I S S U E E I G H T A L T E R N A T I V E L I F E Z I N E
UNCULTURED BUSINESS AS USUAL
TO BRING YOU honest quality literature, written with passionate soul, driven to inspire a zealous lifestyle. to bring you hand-picked vintage, which radiates personality and emulates the life of an adventure seeker with a distinctive persona. 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
adventure Escaping to New York City
3
interview Quiet Liar Clothing Company
9
opinion Fever Dreams Bumps in the Night
13 7
do it Hot Around the Collar: A Peter Pan DIY
5
music The Industry’s Best 2012: Albums
11
literature Fairytales for the Forgotten Years
5
life advice Ask Nana Willis
14
editor’s rant The More I Try to Fit in, The More Apparent it is I Never Will
17
contributors Staff + Contributing Guests
19
OPPOSITE PAGE: CONCEPT KAT WAWRYKOW MODEL HAYLEY HURSKA PHOTOGRAPHER SETH STEVENSON
mission statement
FROM THE WOMB WE CAME, NAKED WE SHALL REMAIN FLOATATION _ AN UNCOMFORTABLE CONCEPT ABOUT NUDITY
the bad girls escaped toronto to go to the great New York City. we met many amazing folk along the way and partook in many adventures. this was our first trip of many to come.
Fairytales for the Forgotten Years words meredith park
In the few years between high school and the second or third big job I landed after university, there seemed to be a heightened sense of disconnectedness with the events of life. As one leaves the warmth of home to get their first taste of supposed autonomy, they are often met with a feeling of disappointment that the world is in fact not so free and wide as they might have hoped. And yet, woven into this cynicism which has been a defining factor of the last generation or two, is a deeply-buried sense of wonder ment. This wonderment is prodded at when something special comes along. We shield ourselves with sarcasm and remain in the safe, shallow, end of friendships. But were we given the chance, we would open our doors to the chance of surprise and joy. It has been during this period of my life that I came across Douglas Coupland, an author from Vancouver, who has built a career and gained a huge following by writing novels that reference and mock the attitudes of Generation X. I think part of his talent comes from throwing wild
variables into his stories which could easily overtake the plot line and ruin the story, but instead serves to further develop the characters in the eyes of the reader. His books are populated with common archetypes - soccer moms, loser dads, burnt-out yuppies, lazy teenagers - a familiar cast, which is soon faced with uncommon events ranging in unending possibility. Perhaps this character will fall in love with the last person you expected him to, or maybe that character will be buying tangerines when the nuclear holocaust hits. No matter the events, I always finish Coupland's books with the feeling that I just got to know a group of people personally. The endings, while not always 'happy', are always satisfying and perfectly tailored to their players. To get you started, I've glossed over the plots of a few of my favorites:
GIRLFRIEND IN A COMA Teen pregnancy, man. As if it's not hard enough, imagine being a teen mom that falls into a nearly twodecade coma, only to wake up to the zombie apocalypse groaning at your door.
PLAYER ONE: WHAT IS TO BECOME OF US What would you do if you were trapped in a sad, sad airport hotel bar, with only a mismatched group of drifters for company, and suddenly the world comes to an abrupt halt? And there's a crazed sniper outside? And you just realized the sociopath sitting next to you is your soulmate?
GENERATION X: TALES FOR AN ACCELERATED FUTURE Sometimes, when you live in the wasteland of Southern California, with two friends and a bar tending job to round out your blurry existence, escaping to the desert to tell stories is the most soulquenching solution there is.
THE GUM THIEF Yes, you're the washed-up old guy working at an office supply store that you were terrified of becoming. But look! You soon discover a secret pen pal! And your life has meaning again! This book takes off on the manicpixie-dream-girl trope, but as always, Coupland sticks the landing SHAMPOO PLANET This book is about different kinds of people you love to hate but then when you read it you actually come to love them for their humanity and normally the thought of this would disgust you but then again, such is the nature of love to take awful people and turn them into kind of magnificent creatures in the eyes of the ones who care about them. Also, this book is fun because it's full of hippies. If you love what you find, I encourage you to dive deeper into Coupland's world - the man has written some great nonfiction, histories of Canada, and his wife Nicole Krauss is also an extremely talented author of fiction (check out A History of Love). Read on, dear one, and remember to take breaths between revelations. special thanks to Buzz, who got me started on these stories.
