Melisanda | June/July 2018 | Issue 1 by themelisandajournal

Melisanda

OF CAP E TOW N

I S SU E №1

J U NE /J U LY 2 0 1 8

recognizing creators, creations, ideas and the earth

Melisanda: JUNE/JULY 2018

MIA S. ―STY LISH T HOU GH TS‖ PAGE 10

Melisanda | Issue № 1

contents June 2018 | i ssue №1

Contact Melisanda themelisandajournal@gmail.com | www.themelisandajournal.wordpress.com | Instagram : @themelisandajournal Principal photography by Alice Torppa (IG: @alice.studios) | Journal curated by Alice Torppa ( IG: @atlasofalice)

Copyright © 2018 by Alice Torppa All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at melisanda.magazine@gmail.com All material published on Melisanda © is the intellectual property of Alice Torppa and is protected by international copyright law. Generally speaking all text is the intellectual property of Alice Torppa while images are the intellectual property of the relevant photographers, designers etc, unless otherwise stated.

ÂŠ 2018 Alice Torppa

Letter by the Curator Dear reader

am very grateful that I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people that have supported me through this journey of creating this first issue of Melisanda. It is the people who have smiles on their faces and who carry auras of excitement that really make me want to continue this magazine. My friends have been a gift, and to every single one of them, I say thank you. They know who they are, and I could not have done this without them.

very excited to showcase some of the work of some people who are important in my life. My only wish to better this issue would have been to include more creators, idealists, Capetonians and people who advocate for the environment.

Through this journal I shall try to communicate my passions and the artistic passions of my friends to the best of my ability. My hope is that I can reach as many people as possible to try to encourage them to create by showing them what others I am delighted to introduce to the world have accomplished through dedication and this little journal. I have had a great deal of hard work. fun experimenting in graphic design prinThe future looks bright, and I hope the ciples - taking inspiration for minimalistic reader may enjoy this publication and Nordic design to bright and gleeful African much as I enjoyed curating it. design. I am immensely humbled and I am

- Alice Torppa

Melisanda | Issue № 1

STYLIST, MODEL,

MIA.

SOMEDAY SHE‟LL SIT FRONT ROW AT DIOR

Styled by Mia Steyn

Melisanda | Issue № 1

f she had to choose between watching two iconic shows, Friends or Dior Cruise 2016, for the rest of her life, she would choose the latter. Not to diss Friends or anything - we all love Friends - but Mia Steyn breathes fashion. As with all creative people, the enthusiasm for their respective crafts is always clear when they are in their element, or when they finish their work. Sitting and discussing fashion with Mia is a joy because her excitement over her passion never diminishes as you jump from topic to topic - she always has something interesting to say about trends, bloggers, forecasts and the whole lot.

also fascinated in how people express themselves through fashion i.e. how individuality and personality is expressed.” How did you begin to style? “I began styling myself to get more interesting Instagram shots, to make me stand out from my peers, to be more interesting and after a while people began to notice. I loved how people would ask me advice on what to wear, it was the boost of confidence I needed to dive into the real fashion world. My thought process was something like: I think I have a voice worth hearing.”

“ w k w v a voice worth

Where did you find your inspiration in the beginning and how did this affect where you are now? “I became fascinated with magazines; everything Vogue, editorial styling, the photographers and the models. I liked how creative (and sometimes abstract) the shoots were and how „they‟ made weird clothes look good. I became obsessed with fashion icons and leaders like Grace Coddington, Anna Wintour, Mario Testino and Tarryn Oppel. I realized that I wanted to work in fashion, I wanted to work for Vogue.”

w |”

Cementing oneself in the fashion industry is tough, and it is certainly not any easier a task when living on a continent that doesn‟t having a single Vogue to its name. Yet, Mia‟s drive and passion for fashion is stronger than concrete. Where does your story with fashion begin? “When I was little I threw a tantrum in Woolies because of a denim skirt that I desperately wanted and did not want to leave without it. I wore that skirt until I was 11. That‟s how much I loved that skirt. That‟s where my journey started.” How does every day fit into fashion? “I have always been fascinated with how mood is affected by clothing. I like to observe how what someone wears on the outside affects what is within. How we dress affects the way we carry ourselves and how we approach situations. I am

Where do you see your career in fashion headed? “If I really have to imagine the most ideal situation; I see myself working at Vogue one day as a stylist (such is my dream), or perhaps some fabulous company like Net-a-Porter. I think that the ideal place to live in 10 years would be New York City, after all; it is the modern home of fashion, and therefore it is going to be my home.”

