An
interview with Kerith |
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Can
you tell me first of all a little bit about yourself? How old are you,
where are you originally |
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At the time, I was selling my handmade crafts at flea markets and garage sales. I didn't have any company cards or things of that nature, but decided that if I ever did my "company" would be called "Pisces". I tried to find a name that would stick with me forever, regardless of my change in trends over the years. I am a Pisces, I have always found astrology fascinating and it seems to fit my creative personality. |
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What
topics are most often discussed in your zine or in the zines you carry? |
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I am taking a break from zines for that reason. I love them to death and I never want that to change.
Years
later, I came across some real zines and discovered that what I did
had a name and a whole community attached. |
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I see incredible zinesters out there who do not get the recognition I feel they deserve. One being Ericka Bailie (Pander Zine Distro) and the other, Lynne Lowe (Santa Barbara Zine Fest). I feel that Ericka revolutionized the whole idea of a zine distro. I think that almost every distro who came out afterwards is implementing some part of her ideas...uncredited of course. The postage chart, fast speedy service, the cream of the crop in zines...even the fonts she uses in her paper catalog and her website style has been copied by many in the scene. I feel that these are the kinds of things that should be recognized and she should be praised a lot more than she is. Lynne Lowe has done a fantastic job of being one of the only females who consistently puts out zine fest year after year. It is completely difficult to not only run a fest, but run it by yourself with your own funds. Zine fests in other cities (Portland, Boston etc.) get a lot more exposure and I find that unsettling. As a community, I don't think we take enough time out to give people the credit and recognition they truly deserve. |
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What advice would you give others who want to start a zine or a zine distro? Speak from your heart when writing a zine. I am growing tired of zines that seem to mimic all the ones that came before them. When starting a zine, through all of the "rules" out the window and create your own. You will be more respected for it later on. And you will no doubt stand out among the rest. As far as starting a zine distro goes, make sure you have the time to do one. Time is EXTREMELY important! Take it from a girl who has been doing this for more than 6 years! You will also need enough money to buy stock and to pay zinesters and craftsters. Not to mention postage, envelopes etc. And make sure you want to start a distro because you TRULY want to help other people's projects get out there. Not because you think that running a distro will bring you instant popularity. You should always start something that you truly love with the best of intentions. |
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What
are some of the zines you admire? Bianca Ortiz - She writes amazingly fierce zines on race in this country. Her style is so direct, never the type to beat around the bush. http://www.messtiza.com Amy Esche - her writing and drawings are hauntingly beautiful. A major talent. http://www.inri.net/pinn Marla DiCarlo- A wonderful writer with a ton of heart and compassion. Bumble - A crazy amazing writer whose smut and erotica zines are well worth reading. http://www.myownbrain.com Skuld The Hag Rag - She has this magical, witch-like, earthy style that comes across so down-to-earth. http://www.hagrag.bigstep.com Kelli Callis - Funny, sarcastic and brilliant. http://www.thepilowproblem.com Tasha Hairston - Finally, someone out there who knows what I have been through. http://cuntabulous.com/ Lauren
Michelle - She has this dreamy style of writing that makes
you believe Nidhi Chanani - Although she hasn't written a zine in years, I feel she is someone to watch for in the future. It is inspiring to watch her grow as a writer. |
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Do
you define yourself as a feminist? What are the most pressing issues
you are confronted with in daily life (as a woman/feminist)? It is hard to dissect what I am confronted with on a daily basis and what I puposely confront myself. Part of being involved with the feminist movement is blurring the lines between what we are and what we need to do to be effective in the movement. |
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Which
role plays the Internet for you? Does it change your ideas of making
zines and doing/reading zines? The
internet has helped me to believe that the world is indeed very very
small. And that expression through zines can make a faster impact than
before. |
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Pisces
Catalog • piscescatalog@aol.com•
p: (310) 770-4764 • f: (323) 655-6930 • 369 So. Doheny Dr. #106, Beverly Hills California, 90211 USA http://www.piscescatalog.com/ |
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