BUMPS IN THE NIGHT Words Meredith Park Illustrations Maddie Dennis
"That I would repeat the mistakes of my parents, or at some point in my life think that they were OK" "being by myself anywhere" "Vacuums" "sharks and snakes" "Something evil in the closet" "Santa Claus - I didn't want a stranger in my house!" "Old age"
When sorting through memory, one tends to project. It's almost impossible to recall past events without tinting them with some bias you've picked up since said events. However, nothing centers us in our childhood selves so jarringly as fear. We thought it would be interesting to ask our friends and classmates about some of the things that scared them most when they were little, and the answers we got back ranged from funny to sad to leaving us sitting up all night in an existential crisis. Just kidding (kind of) (not completely). According to the information we collected, an equal amount of people have the same fears from childhood (though less intense), as the amount of people who have completely different fears today. It's up to you to draw your own conclusion about fear from the following confessions. Hide under the blankets while reading these - it keeps the monsters out (obviously).
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR WHEN YOU WERE A KID? "being swallowed down the drain in the bathtub. There was more water then there was me, so if they water could go down, why couldn't I?" "Birds pecking my eyes out"
DID YOU EVER HAVE A RECURRING NIGHTMARE? WHAT WAS IT ABOUT? "being kidnapped in a grocery store" "The witch from Snow White would always come in to my room while I was sleeping and tickle me while laughing menacingly"
`
"I dreamt the three little kittens were being chased by captain hook around a playground. I kid you not this contributed to many a lost sleeps." "I was trapped inside the packman game with all the ghosts chasing me. But I was not myself, rather Donald Duck." "I used to have nightmares about large monster truck tires stacking up around me, trapping me in the middle with no way to escape. I know, I still don't understand how I came up with that either."
mallards playing in the stream. a handful of babies and one parent! i was so excited, it was the happiest feeling to look through all the bushes and flowers and see them! i ran to get everyone... i took them by the hand and childishly rushed them over. but when we got there... nothing but feathers and a bit of blood. everyone walks back to what they were doing. i fall to the ground, the emotion of their death was like some kind of innocence being ripped from inside me. i look up ahead and i see eyes looking back at me in the shadows. and i wakeup. I still, to this day, have this dream." sleep tight tonight, y'all. â–˛
"I went fishing with my dad and there were these two wolves there (they were cartoony and had clothes on and everything) and they were on a date and sitting on this park bench that was on the same dock that my dad and I were on. I said we should leave and my dad was all "no it's ok they're friendly well just keep fishing" and I was worried but I kept fishing anyway. So then the wolves were all lookin at me right? Cause I'm a tasty little Asian girl. And the boy wolf started to chase me because he and his wolf girlfriend wanted to eat me. My dad snatched me up and we ran to the car, left all of our stuff on the dock and just booked it. Once we got to the car and started to drive away, I stood on my knees in the backseat to look back and the wolf was running (in his clothes on two legs) after the car. But then I realized I LEFT MY BEAR BACK ON THE DOCK. Worst dream ever." "I had this dream so many times, that I was in a white gown and was a young queen. I lived in a castle that was covered in veins and was surrounded by gardens. It would play by play the same way every time. I'd be in the garden with all my other female companions, laughing. then it's as if nobody else is really paying attention to me and i wander off to the stream where there's a family of golden
quiet please
“i wasn’t invited to parties, i sat at home on weekends and drew up ideas, [ working] on clothes and my art hoping it would be worth it, and finally it is starting to be.”
interview kat wawrykow photographs marena skinner
Who are you and what do you do?
Why screen printing?
My name is Marena Skinner, a straight edge, coffee addict who hails from Vancouver, BC. I draw, design, and screen print clothing. I also give used, ugly clothing a second chance by making recycled thrift items. I’ve been an artist my whole life, I’m self-taught and interested in learning new techniques. I love going to concerts and local shows. Band shirts are a staple of my style so I like to print shirts that I could see people wearing at shows. Style is a way to show your personality and I love to be bold sometimes.