MIA ON INSTAGRAM @mia_steyn

NETTE ROSE THE BRAND WE ARE SO, SO HOPELESSLY IN LOVE WITH

Captured by AnÃ© Strydom

“She is a wild one. With a gentle soul.

Who sways to her own rhythm and dresses for herself.”

ette Rose‟s charming and delicate intimates are decorating our local girls. Handmade in Cape Town, this brand‟s eye-candy designs are finding their way into the hands of renowned stylists and celebrated influencers. Their website and Instagram page is decorated in bewitching images of diverse casts of South African women wearing beautiful and gentle lace designs. The way we wear clothing has changed dramatically over the last century, and yet: there is an item that most women still share in common today: undies. Due to a history of women‟s sexual freedom being discarded and looked down upon - the word undies still makes people across the world uncomfortable. However, the 21st century has marked a phase in time where people are finally shifting from the taboo and pushing towards a society in which body confidence in all women is enNETTE ROSE SHIPS WORLDWIDE

couraged. Nette Rose is a brand that advocates the power of women dressing for themselves as well as sharing their confidence in other women. Nette Rose is participating in fostering of mentalities of future South African women who will conduct themselves gracefully and resolutely. If that wasn‟t enough to make you fall in love: the environmentally conscious women at Nette Rose (Meg and her two beautiful seamstresses, Faith and Yolanda) are actively participating in furthering the global movement to create a more sustainable, ethical fashion industry. Working on small and limited design runs, they eliminate wastage whilst making each design rare and special. The industry is looking optimistic, and Nette Rose is certainly finding its way into our closets, but not before it found its way into our hearts.

@netterose

- A.M.T

www.netterose.com

Melisanda | Issue № 1

Captured by Ané Strydom

“zy w | ~ wwy wear lingerie as a love letter to w ~v ” www. ne t t e rose . c om

Melisanda | Issue â&#x201E;&#x2013; 1

soc i a l

In celebration of content influencers from in and around the eclectic and talented city of Cape Town

@eastafternoon @eastafternoon

EAST AFTER NOON

eastafternoon.com eorgia East is a neoteric, gourmet and multifaceted Capetonian blogger who has impressively settled her sophisticated and de-saturated brand amidst the abundance of lustrous content decorating our social media feeds today.

Georgia began her blog to share uncomplicated recipes straight from her own kitchen. Since then, she has transitioned into fields beyond the dinner table: fashion, travel, photography and business. Georgia‟s blog and her clothing label, FORTUNE, carry a minimalist aesthetic: simplistic, comprehensible and stylish. Her blog, East After Noon, comprises of painless recipes, stories of South Africa, style reports, musings and more. She recognises that the diversity of the Cape Town leaves her constantly inspired and with a never ending list of places to explore and things to do. There are those that argue that the practise of minimalism deviates from sincerity, warmth and passion. Yet, many minimalist enthusiasts like Georgia East comprehend that minimalism is actually the act of expressing passion while practising self-discipline. What distinguishes Georgia from many other artists (who indulge in chiefly monochrome or neutral aesthetics) is that she shows her audience her personality and passions through moderation (while still maintaining the aesthetic). Georgia‟s two adorable rescue pugs make regular appearances on her social media, showing a side of her that is affectionate and genuine: which is difficult to unearth in today‟s growing minimalist media frenzy. Find Georgia at @eastafternoon on Instagram - A.M.T.

Melisanda | Issue № 1

we l lne ss These wisdoms include neoteric or classic practises and remedies to better mentality, physicality and over-all wellbeing.

eng-Shui is the ancient Chinese art of tuning into the seasonal changes, tides and vibrations of nature to bring health, wealth and good fortune. Feng-Shui is an enticing composite of mystical beliefs, astrology, folklore and common sense. Feng-Shui translates to „wind and water‟, referring to the topography of the earth. We know that water is the sustainer for life, but wind is equally important because it carries water enabling it to fall on an otherwise parched land, therefore, water and wind are essential to our survival.

