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INDEX M I S S I O N S TA T E M E N T C OV E R I N T E RV I E W THE INFORMER WE’VE SPOTTED A DV E RT I S E M E N T S M I X TA P E S TA F F P I C K S : F I L M S RECIPE FOR THE SOUL E D I TO R ’ S R A N T ON THE HORIZON C O N T R I BU TO R S
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I don't mind making enemies when it comes to saying [twilight] is crap. - pg. 04
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U N C U LT U R E D MISSION STATEMENT vintage
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to bring you honest quality, hand-picked vintage, which radiates personality and individuality. to encourage and motivate a generation built on a foundation of ‘organic-humanity’ thinking: one who believes in love, faith, real people, the simple beauties of life, a global family and the sui generis of every person’s soul. and to widen your mind with potential, creativity, knowledge, and ideas made possible by utilizing the full spectrum of art.
JOHN 3:16
FASHION BLOGGER + GRAPHIC DESIGNER courtney talks to us about mixing prints, women’s rights + eating pizza BY: KAT WAWRYKOW
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Meet Courtney. She is a 24-year-old riding in Los Angeles, California; “but I’m moving back to Michigan in mid-April,” she informs me. She is a young graphic designer who came close to becoming a veterinarian instead. For her training, she went to Michigan State University for two years and then transferred to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Courtney’s style tells me in advance that she is a girl full of surprises; “I also ice skate and [know how to] play the cello.” Over her lifetime, she has owned seven cats and nine dogs. “I’m going crazy right now because I can’t have a dog [live] in [this] apartment,” she says sadly. (I started to see why she would be drawn to veterinary studies.) Her style is the definition of eclectic. Courtney isn’t afraid of any boundaries that fashion can throw her way, and we love what that creates in her style.
Your style seems to relay such storytelling with individuality in every piece. It makes me feel like each one has its own story. Where do you find your pieces?
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COURTNEY: “A lot of my pieces are thrifted or vintage; I like going to the Goodwill and Salvation Army by my apartment, as well as various flea markets in my area. I also love love LOVE to shop at Urban Outfitters.” U: Was there a moment when you became interested in fashion? C: “I've always loved clothing, but I [used to] have the worst style! It wasn't until college that I started to get serious about it.
I started out with a collection of vintage t-shirts, then thrifted clothes, [and] then it was crazy layered things with prints!”
What do you hope to say to your fans with your clothes? How do you hope to effect your fans?
U:
C: “I hope that my fans will see that the rules of fashion are ridiculous, and that things never go out of style! There's nothing wrong with mixing prints or wearing things two seasons too late. I'm also a feminist, so I hope to show girls/women/ladies that there's nothing wrong with being into fashion, and that there's nothing wrong with being a woman.” U: What films are on your radar? C: “Oh man, I'm extremely picky about movies, plus theaters in LA can get very expensive so I don't go out too often. On that note, I actually went out tonight and saw "Goon". It's a movie about hockey, a hockey player, and fighting. It's well written, hilarious, and filled with fighting. If you love hockey, then I highly suggest seeing it. Plus, Sean William Scott and Jay Baruchel are in it so you know I'm not lying when I say it's hilarious.”
What bands,books,artists,etc do you feel deserve more recognition? What music genres do you gravitate to?
