ISSUE #1 // August 2015

ISSUE #1

AUGUST 2015

INSIDE why animal testing isn’t okay, go set a watchman book review & more

FEATURING

Michael Spiteri +

Ashley Cullen

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Local Riot is a collaborative magazine created by two girls who wanted to provide an outlet for the creative souls of the world to share their work, thoughts and opinions. It is a magazine for young people by young people and is a place to come together, a place to be free of ridicule, a place to make friends, a place to educate yourself, a place to express yourself, a place to be heard.

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EDITORS N OTE Hey Riots!

Wow, August already. The year is nearly coming to an end, the seasons are changing and everything is happening.

Welcome to our first issue, we hope you enjoy it and are just as proud of it as we are. We’re so happy that everyone was so eager to be involved and to contribute to this and we’ll see you again next month, maybe your work will be in it!

- Ailish + Maisie xx

MANY THAN KS TO: • Tayla Pickering – thanks so much for the snaps girlie, you’re a star (goghpunk.tumblr.com) • Ashley Cullen – thank you for participating in the interview • Michael Spiteri – thank you for participating in the interview

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hopeless romance and her gentle heartbreaker

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MICHAEL SPITERI

CONTENTS

CLASSIC S: pursuit of positivity monthly favourites creative corner: ashley cullen

FEATURE S: hopeless romance and her gentle heartbreaker no excuses michael spiteri touch book review – GSAW

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18 20

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issue one // august 2015

Social Media

localriot.weebly.com twitter: @localriotmag ask.fm: ask.fm/localriotblog

Co ntact

localriotblog@gmail.com

Co -owners

Ailish Delaney Maisie Evason

Graphic Desig n Ailish Delaney

Co ntributing Writers Sarah Jeffrey Yellow Sanders

Co ntributing Artists Ashley Cullen Michael Spiteri

MAISIE EVASON:

Twitter: @thebrkfstciub Instagram: @thelittlemermais Tumblr: flowahpetal.tumblr.com AILISH DELANEY: Twitter: @probablyailiish Instagram: @ailish.delaney Tumblr: lazyplum.tumblr.com RIOTS YELLOW SANDERS: My name is Yellow Sanders (he/him) and I live in a small town in Ohio. I just recently published a young adult romance novel and I'll be participating in NaNoWriMo again this year and hope to publish another novel. I spend a lot of time volunteering at churches and practicing marching band. I am part of the school's colorguard where I spin flag. I also really love the artist Vincent Van Gogh and I love to journal quite a bit! (cutebabycactus.tumblr.com) SARAH JEFFREY: I'm Sarah, I'm 17 and I live in Western Australia. I'm a perpetually daydreaming, travel-obsessed bread enthusiast and makeup hoarder. Forever trying to figure out how much I should let my natal chart weigh in on major life decisions. My current life goals include having a novel published, trekking to Everest base camp, and fixing climate change.

Improbable? Yes. Impossible?

Never. (the98child.tumblr.com/)

Wa nt to see your work here?

Co ntributing Photograp hers Yellow Sanders Tayla Pickering

Get to Know the August Team

REGULARS

If you’re a creative soul and want to see your work, whether it be art, modelling, writing, poetry, photography, etc, just email it to us at localriotblog@gmail.com

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By Ailish Delaney

Hi riots, Ailish here! Welcome to my column that I’ll be writing monthly. First I’ll give you a quick run down about myself. My names Ailish Delaney, I’m from the sunny land of Australia and I am a breakfast enthusiast. I love reading and writing, and have an ever-growing collection of funky socks. I’ve been trying to focus more on the brighter side of life this year and have a glass half full, optimistic outlook on the world. So far so good and I thought why not share my thoughts about becoming happier with you as you embark on your own pursuit of positivity.

I found a quote on the Internet a short while back that went as follows, “I’m in the process of making my life worth writing about. I felt I connected with this and it stuck with me in the back of my mind because I’m growing up and experiencing new things and at the end of the day all I want is for my life to be something extraordinary, something spectacular and interesting, something that is worth writing about.

Recently, thanks to an anonymous person on my tumblr, I came to the realisation that my life is already all of those things and more. I have a wonderful life; I am lucky enough to have great friends, a loving family and to be happy. Rather than romanticising and pining over a fictional life that no one really lives I should be out in the world gathering knowledge, experiencing new things and creating my own adventures. If I want to have a life worth writing about all I have to do is start writing about my own!

“I’m in the process of making my life worth writing about.” .

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This brings me to my next point.