Feng Shui

pliances. Using small smaller may lead to a sense of clutter, so using bigger and fewer plants will create a greater balance. Incidentally, bigger plants are typically easier to care for.

Clutter needs to go. The golden rule of Feng-Shui is no clutter. Energy, or chi, must be able to flow The promise of this practise is to “live in harmony freely throughout your space. Clutter disrupts the with the elements of nature.” While traditionally flow creating negative energy. Decluttering, on the practises in accordance with interior design and other hand, has the opposite effect. Whatever is in room/ house arrangement, Feng-Shui can be applied your home that no longer makes you feel happy to any aspect of living because the point is to reside you should simply get rid of. in surroundings that properly balance these elements and tap into the auspicious energy lines of the Channel your inner Bob the Builder. If any object is earth. broken in your home, it is time to fix it. Broken objects reflect inner brokenness. Methods of improving Feng-Shui in a home include: Don‟t be afraid to be a bit wiggly. Straight lines in a home create a sense of rigidness and harshness - so Introducing plants. Plants purify the air by absorb- opt for interesting ways to structure pieces of art. ing toxins and electrical pollutants admitted by ap-

ÂŠ 2018 Alice Torppa

by Luke Rein

Basil

asil is an aromatic herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae/Labiatae). In this family, species such as: mint, sage, lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil are found.

There are 35 different varieties of basil. It was originally grown in Asia and the middle east before it made its way to various parts of the world via the acclaimed Spice Route. It has been cultivated and used for over 5000 years. Basil contains antioxidant-rich volatile essential oils [which are hydrophobic (insoluble in an aqueous solution)]. These volatile oils are what give the herb basil its characteristic taste/smell â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but also its medicinal value. Health Benefits of Basil:

Basil contains two important water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants known as orientin and viceninare. These organic compounds help protect white blood cells responsible for immune functions and cellular structures that store DNA. Antioxidants in basil (not only restricted to the above-mentioned flavonoids) keep chromosomes from changing, which if they do, could result in cellular mutation and cancerous growth. Antioxidants in basil help fight a process called oxidative stress (which occurs in the body due to a toxin consisting diet, radiation, or even environmental pollution). In turn, basil may help slow down the effects of aging. Anticancer:

Basil contains a considerable number of phytochemicals (which naturally prevent cancers). Basil Essential oils such as eugenol, citronellal and linalhas the ability to increase antioxidant activity, posiool are enzyme-inhibiting oils that help decrease tively alter gene expressions, induce cancerous cell inflammation [which is in fact the root of most disapoptosis (death of harmful cells) and stop cancereases (i.e. heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis)] ous tumors spreading. are found in basil. Basil can protect tissue and cells from cancerAntioxidants: treatments (radiation/chemotherapy). This makes Select essential oils in basil help fight free radical basil a viable option for supplemental treatment for damage while protecting DNA structure and cells. cancer. Anti-inflammatory:

Antibacterial: The essential oils provide protection against harmful bacterial growth. Basil extract is shown to inhibit resistant strains of bacteria that don‟t respond to antibiotic treatment. Antimicrobial Properties Against Viruses/Infections: The essential oils in basil have been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses. Its anti-microbial properties may suggest use for „candida‟ and other skin irritations. Antidepressant: Basil is considered an antidepressant since it can positively impact brains function within the adrenal cortex (regulates the metabolism, helps the boy respond to stress by producing cortisol). This in turn helps stimulate neurotransmitters responsible for hormone regulation Promotes Cardiovascular Health: Basil can help the muscles that control the vessels‟ function to contract and relax – therefore promoting healthy blood pressure. Basil has the ability to prevents dangerous platelet aggregation (clumping of blood platelets that can form a clot in the arteries which can cause cardiac arrest). Supports Liver Function and Aids in Detoxification: A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that sickly rats that were given basil extract over a period of five days experienced dramatic improvements in the production of detoxifying enzymes, and a reduction in fat buildup in the liver which can cause liver disease. Aids in pH Restoration and Improved Digestion: Basil helps balance acid within the body and restore the body‟s pH level: This can improve immunity and digestion by helping healthy bacteria thrive within the gut microflora, while simultaneously decreasing harmful bacteria concentrations.