U:
C: “Pretty much every band I listen to deserves more recognition, but some of them already have a large fan base. I like Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Die Antwoord, Tim Fite, Radical Face, Summer Camp, Grimes, Pogo, Sufjan Stevens, Yeasayer, Tallest Man on Earth, Mumford & Sons, The Wailin' Jennys, [and] Mountain Man. As for books, I love the classics like Pride & Prejudice, 1984, The Time Machine. Books that are notorious for being great, but people just don't read anymore, or if they do read, then they are reading Twilight. I don't mind making enemies when it comes to saying that book is crap. Harry Potter rules.” U: What looks are your favorite from your own lookbook? C: “Oh….. I like 90% of my looks, this is going to be difficult. [In] “I Sank Into the Sea Wrapped In Piano Strings”, I felt like such a grungy hippie in it, [but] I received so many compliments on it! [Also] “Lend Me Your Eyes I Can Change What You See” - A photographer friend of mine took this while [they were] h I don't mind making enemies when it comes to saying that book is crap. ome over the holidays in Michigan. I think it best represents my Winter 2011 style. [And lastly,] “Set Down that Crown on the Ground”. I like this one because it's the transition from how I dressed a few months ago to how I dress now.” U: So you're a graphic designer. What got you into art? M: “I've been interested in art for a long time. I had thought about becoming a photographer when I was younger, and even contemplated going to school for fashion design, but graphic design just seemed like the most practical form of art (Meaning I knew I could make money off of it). I actually work completely on my computer. I do web design as well as print design; logos, typography, web sites, books, photo editing, posters - I love doing
we shake and fall from the wall to the hard floor
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[i like] The uniqueness [street fashion] inspires as well as the individuality it creates.
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wishing never solved a problem
lend me your eyes, i can change what you see
i sank into the sea wrapped in piano strings
all of it. Pretty much the only things I draw are typography which I end up scanning and turning into graphics on my computer.” U: Where
do you draw inspiration from - art-wise and fashion
wise? M: “A lot of my fashion inspiration comes from my emotions. When I'm happy and more confident, I tend to mix crazy prints and come up with new outfits. I also love going on other fashion blogs like Jean Greige, Strawberry Freckle Face, Clothed Chameleon, Style Rookie, Fancy Treehouse, Thelma Romu, and Sea of Daisies. [I] pretty much [like] any blogger who dresses against the norm, you know who you are. Oh, and coffee + good music turns me into a graphic design machine.” U: What are staple pieces in your wardrobe? M: “Lately it's been my hair and my two Afghani necklaces. I wear those necklaces all the time. I'm actually going to go back to the flea market I bought them from this Sunday to get more.” U: Was their a specific moment when you became interested in fashion? M: “I've always loved clothing, but I [used to] have the worst style! It wasn't until college that I started to get serious about it. I started out with a collection of vintage t-shirts, then it was thrifted clothes, [and] then it was crazy layered things with prints!”
What world issue is on your mind at the moment? What are you doing about it?
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M: “Women's rights as well as the rights of those who are treated [worse] than [they should be]. I'm a huge supporter of equality. I'm angered at how women are being treated and have been treated since [the beginning of] human existence. I think there's this negative stereotype about feminists, and I think that comes from a lack of education. Feminists want equality, and you don't need to be a woman to be a feminist. So I guess what I'm trying to do is educate people about feminism and equality, as well as inspiring confidence in other young women.” U: What is on your bedside table? M: “We actually just sold our nightstands (since we're moving) so everything that was there is now on the floor; lots of jewelry, some magazines, lots of DVDs, some knitting needles, and now a pile of clothes. Our apartment is a bit of a mess right now.” U: What are 5 must have items? M: “I have to have an outfit with mixed prints (I'm counting it as one thing), a puppy (Golden Retriever preferably), my two cats, my laptop because I do all of my design + blogging stuff
on it which makes up 75% of my life, and my boyfriend because we are inseparable.” U: What are some of your goals? M: “Move back to Michigan, start my own studio, try to own my own store (it can be online or an actual retail space), have a family (I'm 24 so definitely not at this exact moment), become a well-known fashion blogger, improve the state of Michigan through my talents/interests, own a house, adopt a Golden Retriever, and become a better sewer. I could go on and on.” U: What do you like about the sub-culture of street fashion? M: “The uniqueness it inspires as well as the individuality it creates”
What is better: Lace related pieces or gothic/punk pieces? Why? U:
M: “BOTH! They go so well together! I'm a big support of wearing whatever you want. If you think it goes together, then it goes together! You can't deny someone their opinion and tell them,"NO!"” U: Do you have any hidden talents? M: “I can eat a pizza so fast it's scary. I mean, not competitive eater speeds, but still fast. [Also], I can crochet, but not extremely well.” U: Do you favor independently owned stores or chain brands? M: “I favor thrift stores and Urban Outfitters. I do love independently owned places though. I've bought some pretty unique pieces from shops like that. It's always fun to search [through indie shops], check them out, and see what they have.” U: Last question, What places in the world do young people need to have a presence in? Why? M: “Politics. I just don't understand why young people don't get more involved. Everyone needs to get involved, even if you aren't old enough to vote, or even if you've been able to vote for 80 years! Laws effect all of us, so we all need to be involved.” U: Any last words? M: “I love Futurama, check out “Bender is Great” on Youtube!” ▲
Want to see more of Courtney or our other interviewees? Check our Contributor’s List (pg.23) for more info!