Everyone, hopefully, is familiar with the phrase “carpe diem”; if you’re not it means seize the day in Latin. Carpe diem is a saying that has stuck in my brain ever since I watched Dead Poets Society, which I highly recommend to every single person on the planet! It reminds me that I am here in this current moment and that there are so many things in the world that are waiting for me to find them.

“That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” – Dead Poets Society

My task to you is for you to go seize the day, to recognise that there is beauty in everything around you and record it. To understand that you are amazing and that your life is worth writing about, so hop to it! Get your inspiration flowing and write/capture memories. Your life is worth remembering and you are the star in your own movie.

I hope you enjoyed my ramblings and remember you are wonderful, you are talented, and you are loved.

Until next time, Ailish

*disclaimer: photos are not mine, taken from tumblr

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credit: goghpunk.tumblr.com

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The Italian Language

I don't know if this is can be classed under a

category of favourites, but in the past month I have found myself falling more in love with the Italian language than I thought possible. I've been studying in school for 11 years, but only 4 years of the real hard work and I have to admit, i love it. The amount of times I have found myself in awkward situations because my brain has automatically thrown in an Italian word so people don't understand, is probably way too many. It's the language as beautiful as roses and I definitely recommend learning it if you have the time.

Criminal Minds I have been a crime show addict for quite some time now, but embarrassingly enough, I've only recently got into criminal minds. I had always watched the odd episode on the TV but I finally started watching the episodes consecutively and it is brilliant. The cast work very well together and portray their characters with ease and excellence. If you haven't already watched it, I highly suggest you do.

Nebraska - Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen is one of my favourite singers and Nebraska is by far my favourite album.

However, after not listening it to a while, I rekindled my love for it when I ordered it on vinyl. The album is one of Springsteens more somber albums (which is probably why I enjoy it so much) but it's honestly a work of art. I highly recommend listening to the album, or even just the song Atlantic City.

- Maisie

1000 Palms – Surfer Blood I was in JB-HIFI when I discovered this album.

Music was playing as I was shopping and I found myself using Shazam to find out what songs were playing, they all had one thing in common, that being they were from this album! It’s an album with a mellow, summer, relaxed vibe and reminds me of musicians like Swim Deep and Mac Demarco. With a nice mix slow and upbeat, 1000 Palms is an album I most definitely recommend if you are after some quality music to chill out to.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak I watched the movie before I started reading the book, which is something I don’t usually do. The movie tugged on my heartstrings and left me balling my eyes out at the end of it. After hearing from my friends of how the book, as usual, is even better I started reading it. I haven’t finished it yet but I have found The Book Thief to be an enticing, interesting read that is keeping me turning the pages and constantly wanting more. If you can go borrow it from your library or pick it up at your local bookstore, or if reading isn’t for you I also recommend the movie!

Mom Jeans The current fashion trend that I absolutely adore is ‘Mom Jeans’. Since I’m Australian I refer to them as mum, but mom works too. They are high waisted jeans that are tapered at the leg and have a slight slim fit but are quite baggy.

These jeans look super cute styled with chunky sweaters and crop tops and I cant wait to splurge on a pair.

- Ailish

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hopeless romantic and her gentle heartbreaker

By Yellow Sanders Â

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An old text message from you: "I will always believe you" I don't understand why I can never quite get over your dark brown curls when they're slightly too long or the way your hands are always warm as if they were meant to melt my frozen fingertips. I don't understand why after all these years I still keep your hoodie hanging from the corner of my headboard when it doesn't even smell like you anymore. I don't understand why you don't simply end things completely with me; I don't understand why we still hang on to each other even when we know we can't be romantically involved because it never worked for us to be in a relationship. But then again, how can I understand how you feel towards me if I cannot understand how I feel towards you?

Maybe I read into the little things you do for me, like the way you always hold my hand when we are at church and it's time to pray, or maybe I read into the way you always drive me home and I don't even have to ask (but of course I do anyway).

Maybe I read into how you always end up sitting next to me when I am alone, or maybe I read into how you always come looking for me if you see me crying. Maybe.

Because I remember all the times that you have made me feel like living when all I wanted to do is die and I remember how your hand was more of an antidepressant than a pill could have ever been. But yet, when I am in front of you I pretend to forget how you ran after me down the hallway of the church because my tears were falling like a heavy rainstorm, and you pulled me into your chest and teased me for getting snot on your shirt. I pretend to forget the way your voice sounded when you told me you wished I were your age, because then he wouldn't feel the need to date some other girl who only wanted a boyfriend.

Everything about you, even your ugliest parts, I miss it at two in the afternoon, or ten in the morning during math class, or four minutes before I'm about to read a prayer at my Papaw's funeral. You have become such a comfort to me, and I miss you so much.