When I was in high school, I was obsessed with Andy Warhol. When I started hand painting shirts, I decided to try screen printing to give the shirts a cleaner look. Hand painting shirts takes forever and I could print one design on as many shirts as I liked with screens.
Who wears Quiet Liar?
I would love for it to become a well known brand. My goal is to open up a shop in the next two years, not only selling Quiet Liar, but clothing and [other] items geared towards the hardcore/metal/punk scene. There doesn’t seem to be a store like that in Vancouver, yet. I would also like to start printing on fabric and make crop tops, skirts, and hand paint abstract designs on them.
I feel like my brand is directed towards the skater and the hardcore scene, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t appeal to others. I think because of my drawing and printing style, my shirts look different than [clothes] you’d find in stores. Your shirt can turn your lazy jeans and shirt outfit into something cool. People who are on the lookout for unique shirts to make their outfit should give Quiet Liar a peek.
How did you get into design? I’ve always loved fashion and felt the need to dress differently than everyone else, which lead to me altering thrift items and printing my art onto shirts.
What trends are on your radar? I love the grunge style that’s getting more popular: knee highs, florals, funky prints, lots of studs and spikes, thick stripes, and dip dye. Hawaiian shirts are my love, especially when guys wear them with rolled up sleeves.
Where do you hope to take Quiet Liar?
What does Quiet Liar mean to you? To me, it means being unique. I have always liked dressing different and I want to produce clothes that can help other people dress unique as well. I don’t mass produce my items, and of the prints I make, each one is a tad different because I do everything by hand myself.
Who has been your support with Quiet Liar? Friends and family, anyone online who reblogs my pictures [on tumblr]. [As well as] anyone who has ever checked out my clothing really. It helps when people spread the word. Some of my friends have really helped me a lot and it means so much to me.
Who are your inspirations? As an artist, I’m a huge fan of Tim burton. He is so creative and different - he really inspires me! Music is also a big inspiration, I constantly have music playing all the time, especially when I am working or sewing.
The overall feel of the brand seems moody, intriguing and confident. What is your process with design? What do you want them to say? For the shirt and patch designs, I use my personal illustrations, which I hand paint onto the screens and print them on a table with clamps. For the recycled thrift items, I go through racks at thrift stores and look for patterns I like. If I see something, I pick it up and instantly think of ways I can change it to make it cool. I don’t want my designs to look preppy, I would prefer they look dark. I’m into heavier music and I appreciate the way the people who listen to [such genres] dress, and I would love for my clothes to appeal to them.
What has been the biggest challenges in starting an indie line? Money, not knowing enough people, and advertising! Also, competing with other t-shirt companies who are just starting up, who do everything graphically and get the shirts done by a printer, aren’t doing close to the amount of work I do, yet they’re selling more. It’s mind boggling to me, but it is what it is.
Where can people purchase your line? Quiet Liar clothing and patches are available online at quietliarclothing.bigcartel.com and I currently have a few prints at Ore Psycho! Art Collective in Vancouver. I may be doing some local markets in the next few months, so if you have facebook, like the Quiet Liar Clothing page and stay tuned.
Many have commented that the youth of Canada are not choosing to be involved with politics and ‘the issues’. This is leading the ‘decision making’ to an older generation. Your thoughts? I think young people these days don’t care too much for political issues. Everyone is too involved in each other’s lives with social media websites. They may complain about things going on in the world, but they’re too lazy to get off the computer and do anything [about it]. Not saying I’m any better. I don’t think the education system is doing [a good job of] getting kids interested in being involved. I remember learning about government in school and they made it so boring that I would drift off constantly.
Any last words? I’ve been working on Quiet Liar for a few years and it’s finally starting to pick up for me, so much of my time and money has gone into it and it means so much that you’re actually featuring me! I honestly didn’t have many friends growing up, I wasn’t invited to parties, I sat at home on weekends and drew up ideas. Even when [I got out] of school I worked on the clothes and my art hoping it will all be worth it, and finally it’s starting to be. Ironically, people sometimes made fun of the way I dress, and now I’m the one selling clothes and going to Fashion Week! I’ve thought about giving up on Quiet Liar too many times to count, but I stuck with it. So young artists, and even non artists out there, don’t
give up! It will get better!