The informer Aurora loveless talks to us about massive attack, fav. films + her comics
U: What textures +/or fabrics attract you the most? A: “Denim, velvet and leather - they are really amazing and you can look for inspiration easily.” U: Please recommend 3 songs for us to give a listen to. A: “Massive Attack - “Paradise Circus” - my favorite song; it’s sad but beautiful. Nirvana - “All Apologies,” what should I write [about this song]? I don't have the right. Portishead - “Glory Box (Roseland NYC Live),” [because] it’s relaxing, and spectacular.” U: What world issue is on your mind? What are you doing about it? A: “The news of the Philippines sending a second ship amid [their stand-off with China] concerns me. I am not doing anything about it, [because] I can’t do anything. I am just paying attention to it. This is serious, I really want to know what will happen.”
BY: KAT WAWRYKOW
The Informer is a new column to highlight a talent that we believe is established, but needs deserves further recognition and appreciation. This could be an artist, singer, designer, model, fashion blogger or anything under the sun! Today, we bring you Aurora Loveless, who has been a lookbook favorite; seemingly always on the Hot Page of the street fashion website. She is an 18-year-old Chinese Blogger who is “currently looking for the meaning of life”. We decided she would be the perfect girl to get this new column rolling because of her strong passion + desire to see reformation in the Chinese school system along with her badass sense of style. UNCULTURED: How would you define your style? AURORA: “It’s really hard to define, but I think I am partial to [a] rock style, [because] I don’t like to be too formal [or] feminine.” U: What
are 2 of your favorite looks from your own lookbook?
Why? A: “[I like] “Street Walking Cheetah”, [because] this outfit was really comfy, and leopard + red lips looked so boyish. [I also like] “Yesterday My Troubles Seemed So Far Away” [because] this is a typical Aurora outfit. [Also], people told me this look inspired them, for me that is so inspiring.” U: How do your surroundings effect your sense of style? A: “Honestly the culture and environment [around me] make[s] me a bit angry, so I dress rebelliously, not like how others in my country dress. My friends and family encourage me to wear whatever I like, they really inspire me.”
katie f*cking fitch
How do you express yourself creatively with fashion? Where will fashion lead you?
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A: “[I] just wear whatever I like. “You are what you wear”, people say. I don’t know where will fashion lead me [because] everything changes so fast; everything is undefined.” U: Have you ever collected anything? If so, what? A: “I have been collecting Detective Conan comic books since 2002.” U: What are a couple of your dreams? A: “My dream is to major in Criminology or Criminal Psychology at university, then get a related job. And to write books [too]!” U: Where do you like to shop? A: “I like to shop online stores like asos.com, topshop.com, and so on. [This way], I don’t need to make [a] decision immediately, and when the parcel arrives I am always excited. Unwrapping the parcels are like opening gifts, it’s one of the most amazing moments.”
Do you feel that your style relays a certain attitude and personality? What do you express through your fashion?
U:
A: “Yes, I don’t like to be the same as everyone else. I just want to be me, so I never follow trends. I wear what I like, I don’t care if it’s old-fashioned. I don’t mind if people don’t like it, I rule my own style.”