I wish you hadn't made a home in my heart because some days it's hard to realize that no matter how much I am in love with you, it doesn't mean you will ever be in love with me.

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credit: goghpunk.tumblr.com

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credit: goghpunk.tumblr.com

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NO EXCUSES

By Sarah Jeffrey

With the enormous volume of cosmetics available today, why do so many continue to support brands that test on animals? Why are so many happy to overlook such a cruel aspect of a company? Why would you want your money going to a brand that supports such a barbaric practice? There are no excuses left.

There are alternatives to animal-tested products across all price ranges. To continue purchasing these brands is to say you are okay with the cruel and wildly unnecessary practice of animal testing.

According to the Lush Australia website, “Laboratory testing is done to substances that make up these cosmetic products to see whether they are likely to harm people, or damage the environment when they are disposed of.” Furthermore, the website states that cosmetic companies are responsible for providing safety assurances, yet “this can be done without any new animal testing by relying on the roughly 20,000 established cosmetic ingredients that have already been evaluated…using non-animal test methods.”

There are dozens of proven alternative methods that are widely accepted by government regulations for cosmetics. These alternative methods are often more relevant to the human body too. Is the change to compassionate testing really so difficult? There is no excuse for cosmetic corporations to continue animal testing when there are so many others thriving without the exploitation of animals.

I implore anyone who wears makeup to boycott brands that continue to engage in testing on animals. Unfortunately this world tends to run on profit rather than compassion, so without large potential loss, these companies may not listen. We as consumers hold a great deal of power over the companies that provide goods and services for us. We have the power to make a real difference.

Some companies claim their reason for continuing this practice is to sell in countries where it is required by law to test on animals, such as China. Cruelty-free companies, such as Lush, have made a pledge to never sell in China until the animal test law is changed. As far as I’m concerned, Lush is still doing damn well.

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Animal testing often includes skin and eye irritation tests, where chemicals are rubbed on to shaved skin or dripped into eyes to find out possible side effects. The most barbaric test of all is termed the “lethal dose test” - animals are forced to swallow massive amounts of a test chemical to determine the dosage that will cause death.

Undoubtedly, animal testing causes considerable pain and distress, often leading to blindness, internal bleeding, organ damage, birth defects and, of course, death.

Humane Society International estimates that up to 200,000 animals suffer and die for the cosmetics industry every year, including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.

As a consumer, it is not difficult to be informed. More than 500 companies are certified by the Leaping Bunny campaign as being cruelty-free. You can also find information through PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program. The lists continue to grow. We have power as consumers.

You have a choice. Make the right one.

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These pieces are from a body of work about “Touch” by artist Michael Spiteri.

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Michael Spiteri is an 18-year-old artist from Sydney, Australia.

We asked Michael a few questions to discover more about him as an artist and about his art.

LOCAL RIOT: What makes you want to draw/ why do you like drawing?

Michael Spiteri: I'm not the best at talking about my emotions or letting out those things we keep bottled inside of us, and so, without sounding too cliché, drawing/painting is the best outlet I have. It allows me to put these feelings somewhere external to myself, which I find incredibly cathartic.

LR: Where do you find inspirations for your drawings?

MS: I'm an absolute art nerd, so I'm constantly looking for new art, or rediscovering old art. I love finding cool new artists and seeing how they work and what inspires them (Adara Sanchez Anguiano is an artist I'm obsessed with at the moment).

LR: What inspired this particular set of drawings?

MS: This particular body of work was actually inspired by my girlfriend. We've been in a long distance relationship for quite some time now, and I just wanted to create a set of works that portrayed the intense longing for a physical connection that naturally comes with this type of relationship. I felt that a focus on hands was the best way to get that across.

LR: What is your preferred medium and why?

MS: My area of most experience is with watercolours, however, I prefer oil paints as they have a moldable quality that find so beautiful.

LR: Who is your favourite artist?

MS: My favorite artist is 20th Century Austrian figure painter Egon Schiele. His work has such a beautiful intensity and rawness that I admire and never lose interest in.

GET CONNECTED WITH MICHAEL: Website: www.michaelspiteri.weebly.com Instagram: @fkenmike Tumblr: qt-bug.tumblr.com

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BOOK REVIEW: Go Set A Watchman – Harper Lee

By Maisie Evason

[SPOILER ALERT!!]

For those of you who aren't aware, Harper Lee published a sequel to my beloved To Kill A Mockingbird, titled Go Set A Watchman. The novel was controversial before it even hit the stands, mainly because people believe Lee was manipulated into publishing it. However, after its release, the controversy only grew as the world took to the Internet to have their say on the long anticipated novel.