▲
The Industry’s Best 2012
ALBUMS WORDS
JENNA BENTZEN
VISIONS ART
Claire Boucher
Whenever a new year approaches, we find ourselves reflecting upon the last. 2012 wasn’t a year where I was particularly engrossed in music. That being said, amidst the frantic holidays and festivities, I found some amazing music which changed my life. The first song I heard by Claire Boucher, better known as Grimes, was "Vanessa". I was intrigued immediately, and spent the rest of the night casually listening to the rest of her work, but didn’t return to her until half a year later. It was when "Oblivion" first started to show signs of popularity that I reconnected with Grimes. The same curiosity came back to me, so much so that I soon realized I was crazy not to go out and buy her third studio album, Visions. This was the good decision that sparked everything. From beginning to end, each track is hand-crafted with an offbeat energy, taking the listener on an emotional journey through time and sound. "Circumambient" stands alone as a powerful track with strong vocals and beats, allowing the listener to get under Grime's skin even if only just a little. What is so breathtaking about Grimes is her stand-alone personality and forceful energy. With confidence I can say that there is no one like Claire Boucher, and perhaps as talented in both music and art, for she has her own persona in the world of music - which is indefinitely refreshing. We all know that great things come out of England. Monty Python, The Beatles, fish and chips, railways and Doctor Who. In May 2012 another great thing came out of England - Alt-
J's debut album, "An Awesome Wave". Joe Newman's vocals are immediately piercing and outstanding. With unique vocals and approach to percussion, each track is a treat to discover. Gwil Sainsbury (guitar, bass), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboard) and Thom Green (drums) first gave us the great gift of "Breezeblocks", another powerful song that demands attention. What is so interesting about their songs is their dynamics. Each song is a roller coaster of changes, almost like each track is a journey. Newman's vocals and Green's drumming really stand apart and take the lead. Apart from "An Awesome Wave"'s success and acclaim, there has been speculation upon whether this group is really "different" from what is already out there or not. From what I have perceived from listening and reading is that this group of young men create the kind of music that they would like to hear, "absentmindedly sounding like no other band at the moment." They have said they don't try to create outside the box, but their glorious attention to details and deep understanding of music and bandmates has paid off to prove otherwise. They have said they don't try to create outside the box, but their g l o r i o u s at t e n t i o n t o details and deep understanding of music and bandmates has paid off to prove otherwise.
"We work very hard, and in some cases we spend years on songs trying to get it right— refining it, picking things out and changing things around." (interviewmagazine.com, Aimee O’Neill, 2012) It was a dark and peaceful night, blessed with beautiful speakers when I first heard Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange" in its entirety. And no other environment could have been more fitting. I was with my best friend and we were going on a night excursion. Well, truthfully it all started with me cramped up in the back of her tiny car, alongside a bike. That is another story in itself. However, as uncomfortable as I was back there, Ocean's steamy, sultry vocals relaxed my body and mind and continue to do so now. There is not one song on this album that I don't like. Not one song I can't dance to. (This is of c o u r s e, e x c l u d i n g t h e samples). I can proudly say I grooved to the enigmatic anthem "Pyramids" for the whole ten minutes. What makes "Pyramids" so great is what helps make all the others so wonderful - their flawless mixing and production. Each beat is choreographed to the nines, with sounds reminiscent of the 80's, R&B, synth, and psychedelic. This album encases an incredible amount of talent. One of the reasons why this album has had so much buzz in the media is that listeners have collectively decided that this talent must not go unrewarded. I know that I deeply respect Frank Ocean as a person. His insert, or letter that he slipped into the album's sleeves is both heartbreaking as it is shockingly honest. Shocking because in this day and age it is hard to come by, and especially with such grace and wisdom. I think we could learn a lot from this man, and therefore this album and artist stand alone as one of my main inspirations and backbones of 2012. ▲
“‘Circumambient’ stands alone as a powerful track with strong vocals and beats, allowing the listener to get under Grime's skin, even if only just a little.”