U: What are your top 5 favorite films? A: “Girl, Interrupted, Fight Club, The Silence of the Lambs, The Addams Family, and Sucker Punch.” U: What trends are currently on your radar? A: “I’m not a trend [person], but I kind of like the pastel trend; the colors are wonderful.” U: Who takes your lookbook photos? A: “Myself, my cousin, and my friends!”
Last question, what hypothetical revolution would you like to be a part of ? U:
A: “I would like to be a part of a revolution which helped China’s students to change the education system. I wish one day, students in China could have less homework and stress. Grades [would no longer] label them, and they could have space and time to develop their interests and creativity.” U: What are your essentials? A: “[The] Internet, books and delicious food.” U: What is a great way to spice up an outfit? A: “A smashing item and eye-catching colors can definitely light up an ordinary outfit!” U: Any last words? A: “Everybody dances to their own boom boom.” ▲
“ an interesting fact about me: sadness comforts me.
” yesterday my troubles seemed so far away.
we’ve spotted Quinn bell talks to us about modeling, the vaccines + body images BY: KAT WAWRYKOW
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A natural, ethereal look is one that many of us dream we possessed. Quinn Bell, a 17-year-old aspiring model from Ontario, Canada has just that look. Quinn is currently a senior in high school, “[but] I will be attending Humber College in Toronto [this september] for Fashion Arts.” she tells me. Besides an interest in fashion, Quinn loves to cook, hang out with her girlfriends, listen to music and attending shows whenever she can. “I also love watching movies, especially ones from the 80’s.” Her unique beauty is what caught our immediate attention, so we caught up with her to get to know a little bit more about this red-haired beauty. UNCULTURED: So
you are an aspiring model - tell us what you are doing now and where you hope to go in the future with modeling?
QUINN: “Currently, there isn't much [modeling] I can do, since the city I live in doesn't have much of an industry. However, next year when I live in Toronto, I will be able to pursue it more! I guess it's kind of a pipe dream, but I still want to give it a try, and see where it takes me!” U: What interests you in the world of fashion? Q: “I love that fashion is constantly changing. It's so fast paced in terms of how quickly trends come and go each season. I think that if it [wasn't], I would have definitely [grown] bored of it by now. I also love that everyone is able to have their own take on fashion, and style. That's what I love about fashion blogs. I love seeing what other people are wearing and how they're wearing it!” U: You
have an ethereal look to you - but dressed with grungy pieces which is rad. How has your style evolved over the years? Q: “Well, when I first got into fashion my style was quite feminine. I guess I kind of thought that you had to wear skirts and dresses in order to be fashionable, which obviously isn't
true. I have a friend who I met in grade 9 who introduced me to lookbook.nu, and I became instantly obsessed. For a while I mostly copied what other girls were wearing, but eventually I figured out that it was much more fun to break the mould. I discovered the blogs of Madeline (Jean Greige) and Jessica (Vintage Virgin), who are both quite grungy, and fell in love. I started to incorporate grungy pieces into my wardrobe, and my style has [become] a whirlwind of girly-grunge, and the occasional bit of boho ever since!” U: How
would you say average Canadian's view fashion? Are there any obstacles you face? Q: “The majority of people [in Canada] don't put much effort into how they dress. I see a lot of t-shirts, sweatpants and jeans, but maybe that's just because I'm in high school. I do know some really stylish guys and gals, but I think the main factor for the way people dress here is [being] comfort. [But] in bigger cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, I'd expect that there's a much bigger fashion scene! It can be difficult when very few people share the same Interest as you.” U: What are some underrated bands/singers in your opinion? Q: “I love The Vaccines, and I think people expected way too much from their first album. Their music is just fun! I like music I can dance around to when I'm getting dressed in the morning. There's also a band from the 80's called The Field Mice that I think deserved a lot more popularity!” U: What are five things on your bucket list? Q: “I want to travel the world, learn to scuba dive, swim with a whale shark, adopt a pet, attend an Arcade Fire concert and walk in a fashion show.” U: What are young people lacking in this day in age? What can be done to fix it? Q: “I think young people (including myself), are lacking in social skills because of things like text messaging and IMing. I honestly don't think it can be stopped, and it's inevitably going to get worse.” U: Last
question, what is your opinion on teenage views of their own“body images”? Q: “I think each and every teen I know has at least one thing about their body that they'd like to change, whether [its that] their hair is too curly or their skin is too oily. We definitely have this idea created by the the media that we MUST be perfect in order to succeed.” ▲
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sounds of sansa the perfect mixtape for the start of an early summer BY: JENNA BENTZEN
I own this old MP3 player that was given to me when my iPod suffered a piteous death. Now that I have this veteran-of-anMP3 player, I have since been less enthused to put all my "serious" music consisting of thousands of songs back onto the Sansa device. Thus, I decided to give birth to a new creation one with all the songs anyone sane would perhaps be too embarrassed to be heard listening to in public. Especially with a straight face. These are some of the songs that reside there, and I thought they would be perfect for the beginning of an early summer here on the West Coast.
