I snapped back. “The fact computer slowly and faced the camera. Two men – that you think that deaf people would be more one bald and one with silver hair wearing glasses successful if they were implanted? Well, guess with their sleeves rolled up – looked up to the what? Success has nothing to do with the ability to camera from the papers scattered across the wide hear, all right? It takes ambition, hard work, and mahogany table. Two suited women in their 30s intelligence to get where you want to be – not stopped dipping the tea bags in their mugs in the whether you can hear or not. A cochlear implant kitchen lounge and were staring at the camera with gives you the opportunity to hear, but doesn’t mean their jaws slightly open. Everyone in the Starbucks that you will get a better job or even productive café stood still – also staring at the camera – while lives. So, I would suggest you think long and hard the foam machine continued to spill foam over a before you say discriminatory remarks and besides, I
think you did the singing industry a favor because rumor says that your voice sounds like a screeching owl when you talk!” Everyone cheered. The two men at the mahogany table stood up and clapped their beefy hands. One of the women in the kitchen lounge quickly pointed her finger at the camera and squealed, “Ooooh, snap!” All of the customers at Starbucks clapped and the worker who had the foam spilling over his hand, shouted, “You go, man!” The lady’s complexion was pale and I did not realize that my nostrils were flaring like a bull waiting to gouge the toreador. Awkward moments of silence passed until she looked behind her to see if there was anyone going to pull her out of the quicksand. Then finally I broke out again with my hypocritical smile. “Well, I have to get back to work so you can go now.” That’s what happened. Yes, I exaggerated a little, but she did actually say that. We really never spoke again and when we pass each other in the hallways, she always gives an awkward smile and looks at the floor. It can be interpreted that I was callous to her, but come on, am I the only one that is tired of ignorance and patronization? Still today, graduate professors question if their deaf students can read and write – one would say “Gosh, I think so, professor. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to be admitted in the program without taking the GRE, don’t you think?” – and rental companies demand medical documentation from deaf people to prove that they are capable of operating a Segway. Success has nothing to do with the ability to hear. That quote has become a personal axiom of mine. It is how I defend myself – against whoever cross me. When I have imaginary conversations with my dead father and my distant brother who keeps telling me to speak more clearly. When I read articles or posts written by clueless reporters or bloggers about how miraculous it is when deaf people are doing something that they never did before. If I became a Senator and fixed the Social Security dilemma or established universal health care for all Americans, the media would ask how I was able to overcome my hearing loss to reach
the marble steps on Capitol Hill instead of asking about the accomplishments I made. Well, let’s hope I am not exaggerating this time. The frumpy-haired lady shook her head and returned to her computer. The two men nodded in understanding and returned to their papers. Everyone at Starbucks shook their head and went back to their own business.
Christopher Brown is a deaf writer from Washington, DC
Got something to say? Send us your soap box article to submissions@kiss-fist.com
Honesty is the only way out -the hardest door to open, the easiest to exit.
AKW
TERRY DOCKTER
Nikon SLR D2x/ Casio Exilim
The Yup’ik Girls
Diana Cho
KISS-FIST PHOTO JOURNAL
Deaf photojournalist
The peace and joy you give me, no words can ever tell, The lessons that you teach me, in my heart will always dwell, Your purrs bring forth divinity, to comfort, heal and bless, Wondrous being, praise to you for your gracious loveliness. by K MacVitie
Glooskap & Galilee
Nope, not a bat.. not a mutt.. nor an alien. Often described as being "part dog, part child, part monkey, and part cat,” they’re known as "Sphynx Cats."”
Gracious Loveliness of the Hairless Glooskap has an air about him. He carries himself well with oceanic eyes and with the wit of an English professor. Sometimes, if we didn’t know any better we'd mistake him for Sinatra. There is one habit he can’t seem to kick: sticking out his tongue. This happens when he’s found lost in thought.
Galilee cannot help but gracefully command the room she walks in. Her 'holier than thou' emerald eyes could only appear welcoming when certain that you are a divine being in a body. Regardless of her self confidence, you can always bet you'll catch her trying to uplift others with her sense of humor—or, shall I say, with her “sense of beauty.”
Diana Cho
“Dancing is like a joy to me.�
REGINADANIELS Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, she attended the University of Maryland and received her BA in Dance. She received an MA in Performance Arts Management at Columbia College Chicago. "Being part of the Gallaudet Dance Company, National Deaf Dance Theater, Deaf West Theater, Maryland Dance Ensemble, Malashock Dance Company in San Diego, and the University of the Arts in Philly has shown me a way to break the ice with other dance companies. l also filmed a documentary, "Dancing With Silence" with the Columbia College Film Festival Project. And for this reason, I'm currently involved with the Jump Rhythm Jazz Project Dance Company in Chicago, Illinois as a scholarship student. It has been one of the best moves I have ever made in my whole life. They have guided me to different places where I could go further and find my dream." Regina is a deaf dancer from Chicago.
You can believe in
imagination imagine it existed, or exist as if it was imagined.