Melisanda | Issue â&#x201E;&#x2013; 1

ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE, FUTURISTIC FARMING DIGGING IN WITH

LUKE REIN

Melisanda | Issue № 1

he future of farming is exciting. Whilst organic farming has been around since the beginning of time, the age of overconsumption and production for an overpopulated has desaturated the popularity of organic and sustainable practises in the farming community.

Through organic farming, the plants become more nutrient dense (even producing more antioxidants). The taste and smell of the produce is enhanced, organic farming uses 50% less energy than conventional farming methods, and eutrophication can be avoided.

Luke practises organic farming - which simply means that he stays away from using synthetic products on his plants - i.e. no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers etc. Organic farming, which while being more expensive that conventional methods, is sustainable and beneficial to people and the earth in a variety of ways.

take into account the fact that these plants are ultimately influencing the diet of human beings. Staying away from synthetics is important as a farmer and business owner because the customer never wants to be fed harmful chemicals - obviously people would like to stay away from poisonous residue. From a wholistic perspective,

Luke‟s garden consists of a variety of speNative Capetonian Luke Rein is an avid cies (including annuals and perennials, gardener with a knack for comprehending oregano, parsley, spinach, basil, chives, and practising futuristic coriander, rosemary farming. His late grandetc.) and he is conparents inspired his initial stantly trying to inexperimentation with troduce more, in or“a green thumb should plants. However, not long der to maintain baltreat their plants like they ance in the environafter a season of playing around – Luke developed would treat their children” ment. a passion for horticulture Luke believes that a (defined as the art or pracgreen thumb should tice of garden cultivation treat their plants like and management‟). they would treat their children and also

Melisanda | Issue № 1

people want organically produced food because they are conscious about their health. Organic farming ties in with sustainable farming because the farmer is making use of everything the environment has to offer. Luke says: “I use fallen leaves and twigs and anything biodegradable in my farming- that way, you don‟t live with guilt as a farmer. This is also affordable - because there is no need to buy all the pesticides used in conventional farming. By farming organically, we keep the future looking healthy too.” Indoor farming is beneficial to the environment because it uses less coal resources. For indoor practises, Luke uses a Light Emiting Diode (LED) instead of the popularly used Carbon Fluorescent Light bulbs. Indoor farming means that plants can be exposed to fewer viruses, air pollutants, as well as less bad bacteria from soil and weather. Luke grows his micro-greens in coconut husks, so the micro-greens are healthier than plants that are grown in, for instance, clay. The coconut husks provide sufficient nutrients for them. In terms of the future, Luke is looking to get a greenhouse and start using a hydroponic system (farming in a soilless medium) which allows for more oxygen to be available to roots, and it allows for plants to be grown twice as fast. Luke wants to work on farms during his gap year, gaining as much experience as possible and he is interested in starting his own urban farm in Somerset West whilst delving into fish farming. He is also looking to start growing edible flowers soon and expand his garden to produce more basil - which is high in demand. As a matter of fact, Luke already supplies basil to Loret’s Pesto (run by Laurette Smith), a South African pestoproducer. The future looks healthier thanks to people like Luke. Contact Urban Organics at lukerein@icloud.com

“By z | y | ~~y, w keep the future looking w ~ wy yy.”