Kiss From a Rose - Seal Pleasantly enough, I first heard this song at a family gathering (we were all playing Wii bowling and dancing) as opposed to hearing it in Batman (which is for squares anyways). Point being: I was hooked. Again, best experienced with those who are passionate for the song. Their moves are priceless.
Bump ‘N Grind - R. Kelly This is actually one of my favorite songs. I love R. Kelly's voice. His falsetto is flawless. Trapped in the Closet? Legendary. I couldn't handle myself - how can you not when your mind's telling you no, but your body's telling you yes?
Caught Up - Usher Makes anything groovier. Usher is so talented.
Thong Song - Sisquo
I'm Blue - Eiffel 65
Apart from the hilarity in his voice, it is actually a really good song. I get a real sense of his passion as he embodies the thong. And after listening, you'll know what guys talk about. But hopefully I'll never know what "dumps like a truck" is. As a side note, it's probably embarrassing how much genuine effort I put into singing it - like I'm Christina Aguilera or something.
Fighter - Christina Aguilera
Toxic - Britney Spears It’s so good to get together with friends and scream the lyrics, and dance like 12-year-olds who think they're being provocative.
Say My Name - Destiny's Child Claaassic.
This playlist is turning into guilty pleasure songs for the lonely who dance at home, alone, in their underwear. If you’re ever feeling fierce and feisty this is your theme song. Arguments are invalid. Rocking out to this, and driving is a fair sport.
Like a Prayer - Madonna My passion for this song is infinite, and my love for Madonna is at its climax with this little number. Instantly, I’m reminded of tap dancing. (Those who have seen Gummo know what I’m talking about.) It makes for a bittersweet ending to May’s playlist.
Bang Bang Boom - The Moffatts I remember this was on my Now! Vol. 6 CD. If any of you remember those compilations...so bad. But this was one of the gems that came from the 90's.
What's especially rewarding about this mixtape is that it's nostalgic. It’s rewarding for anyone who knows the words to at least one song. Particularly, "I'm Blue", because once you know the chorus you've got the whole song mastered. ▲
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staff pick:
outrageously creative, hilarious antics are outbursted, and whimsical characters like that of Alice and Wonderland are made near and dear to your heart. You fall in love with the Robinson family and are taken on an adventure despite your present age, and if you are like me, tie the knot with your Disneyenriched childhood.