AKW
KISS-FIST FOOD
Abby Strauss
Abby is known as “Martha Stewart of deaf community” amongst her friends.
With New York City being arguably the culinary capital of the world, and after living here for several years, it seems natural that I have developed a strong interest in food and culture. I have been here long enough to have been all over the city and have checked out many, many places. But there was one famous place I had not yet been to, and that was Coney Island. One day in late summer several years ago, I mentioned this to another friend who is as much into food as I am, is my food partner, and grew up here. She said it was time for us to visit Coney Island so that she could show me around and I could see what the hype was about as well as sample the culinary delights on the boardwalk. Keeping in tune with our love for food, and deciding to hit two birds with one stone, we decided to ask two Russian friends to show us around. They lived in Brighton Beach, known as Little Odessa, which is about a mile down the beach from Coney Island. We wanted the full experience of sampling the food on the boardwalk and authentic Russian food. My friend and I set out early on Saturday for Coney Island because it’s a long subway ride from Manhattan. You
know you are in New York if you smell the delicious aroma of food every where. When we got to Coney Island and stepped off the train we immediately smelled the mouthwatering aroma of sautéed onions and ground beef. So we decided to follow the scent a few blocks away from the train to an area that housed rows of rundown shacks manned by various people. One shack of interest to us was run by a group selling Mexican tacos. The area looked totally rundown because not only were there shacks full of Mexicans cooking tacos. There were also shacks selling apparel, jewelry and other things. The scent of beef and sautéed onions was so strong we decided to take the challenge. So we walked to a shack and saw several Mexicans frying corn tortillas. There was a large griddle pan in the center, a very simply written menu hanging overboard stating only three items. "Beef tacos, chicken tacos, and sausage tacos, each $2.00." On the stall in front of us, there stood three tiny Tupperware bowls. One had homemade pico de gallo, another had freshly cut cilantro, and another had freshly cut tomatoes. A few lime wedges sat on the wooden counter next to the Tupperware. My friend and I couldn't believe what we were seeing. It felt like we were stepping into someone's kitchen only from the outside. So we ordered all three tacos to sample. While we watched the corn tortillas frying in the pan, one of the men came over and began talking to us. He was so
engaging we felt like we had stepped into another world and were not in New York, much less Coney Island. When the tacos were ready, we spooned some pico de gallo, cilantro and tomatoes onto our tacos from the Tupperware bowls using a plastic spoon. As we bit into the sausage taco, we felt like we had been transported to another world twice over. The sausage taco was spicy, flavorful, and juicy with the right amount of sautĂŠed onions and spices in it. The pico de gallo and cilantro complimented it just perfectly because it was refreshingly cool and balanced well with the soft, hot tortilla and nutty flavors of corn. The beef and chicken tacos were equally as delicious but the sausage was the winner. Our hands and arms were wet with the grease of the meat running down but we were deliriously happy and didn't care. Because we had satisfied our hunger for the moment, and wanted to savor that delicious flavor of spicy tacos, we decided to forgo boardwalk fare and just walk on the beach towards Brighton Beach. We stopped by the amusement park where the famous Cyclone is and as we walked, it was reminiscent of a state fair with a lot of rides for young children, and stuffed animals you had to play nearly impossible games to win. We passed by the Ferris wheel and decided to ride on it for the heck of it, so as we slowly made our way to the top, the chairs so old they were swinging, my friend and I were sliding from side to side, holding onto the bars for dear life, sure we would slip under the chairs and fall to our death. Miraculously we didn't, but when I was able to muster the courage to look down below me, I was amazed to see on my left, the beach, and on my right, the
tracks for the subway. It was one of the most surreal moments I have ever had in my life. Where else could you ride on a historic Ferris wheel in a city where you see the beach on one side and the subway on the other? When we were safely back on our feet, it was time for us to meet our friends in Brighton Beach, so we walked on the boardwalk. Coney Island was packed to the hilt with people of all races and ages sunning themselves on the beach. The further we walked on, the more remote and quiet the beach became. The sun was setting so it was gorgeous, the breeze blowing softly on our faces. We met our friends on the boardwalk near Brighton Beach and walked to the heart of the area. We were shocked when we got there because it was as if we had stepped into another country. The streets were bustling and alive with cars zooming by, subway tracks above our heads (the only reminder we were in New York City), a movie store and other displays screaming out their wares in Russian. There were tables after tables set up outside bakeries selling Russian sweets marked in Russian prices and people walking by wearing Russian clothing. As we walked to the restaurant, we passed by a caviar stand on the street, selling about fifteen different kinds of gleaming caviar of all sizes and shapes, starting at $8 for half a pound, the prices scrawled on a blackboard on the wall. We stared in shock at all that caviar at such a cheap price. Our Russian friend spoke to the caviar lady in Russian for us and told her my friend would like to have a sample. It seemed to open doors for our sampling. I don't think we’d have gotten a sample without having him around. I am not too fond of eggs so I declined the lady's offer