INTRODUCING:
NANA WILLIS As a woman of considerable age and taste, Nana Willis has joined our team here at UNCULTURED, and is devoting herself to spreading love and Wether’s candy to those who need it. We proudly present Nana Willis’ Advice Column: Ask Nana Willis
Words of wisdom from:
chance, you yourself said that you trust in God's will. It's okay to be upset about this (and natural),
but remember that even though this one door has shut, life probably has something much better in store for you in the future. It might seem hard to focus on the positive right now, but allow yourself to trust that things will work out, and keep doing positive things with yourself. If you need a cheery burst of song in your day, go look up Stephen Colbert singing King of Glory on Youtube. What
Dear Nana Willis,
a voice that man has. Keep positive!
Will I pass my test tomorrow?
Love always,
Anonymous
â?¤ Nana Willis
Dear Britney Spears,
Hello Nana Willis!
I certainly hope my letter does not reach you too late, but I suspect it has. Although I can't tell you whether or not you've passed your test (the International Federation of Elderly Psychics forbids such conduct), I CAN tell you that whether or not you pass this test has no bearing on your worth as a person. Tests are one very specific realm of life that don't mean very much outside of school. While I hope very much that you have done well, remember that I will love you no matter what. Keep working hard my child. Love always,
I am going through a big personal change
What I mean is what kind of things can I do
â?¤ Nana Willis
right now, and within this change I need to re-learn to love myself and recapture my love for solitude. That being said, I need some inspiration. I'm a little lost within myself to be frank, and I was wondering if a wise soul like yourself would be able to offer me some ideas, advice and/or tips on how to be alone. creatively, spiritually, any-kind-of-way-you-
Dear Nana Willis,
can-think to lift my spirits, give me some
God has recently closed a door for me, and
much needed energy and get those good
I know it's His will, but at the same time I
vibes flowing again!
can't help but to feel completely
I'd much appreciate any ideas or homely
devastated. What should I do? How does
advice about what to do with myself.
one accept these life situations?
THANKS NANNY!
Ehrin
Anonymous
Dear Ehrin,
Dear Brooke Candy,
I myself have had many times in life where doors
First of all, I am very glad that you've identified
seem to have slammed shut in my face. While
this need within yourself. That's a very important
right now it might look like you've missed a
thing to learn to do! Spending time with yourself
in these instances is really quite vital. I would
for fun, they probably aren't too good for you.
suggest trying to limit your time on the internet.
Maybe they think you're too good for them too!
In order to focus on yourself, you have to cut out
Let them give you a chance, and as a good friend
distractions like this.
of mine likes to say- go for gold. Best of luck!
Take out some books from the library!
Love always,
David Sedaris writes some very funny stories, if
❤ Nana Willis
you're interested in that sort of thing. Pick up an instrument and make up a really terrible song and record it for someone. I myself have an album of chanting accompanied by new-age banjo strumming. It's good for the soul.
Along with this musical theme, never
underestimate the healing power of wild solo dance parties. There comes a time in every person's life where they need to play loud music and careen around every room in their house singing breathlessly and high kicking. That time for you is now.
I'm not kidding. Drop whatever you're
doing right now and DANCE, CHILD, DAAAANCE.
Love always,
❤ Nana Willis
Dear Nana Willis,
Dear Nana Willis, How will I find my way in life? Is it a journey? Will there be sacrifices? Anonymous
Dear Bjork,
There is no one way to find your way through life. You get to decide what path you would like to take! With each decision you make, more chances and choices become available to you. From your question, it seems to me that you have already found the answer: life is a journey, and you will most definitely have to sacrifice some things along the way. What a wonderful adventure you are going to embark on!
Write me something along the way.
Love always,
❤ Nana Willis
What should you do if you like someone but you know they're too good for you?