top films
Bedknobs and Broomsticks - Contrary to my belief, many people are not familiar with this classic Disney film. Set in the WWII era, three young children are put on a train to the
we appreciate good cinema. BY: KAT WAWRYKOW, TOM THORP, JENNA BENTZEN + BRANDEE BOVAIRD
JENNA: Almost Famous - First off, this is a personal favorite of mine. The music is terrific and classic, setting the mood for a nostalgic trip back to the 70’s. It Follows 15 year old William Miller as he travels with the new band, Stillwater. It both humbles, and enthralls me. Every time I watch it, I’m thoroughly impressed with Marti Frederiksen’s vocal performance in his portrayal as Jeff Bebe, the lead singer of Stillwater. Furthermore, the casting was so beautifully done. There’s not a change I would make. Patrick Fugit as Miller was a fantastic choice - he embodies his juvenile nature, wit and genuineness. I leave this movie with characters who stay in my heart. Penny Lane is an eccentric role model, and object of mystery. My favorite moment involves Elton John and a bus named Doris. I won’t reveal anymore but instead urge you to see the film yourself. And maybe take a trip to Morocco. Pulp Fiction - Another Tarantino masterpiece, this movie has been in the back of my mind for at least two weeks. Tarantino’s creativity is displayed, at its finest in his 1994 film. Again, casting is key here. Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of hit man Jules is flawless - many quotable lines here. John Travolta makes a stunningly sleek appearance. He also gets five stars for his hair. And again, the filmmaker’s muse, Uma Thurman, steals the show as Boss man Marsellus Wallace’s wife, Mia. The film follows Vincent Vega (Travolta), and Jules (Jackson) through their hilarious struggles. The movie jumps back and forth between diner bandits, and a boxer. Shocking events unfold into an ending that is completely ludicrous. Words cannot express how much I love this movie, which perhaps isn’t helpful. Nevertheless, I believe firmly that if you like the quirky humor, violence, revenge + redemption styles of Quentin Tarantino, this movie is for you. KAT: Meet The Robinson's - For some of you, the Disney collection is in itself your “favorite”. For many of us, Disney was our childhood, and in so, all the characters collectively, grew up with us. (Toy Story?) For myself, Meet The Robinson’s is the cherry which rests on top. It is in my opinion, one of Disney’s best NEW ERA animations. It is a masterpiece, and brilliant from start to finish. It is a story of a genius orphan, whose sole dream is to meet his long lost mother. Upon the invention of a machine which will help him see his biological mother for the first time, a young boy who claims to be from the future interrupts him. This “futuristic boy” claims to be protecting him from a mysterious Bowler Hat Man. Over the film, secrets are revealed,
countryside of England for safekeeping. Their new home-stay turns out to be a witch, a fact that is unknown to her neighbors and professor, Emulous Brown. I miss the days when being an actor required you to be a performer: a gifted singer, a talented dancer and a convincing actor. You will gladly find all three present in the film, and it is believable. Not like today’s sappy musical renditions where you can just see the actor’s uncomfortableness seep through their unconvincing performances. No, this movie features the actress also seen in the
TV series, Murder, She Wrote, Angela Lansbury, who proves you can be a graceful beauty at any age. It is everything I love about classic Disney films, with the wonderful incorporation of handdrawn animation. For the time period, a revolutionary step in entertainment, and I’m happy to report it is still satisfying to see today. Please watch this you will thank me. TOM: The Dark Knight - A blockbuster everyone can enjoy. It’s a classic, according to IMBD, it ranks as the eighth best movie in the world, voted by 691, 300 people. It features one of my personal favorite iconic villains of all time, “The Joker.” A devilishly genius anarchist, hellbent on watching the world burn. My breath was taken at almost every scene in the movie, and it shows a very interesting series of events that makes two hours and thirty minutes feel like a Mad TV sketch. Precious - This movie showed so much powerful emotion. I had to re-watch it a couple of times just to take in all the movie had to offer. It was genuinely depressing, and showed an overweight teenage girl struggle to get through her life. The scenes where she’d fantasize about being rich and famous, where everyone loved her, really moved me. This is because the only love she had felt in her life was twisted by hate. It ends tragically, but the movie overall was well done, with brilliant acting, and a touching soundtrack that it is always listed with my top favorites. BRANDEE: Little Women - Gillian Armstrong's film based on Alcott's “Little Women,” is literally the most magical movie I've ever seen. The film is