Melisanda | Issue â&#x201E;&#x2013; 1

LUKE ON INSTAGRAM @lukerein

PHOTO Melisanda | Issue № 1

GRAPHY ft. Tamééka Grant ADVICE TO PHOTOGRAPHERS

“Photography makes me feel like I am „part‟ and „intertwined‟ with the world or my surroundings when I take a photograph. It is an amazing feeling and is something I wish everyone could experience once in their lives. For me, photography is sort of a way to get away, but it is not that easy when where you live is not a photogenic area although I do still try my best. These past few days or maybe weeks, I‟ve been slacking on my photography and I am disappointed in myself because a few years ago I would take every chance I got to go

take photographss. These past few days, when we‟ve gone out, I‟ve taken my camera everywhere with me but I just did not have the energy to take out the camera, and I am sad about that because you never know, that one photograph I would have took, could have been the next major photograph in the country, let alone the world and that makes me feel like I‟ve lost some big opportunities. So whenever you go out and don‟t feel like pickings your camera, just go for it and maybe, just maybe you could be the next best photographer.”

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

Melisanda | Issue № 1

TAMEEKAH

“Fy , {w

H ON INSTAGRAM

txmeekxh

wy y| {wy y yz w y y | w y,”

Melisanda | Issue â&#x201E;&#x2013; 1

JIN KIM JIN KIM JIN KIM N KIM JIN KIM JIN KIM JIN

M N

JIN KIM a photographic case study on light and faces

JIN KIM JIN KIM JIN KIM KIM JIN KIM JIN KIM JIN

Captured by Jin Kim

JIN ON INSTAGRAM @jinraphy Captured by Jin Kim

Captured by Jin Kim

ADVEN

AND

SELF-PORTRAITS

NTURES

WITH

NATALIE FROHMAN

What is your definition of adventure? The desire to seek or experience something new and different, i.e. anything that gives me thrill and a spark of excitement while making me nervous or anxious. How do you have a voice through photography? It is an art form to me. I think it is absolutely fascinating how a single image can evoke an emotion in you or just make you feel something. Through photography I like to tell a story. In a lot of my images I like to tell the story of where I‟ve been and how it made me feel. Photography is a way for me to express myself for who I am, my style and what I as a person am all about. Through that journey I hope to inspire others to express themselves and to desire and act upon the emotion they feel: the same way that I photograph. I hope for them to create their own story that they love. What attracts you to photography of the wilderness (especially animals)? The wild is simply beautiful, the better question is: why not? The ability to capture a powerful animal in its natural habitat or the breath taking views can make you feel so insignificant and small. It can just make a person realise how wonderful this Earth really is and I just want to portray that or convey that message into an image. The wilderness and just nature and how everything works just fascinates me in general. How do self-portraits allow you to express yourself? I actually started to do self-portraits because I wanted to experiment a lot more with photography. I was always available to myself - so I would just be my own model because #slay. I would just kind of see what works and what doesn‟t, i.e. what I like, what I don‟t like. In a way I feel it has made me a better photographer as I myself have put myself in the position of the model and I have gotten a better understanding over the whole project as I now feel I have a greater empathy for other roles in a shoot. Self-portraits also just help me showcase me, for who I am and what I personally like in a photo. Why do you choose to take a photograph of anything? What is the process, and how do you identify the picture in you mind's eye? I appreciate life‟s details. I think photography makes you a lot more grateful and amazed of the world as you pay so much more close attention to your surroundings and the details of those surroundings. That is why I feel that I seek the beautiful in everything I see. Almost anything. I actually get very

Captured by Natalie Frohman

Melisanda | Issue № 1

“I wy{ y { y w y {

Captured by Natalie Frohman

irritated when I see the opportunity for a great image and I don‟t have my camera with me! Being able to capture something and being able to portray how that makes you feel to others is simply art to me personally.

That is a really hard question to answer because I literally love every place I've been to but If I had to choose my top 3, it would probably be

Where has been your favourite place to tour/ visit/ adventure?

Where are you going next?

Venice, Canada and Thailand but I just also love South Africa!

There isn‟t anything major planned but I guess I‟m

w ~v ”

Captured by Natalie Frohman

going to Jo-burg at the end of July! What is your bucket list of places (and why?)

France - I love food and I would just love to go camping in the countryside of France.

I have so many places I want to visit in the near future. My top ones are definitely Switzerland, France and Australia.

Australia - The beaches there are apparently amazing and I really want to surf there and the people there just seem so full of life.

Switzerland - I love the mountains and I think it‟s just a beautiful country in general.

Plus it wouldn‟t hurt to see a koala and a kangaroo.