Anonymous
Dear Mitt Romney,
I can understand how your spirit might be crushed after this recent election... I'm only kidding dear. While I'm sure that it is possible that the object of your affection could be too good for you, I'd like you to consider the alternative. The person you like is just that- a person. Unless you like hitting old ladies like me
Do you want Nana Willis to answer your questions? Write her at
officialnanawillis@gmail.com
i am in bed, smoking a cigarette that can’t be lit. Truth be told this is the best metaphor I can think of to describe the baffling and ridiculous cycle of my battle with attempting to fit in. Smoking in itself is a silly controversy, however much people know about the negative health aspects of it, it remains attractive and cool to the young. It is also well known that smoking in bed is hazardous, in addition to being quite stupid. I can only think that to smoke for the sake of looking ‘attractive’ or ‘desirable’ is a pathetically mock-worthy act to partake in. But we have all been there, through our adolescence and in through adulthood. We do things, say things (or remain silent) instead of living for ourselves and by our true nature. It seems as though the passing years have made no difference and we have neglected to learn the lesson the first 5,000 times around. To be honest, I am telling this story because my first year of college is coming to an end and it is about now that I am bound to reflect on the year and its trials and triumphs. But the one thing that I am finding is constant through the whole ordeal is how the more I attempt to fit in, the more apparent it is I never will. Coming to art school was like diving into the thick of things wearing a blindfold. I had some idea of what to expect, having to been to Emily Carr Uni for pre-college: Rainbow hair, vocalized political opinion, fighting ‘the man’,
WORDS KAT WAWRYKOW ILLUSTRATION MAGDELNA WOLAN
exceptional artistry - in short, my people. The people I was bound to meet, I’d click with with easily and finally see my abnormality find its tribe. To my diminished delight, college was nothing like I expected. Sheridan is the most non-artsy art school I’ve ever seen. I was still alone in my lilac hair, cat patterned dress, christian, and hyper feminist/political/ debate club state. At first I ravaged my blog with remorse and hatred of the plate of lies I was served about art school. It was with the company of time that my quick tempered heart started to melt, but friends, it wasn’t overnight. I began trying to make do by conforming in small doses. For some reason I thought I could create an artistic give-and-take relationship with my peers and the school body in general. While my personality convinced some, it was clear that everyone wasn’t about to dye their heads in a sea of pastel shades. I began a bit of a slippery slope, in my own terms, got too engrossed in things and past times that were meaningless. I woke up one day and looked at my abandoned journal. I had started a course on creativity and there it was, thrown to the floor, counted as a loss. I dusted it off. (This being the key symbol of this extended metaphor.) While it is easy to be stuck and paralyzed by your own mistakes, it is harder to forgive yourself and rejoice in the small steps of recovery. I started journalling again, I started to care about my own needs and wants, and started to remember that being an adult comes with the beautiful gift of freedom to live out your days and actions in the way of your own choosing. I knew what made me happy, and I knew in my heart that being an outcast is more honest and enjoyable than suffering in a uniform. Being set apart has its blessings, one of which is to know the difference between suffering and bliss, good and bad, and experience that coms with the lessons of life. I meet an individual every now and then who sees me as I truly am. I am learning family is ever-growing and my tribe is not just people or places but a likemindedness to live zealously and free. Take from this what you will, but let Will’s words stick with you, “To thine own self be true.” ▲
contributors > > > >
would you like to view the permanent staff? yes love to naturally
> editor-in-chief > kat wawrykow > > > >
editors maddie dennis meredith park jenna bentzen
> photographers > seth stevenson > sam pierre > illustrator > magdalena wolan > > > >
would you like to view the extended credits? yes love to naturally
> layout design > kat wawrykow > maddie dennis > secondary illustrators > maddie dennis > meredith park > secondary photographer > marena skinner > models featured > hayley hurska > maddie dennis > make-up artistry > danielle dobbyn _ in addition: issue 07 MUA for photographs > featured persons > marena skinner > > > >
featured album artwork visions _ clarie boucher an awesome wave _ radar imaging channel orange _ concept frank ocean _ unknown designer
> spring 2013 _ issue eight _ business as usual > > > >
all UNCULTURED related content is (c) kat wawrykow business enquires and comments _ uncultured.store@gmail.com please visit _ unculturedlife.tumblr.com _ uncultured.storenvy.com follow us _ facebook.com/uncultured _ @uncultured_