a 90's classic, complete with our beloved Winona Ryder. If you've never heard the tale of the Little Women, then I'll quickly fill you in. Concord, Massachusetts: Home of the March family. The four sisters of the home must face their economic struggle as their father is sent off to fight in the Civil War. From childhood to adulthood, each sister finds that their own personal flaws are keeping them from truly being happy. I mean, this movie is so heartwarming and generous; I watch it about three times a month. It is a true tale of charity, strength, devotion, and love. It makes you want to be a March family member more than anything in the world. “Little Women” is easily my favorite story and movie. Nothing, not even Harry Potter, Pirates or Titanic could ever come close. I know, right? It is that amazing. Now and Then - Glatter's, "Now and Then" basically inspires me to ride my bike every day. I mean, I don't do it anymore, but last summer I would watch this movie, and then call up my friends and ride around the city, looking for adventure and have a picnic. “Now and Then” is the female equivalent to “The Goonies”. Though they don't find any treasures, the summer of 1970 is filled with sunshine, friendship, rebellion and cruisin'. The film begins with four women, reuniting in their hometown to go up to their old tree house and reminisce on that wonderful summer. It's almost like, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", except it doesn't suck. I mean, c'mon. I'm no sucker for a lot of Romance films, but this movie is such a character builder, man. All you want to do after watching it is go outside and live like you've never lived before. ▲
recipe for the soul cheesecake brownies a new column each month to bring you a new recipe to satisfy your soul.’s hunger BY: JENNA BENTZEN
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If you're looking for a twist on the regular brownie recipe, these red velvet cheesecake brownies are a timeless and creative option to cheer up your taste buds, and your friends will enjoy them too! The red velvet swirls do catch the eye and will no doubt please tummies!
NEEDED INGREDIENTS: Brownies: 1/2 cup butter 2-oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 tsp red food coloring 2/3 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt Cream Cheese: 8-oz cream cheese, room temperature 1/3 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Line an 8” or 9” square baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease. 3. In a small heatproof bowl or saucepan, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir with a fork until very smooth. Set aside to cool for a few minutes. 4. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla, and load up on food coloring. 5. Add in the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Batter should be red. If a brighter red is desired, add an additional 1/2 tsp. 6. Add flour and salt into the bowl and stir until everything is combined, and no streaks of the dry ingredients remain. 7. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread into an even layer. 8. Prepare cheesecake mixture; in a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. 9. Drop in dollops onto prepared brownie batter. Gently swirl two batters with a butter knife. 10. Bake for 35-40 minutes. ▲
editor’s rant my cursed
creativity when i realized that i had nothing creative to draw, no new ideas - not a thing. don’t worry, there is a book for that. BY: KAT WAWRYKOW
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I have these friends, you know the type. The ones that are creative muselings. They always seem to possess a unique idea that absolutely blows your mind across the room. I think we can all relate to this frustration, no matter your passion or profession. You always wish you had that level of creativity, that ability, that million dollar idea, that “insert jealous thought here”. Here, in that place of frustration is where I sat to draw. Under pressure of having to complete a drawing test for university, under the depressing cloud of desperation when I had nothing to draw in my drawing journal - for those of you who don’t know, a drawing journal is like a writer’s diary, but in the form of illustrations and/or paintings. I felt quite helpless really. My best friend was so full of ideas that she would create little masterpieces and then discard them in the next moment. I would absolutely shutter when she crumpled a drawing. Unless you know me personally, you wouldn’t know that it takes me hours on end to complete one piece of work, because I like to put time and perfection into making it satisfactory (As you can then assume, my standards of acceptable are quite high). So seeing her be so carefree to discard a ‘portfolio-worthy‘ drawing discouraged me to tears. How am I supposed to become an illustrator - a citizen of the world’s creative population - when I can’t even doodle freely or complete a list of drawings laid out for me? Oh, the stressed piled, along with the endless tasks and commitments of everyday life. I had landed in a melancholy hole, and to be honest I felt like I contracted a disease that