Captured by Natalie Frohman

NATALIE ON INSTAGRAM @nataliefrohmann

Melisanda | Issue № 1

WORDS

ON PAPER by Tyra Jade Mecale POETIC COMMUNICATION

“

Through good times and bad, I have always felt that I have never been truly able to fully express my emotions to other people through other means of communication. There is something about words on paper that makes me feel alive. Poetry has saved me from a lot of bad situations; and most of all, poetry has saved me from myself. Poetry has assisted me in improving my mental health because it allowed me a platform to speak out about the things that hurt me. At the same time, reading other people‟s poetry helped me to understand what I was going through because pain is universal. Poetry allowed me to understand that there is an after; because just like in real life, through poetry we can create happy endings and in literature we can decide to write new chapters. Stereotypically, mental health is portrayed as only having dark, hopeless endings like suicide but through poetry I

have realised a greater, more hopeful narrative. Poetry allows me to escape to who I want to be. Sometimes in my daily life I can sit back and realise that I enjoy who I am now but like anyone else, I want to improve myself. Poetry allows me to navigate who my ideal self is and it allows me to express who I want to be to other people, in ways that conversation could never let me. Poetic measures like metaphors and figures of speech have helped me to speak. My writing journey started as a toddler; poetry became my best friend, as I came from a family that wasn‟t too involved with me. School was difficult; I channelled my feelings through poems. My poems have changed over the years and I‟ve been able to see my thoughts grow. Poetry has always made me feel whole; I felt complete when I was still on a journey.”

“Py y ~~yw

w w

y u -

z .”

Melisanda | Issue â&#x201E;&#x2013; 1

Running with Magic Run and leave imprints behind Shed your skin, refuse to be confined. Let the universe whisper it's secrets in your ear Let it take you away from here. Let the moonshine dance through your hair Let the magic in your veins filter through the air. Run! Be full of wonder. Every step should be filled with thunder. May your atoms make the galaxies jealous And when they call you overzealous Don't dare say a word. Run till everything is blurred.

TYRA ON INSTAGRAM @tyra_thestory

Melisanda | Issue № 1 | “Hello, World”

DENAÉYA feminist expression

Conflict

Chaos is customary, cascading and called on. Latching onto my will and breath. It shows no mercy to the forsaken nor distressed. Feeble beings of unsanctified glory, Rescue me from clutches of this fiery grasp. Pulling and lulling my limbs afar, Juxtaposing my mind and thine heart. This hollowness I feel, is this emptiness real? These heartbreats I hear, is my time drawing near? How is it that when I say I feel, when I feel not, And loathe when I know not? Petty and trivial. Uncoated and indignified. The wrath of emotions overcome me, Thine bretheren is swallowed whole. Void and pitiless, Hopelesss. Broken. In distress. How do I feel when I feel not? How do I cry when melancholy consumes me not? How do I laugh when my brethren are dying? How do I sleep when my mind is ripened? I cannot and will not. Let the ink of thine pen caress and kiss this white paper. Let the product of my pain linger through these pages. Until they cease to be nothing more than duneless sand. Let my sombre, crestfallen ethos inspire this art, Although now, I am yet to depart.

There exists an assumption t many people don’t realize

ÂŠ 2018 Alice Torppa

hat feminist expression means encouraging women to speak out about their pain. What e is that feminist expression means encouraging women to speak about anything and all that is on their minds â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including that which makes us vulnerable, e.g. conflict.

thank you for reading,

they took my choices they took my word â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but they trampled on it they took my right they took my learning they took it they should take my Womanhood maybe then will i be free But they did not take my resolve they did not take my voice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is still there, soft but somewhere

@themelisa

andajournal

they did not take all of my strength â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i saved some for later they did not take my will to be alive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it stuck to me like glue they did not take my resilience they did not take my resilience my nurture my need to be heard to be respected my will to be HEARD Should they take my Womanhood then will i be nothing.

see you soon...

I S SU E №1

J U NE /J U LY 2 0 1 8

Captured by Luke Rein

I w } k Luk ’ | x . Ny | , wyu|w. - Alice Melisanda