but my friend was thrilled. The lady then reached into a box designed like one you’d see at Ben and Jerry’s, scooped out some caviar on a plastic white spoon, and handed it to my friend. She swallowed it, closed her eyes, proclaimed it the freshest caviar she had ever had in her life, and asked the lady where the caviar had come from. She proudly told her it had been imported from Russia, so my friend said she would return later to buy some to bring home. Virtually nothing was in English and we had to ask our friends to translate for us. We were led into what seemed to us like the biggest deli in the world because it had hundreds and hundreds of smoked salmon, whitefish, sable, lox stacked gorgeously in an amazing array of colors, sizes and shapes among packed ice in the freezer case, row after row of prepared salads, and what seemed like an endless display of different dips and spreads, and baskets full of freshly baked bread. Needless to say we were overwhelmed by everything. Moreover, the store was packed and there were hordes of people shouting out their orders in Russian. We went upstairs and there was row after row of pastries. It was absolutely unbelievable. We agreed we were overwhelmed by all of this so we decided to forgo this and continue onto dinner where we dined at a Ukrainian place famous for their homemade
perioges, dumplings filled with potatoes, meat, or sour cherries. Our friends took care of the ordering and ordered us a smoked fish platter, creamy beet borscht soup, perioges, and a few other things. The smoked fish platter was so fresh it tasted clean, and it came with lemon wedges, capers, and tiny pieces of toasted rye bread. While the service was not great because the waiter did not know how to deal with Deaf people (he was rude to us), that did not deter us from enjoying our meal. I was not too keen on the borscht as it had eggs in it but the sour cherry perioges were delicate, soft, and juicy with the right amount and flavor of sour cherries in it, tasting more like a dessert ravioli. I devoured mine and again felt like I had been transported to heaven, the purple juices of the cherries dripping back into my bowl as I lifted each bite and put it into my mouth, savoring each bite. Stuffed after such a satisfying dinner, and happy with our culinary day, we decided to head back to Manhattan, with a stop at the caviar stand, only to be disappointed it had just closed fifteen minutes prior. No matter, it had still been a perfect day for us and to this day, we still talk about how wonderful it was for us. *
KJ “CAL” BALOGUN All Rights Reserved
KISS-FIST PHOTO
i am you, you are me for all the pain spared, for all the joys shared, shooting stars seen, waves laughing, jokes sparred, insults applauded, graduations, salutations, tears giggling, smiling malices, all of one, one of all you are me, i am you. stinkin' farts in the air, competitive bouts fare, prayer's song rhyme, rolling dice time, sea gulls humming, boom box crackin' i am you, you are me KJ “Cal� Balogun
35 mm Minolta Maxxum STsi All Rights Reserved
KISS-FIST DANCE
ChristopherSmith
Christopher Smith is a deaf Chicago native who has been involved with the Sixth Sense Performers, The Joseph Holmes School of Dance, Joel Hall of the Performing Arts, Dance Space, Gallaudet University, National Theatre of the Deaf, Sunshine Too Theater Company, The National and International Wild Zappers (an all Deaf African-American male dance company), Deaf West Theater, and Seattle’s Intiman Theater . He also performed at Dayton Institute of the Arts in Dayton, Ohio. Christopher worked as an instructor and assistant director for the Rochester Institute of Technology Dance Company, The San Antonio Summer Deaf Dance Camp, The Seattle Children’s Theater’s Deaf Youth Drama Program, as well as dance instructor for the senior division of the Community Service Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, also in Seattle.
Christopher Smith is a deaf dancer from Chicago.
His most recent accomplishments were teaching dance to students grade 8-12 at the International Creative Arts Camp in Oregon, Illinois, as well as choreographing selections from the Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, for the White Ball Affair Banquet hosted by Black Deaf Advocate. He also choreographed a sign and dance, Ease On Down the Road from The Wiz to prepare inner city deaf and hearing kids for the 78th Bud Billiken Parade.
KISS-FIST MODEL
Kelli Jo
“I started modeling because I have confidence in myself and because I could do it.�
Kelly Jo is a professional deaf model, working from Florida. She has three grown children and has recently became a grandmother.
Artzybella xanga.com/artzybella
KISS-FIST JEWELRY
Dana Lenz is a deaf jewelry maker from Indiana.
SNOWBOARDING SESSIONS & STUFF
Sheila DeLao Sheila is a 2003 Deaflymics Winter Games Gold Medalist in Half Pipe and Bronze Medalist in Parallel Slalom Snowboarding
Carpool for free! Want to Learn Snowboarding? Contact Sheila! Snowboarding sessions are available for all ages-- between 4 to 60 years old. For elite snowboarders, advanced sessions are available for “free-riding sessions� to work and improve riding skills. Carpool to the ski resort with us for FREE! Hurry! Buy your own snowboarding gear during the summer time while the sale is going on. Sessions start from late November to late April in California.
Contact Sheila at sheiladelao@gmail.com for more information about lesson rates.
Sheila is a deaf professional snowboarder from California
KISS-FIST MAGAZINE
Frank Gallimore
quotes
Aimee Kirsten Whyte (AKW) is a deaf poet from New York
KISSFIST