wouldn’t leave. Down to my last straw, I found myself walking into Chapters, desperate to find a miracle fix. Earlier in the week I had found numerous vegetarian and health cookbooks I can take with me to Ontario next year for schooling and a book perfect to inspire creative writing. So, you can understand why naturally I assumed Chapter’s would have all the answers. I walked up awkwardly to an employee, and laid an equally awkward description of what I was looking for. It went something like, “Excuse me genie in the bottle, can you point me to a book that will help me with my creativity? You know what I mean, help me be more creative, find creativity and ultimately solve all my first world problems?” At first she gave me this blank expression which made me assume she secretly pitied me as I struggled to explain what in the heck I was looking for. I waited for a response, hoping she wouldn’t turn me away empty-handed. “I’m sorry, I don’t really know of any book like that... WAIT! Yes I do! There is a book called, The Artist’s Way, and it is exactly that - how to unblock creativity + flourish in it.” she said, surprised that she actually could help my odd request. She led me to the shelf, and left me to discover the book on my own. What I found was not exactly what I expected, not as cookiecutter or as easy as I secretly hoped it would be. The Artist’s Way (not as cheesy as the title would lend itself to be) is not just for conventional artists; it is for housewives, scientists, lawyers everyone and anyone. The idea of this 3-month-long program is to help you discover the root of the problem, what is holding you back from being “free” and innovative in everything you do. And after reading the lengthily intro I was convinced. The author, Julia Cameron has been teaching this course for over 20 years in university, as well as through this book. On its tenth anniversary printing, I am willing to assume it has to be doing something right. At this point, I was willing to give anything a try, but what I realize is that this lady has it truly figured out. Through different activities, truthful journalling and ‘creativefocused‘ adventures I’m starting to see things in a different light. I am only on the second week but I’m actually reaping the benefits in art and in daily life. It goes beyond just your art, you discover your own limitations, fears, and submissions to society. For a person like myself, who is repulsed by high-schoollike submission to trends, what is socially acceptable, and what you ‘should do’, I am all for this course. I am breaking even the oddest social restraints; I sung and boogied past a car parked on the side of the road full of people with no shame while on my walk this week. Would have I have done it before? Not a chance. I take risk, but not that sort of childish risk. I guess what I hoped you got out of this month’s Editor’s Rant was an affirmation of hope for struggling artist’s. This book helps declared artists, those secretly wishing they were artists, those who are nervous, those who are unsure of how to get out of life’s ‘ruts’, and those of us that are feeling rather lost creatively, or just in general. In short, it is for everyone, and I recommend that you at least check it out. It has been a great experience. I feel like I’m getting to know myself a lot better, and expanding in every way. I suppose this good, because I’ll have to live with myself for the rest of my life. ▲
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K E E P U P W I T H T H E B ▲ D K I D S AT: S T O R E - U N C U L T U R E D . S T O R E N V Y. C O M B LO G - U N C U LT U R E D L I F E . T U M B L R . C O M F B - FA C E B O O K . C O M / U N C U L T U R E D
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ContributorS editor-in-chief Kat Wawrykow
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proofs Jenna Bentzen
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Art Work pg. 16 - “Mixtape” - Kat Wawrykow p.18-19 - “Kate Hudson” - Jenna Bentzen
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Features
Mixtape
Courtney (bevyof.blogspot.ca) Aurora Loveless (auroraloveless.blogspot.ca) Quinn Bell (seaofdaisies.blogspot.com)
Jenna Bentzen
EDITOR’S RANT Kat Wawrykow
Photographers Cover Photograph - Courtney pg. 5 - Courtney pg. 6 - Courtney pg. 7 - Courtney pg. 8 - Courtney pg. 10 - Aurora Loveless pg. 11 - Aurora Loveless pg. 12 - Quinn Bell pg. 14 - Kat Wawrykow pg. 15 - Kat Wawrykow pg. 17 - Kat Wawrykow
STAFF PICKS: FILMS Editor - Kat Wawrykow Contributions - Kat Wawrykow, Tom Thorp, Brandee Bovaird, Jenna Bentzen
Kat Wawrykow is the creator of UNCULTURED, she is an illustrator, photographer, vintage enthusiast and creative museling.
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A big thanks to all our avid readers + contributors! -- IT FEELS SO GOOD BEING B ▲ D May 2012 - 004