When I found out there was a sequel to TKAM, I quite literally shed a tear. It meant I would finally have an answer to the question that has played in my mind every day since I finished TKAM, what did Atticus Finch do next? For those of you who don't know who I'm talking about, Atticus Finch is the father of the protagonist, Jean Finch (Scout), in To Kill A Mockingbird. Whilst Scout narrated the story, Atticus was the true star. He was the voice of reason and justice; he raised his kids to be good people and never let anybody change who he was. Out of all the books I have read and the characters that have come to life in my head, Atticus Finch was by far the best. So you can imagine my disappointment when I finally get my hands on a copy of GSAW, only to read it and realise that my darling Atticus Finch, had changed his ways and become one of the most racist people in Maycomb County. Now for those of you who have read TKAM, you will understand why this simultaneously grinds my gears and breaks my heart. This man, despite his losses and trials and heartaches, was a man who strived for equality and treated all those around him with kindness and respect. The man in this book is not the man who defended Tom Robinson; the man in this book is not my Atticus Finch.

Even without the Atticus debacle, the novel itself had no real storyline or plot. There was Scout and her love interest Hank floating around. Scout reuniting with all the people from her past. Scout arguing with her aunt and Atticus. However, none of these ever really feel finished. The major conflict, being Scout fighting with Atticus, happens in the final 20 pages of the book. This honestly leaves me wondering what on earth the purpose of the other 250 pages were. I completely understand why Harper Lee didn't want to publish this book.

Despite all that, it did feel comforting to pick up Go Set a Watchman and find myself in Maycomb County once again. Throughout the novel there are several flashbacks in which we hear untold stories of the adventures of Jem, Scout and Dill, which did tug

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which we hear untold stories of the adventures of Jem, Scout and Dill, which did tug at my heartstrings. The novel follows Scout as she returns to her hometown, and as all of our old favourites are mentioned again, it's like we are finally home too.

This review became more of a rant, but I am currently mourning the loss of a loved one (and by loved one I mean a past Atticus) so you'll have to bear with me.

Unfortunately, this novel was always going to be a disappointment because there was no way it was ever going to live up to the literary brilliance that is To Kill a Mockingbird. I don't recommend reading this book, instead I recommend rereading TKAM and then watching the movie. I promise it'll bring you a lot more enjoyment.

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Ashley Cullen

Meet the artist behind the art.

Ashley Cullen is a seventeen-year-old artist from Australia. We sat down with her (over a bunch of emails back and forth) to get to know her and find out more about her art.

Local Riot: What makes you want to draw/ why do you like drawing?

Ashley Cullens: I like drawing because it makes me feel really blissed out and accomplished when something I've been working on turns out the way I pictured it in my head. My mum is this really amazing artist so it makes me feel very connected to her. This whole phenomenon where you can communicate a specific feeling or a concept through a medium that other people can IDENTIFY with and just KNOW where that artwork is coming from makes me so energised. I've been living off the feeling since coffee stopped giving me a buzz!

LR: Where do you find inspirations for your drawings?

AC: Mostly from flipping through those dollar magazines you can get at thrift stores, or looking through other artist’s portfolios that I come across when I'm doing art assignments – Ken Wong is really awesome if you haven’t heard/seen his work before! The stuff that stands out to me and makes me want to draw or paint usually parallels with how I'm feeling – I'm mostly inspired by emotive and exaggerated expressionism.

LR: What inspired this particular set of drawings?

AC: The first three pieces are a part of a series inspired Egon Schieles work. I called the impressions "rot" as a set because of their affiliations with moral and physical degeneration and retrogression.

LR: What is your preferred medium and why?

AC: Painting with watercolour pencils and sculpting, mostly because these are the two mediums I'm most comfortable with. I want to become super proficient in these two forms before I branch out, you know?

LR: Who is your favourite artist?

AC: My favourite artist changes pretty much every time my mood changes. Right now I feel super ethereal so I'm going to go with Adolphe Bouguereau, but Botticelli and Albert Tucker are also my favourites.

To keep up with Ashley and her art head here: http://nympherei.tumblr.com/

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“These 3 p ieces are part of a series inspired b y Egon Schieles work. I called the im pressions "rot" as a set b ecause of their affilia tions with moral and physical degeneration and retrogression.”

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“There are forces outside of your control. Most of them do not ca re for you”

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Photographer: Yellow Sanders

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PHOTOS ON PAGES 2/3: http://g-racegibson.tumblr.com/ http://eahrth.tumblr.com/ http://littlealienproducts.tumblr.com/ http://pretty-transparents.tumblr.com/ http://1000savagecomforts.tumblr.com/ http://leeshit.tumblr.com/ http://www.dklamerus.com/ http://herbertgreen.tumblr.com/

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