#BLM by PAGE Magazine June 15, 2020

Marches for Caribbeans, Black and Trans lives standing in solidarity

A weekend of rallies and marches throughout Brooklyn and New York City this past weekend has set the city on fire.

Thousands gathered for many different marches for reasons all about the Black Lives Matter movement. On Saturday, groups march for Freedom from Time Square down to City hall in efforts to encourage voting. Another group of roughly ten thousand people gathered and marched for Black Excellence from Grand Army Plaza into Manhattan.

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Sunday was a day of Liberation for the Black Trans community coming together in the thousands at Brooklyn Museum in a sea of white to represent solidarity as they protested a silent march into the island of Manhattan.

And just up the road, the Black Caribbean community gathered as they celebrated their uprising and liberation, in support of Black Lives Matter, which gave a Labor Day preview, as the flags of Caribbean countries could be seen and music could be heard in the surrounding area, and people danced in a group of hundreds to thousands of people later in the evening.

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We Rally For Justice

As the city was hit with familiar summer weather, primed for day outings am d beach day-cations, forgoing the opportunity many chose to be a part of a much more heated issue that has been an important stepping stone and ongoing need for equal justice, respect, and equity for Black lives here in America, since the inception of America.

As the different groups gathered the message was still the same. Black Lives Matter and they are to be seen, recognized, and most definitely heard. Not a step was wasted in these marches, and voices of organizers and supporters were heard loud and clear.

Freedom March NYC

The Freedom March on Saturday morning was lead by activist and organizer, Chelsea Miller, Columbia alumni, and her 17-year-old protege, Nia White. They were supported by fellow Columbia alum, Ty Holmes, activist Mario Rosser, and Sam White, as well as Plus1Vote founder and activist Saad Amer.

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Marching from Times Square down to City Hall, they chanted and had moments of silence for those who have lost their lives to senseless white nationalist violence and police brutality.

The time spent at City Hall was focused around Chelsea’s plan to better Black communities through legislation, also conveying the importance of voting and encouraging others to do the same in their communities.

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asia by PAGE Magazine June 11, 2020

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Lookout earthlings! Nike Space Hippie drops in Asia and Europe

Today, June 11th, Nike Space hippie has landed on Earth. Unfortunately, if you live on the continents of the Americas you are not able to encounter these aliens of a shoe.

Fortunately, Asia and Europe, you have just been probe – likely abducted – by the sustainable beauties of Nike “Space Hippie” designs 01, 02, 03, and 04.

This Is Trash

Now you might think “This Is Trash,” but don’t think – that. That’s just the alternative name referred to by Nike.

Clever as they are, realizing America hasn’t fully understood the value in their trash, it’s probably better to introduce them to markets that have already embedded sustainable living into there DNA’s.

If you haven’t heard about the invasion of the “Space Hippies” then you have been living on Earth – presumably.

A concept inspired by “life on Mars – where materials are scarce and there is no resupply mission,” as the Nike website states.

Since 2010, the Nike Flyknit sneakers have used some recycled material in their production. And now, Nike has turned up the process.

Space Junk

Made from what they call “space junk” which are scraps from a variety of materials, including plastic bottles, t-shirts, yarn scraps, recycled polyester, and “Crate Foam” which are ground up sneakers returned to the Nike factory; also using scraps from the factory floor.

These create an 85% poly-fiber that makes each shoe, while the “Crate Foam,” which uses 15% Nike Grind rubber combined with 100% ZoomX foam scraps make the insoles and the cushion soles of the shoe.

A scrappy shoe indeed, its look and name are rather spot on to the overall design; The “Space Hippie.”

This year, Nike hopes to use 100% certified organic, recycled, and the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) licensed cotton for all of their products.

They have reduced their carbon footprint by 30%, making these sneakers, as well as creating a “TEE,” from recycled plastic bottles and recycled polyester.

They have options for wearing, whether you are a lace-less slip-on sneakerhead, into traditional laces, or curious about the Nike signature, Flyease technology, you can find a pair for your liking in high and low top versions.

Future Waste

We can assume as more waste is being created that more material will be available for more Nike products made in ethical fashion.

We encourage you to find a way to get your old and worn Nike goods back to the HQ in Beaverton, Oregon for repurposing, skipping the landfill process, and avoiding the oceans all together.

The “Space Hippie” pack is due to drop in the states this July 3rd. If you in need of a new pair, look to these for a clear conscious when making that purchase. They even ship in a single box to reduce trash even more so.

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#blacklivesmatter by PAGE Magazine June 9, 2020

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Are we surprised fashion labels are being exposed for racism?

I Just Find It Funny How…

Many fashion brands have been attuned to the current ethnic issues that have been boiling America’s blood causing nationwide and worldwide protests. With that, recently, a lot of fashion brands are also aware of their part in being silent about the inequalities faced by Black people and people of color.

We See You

Brands like Reformation and L’Oreal took to social media and expressed their solidarity with protesters posting empathizing quotes and images. But many of those same companies have had underlying racist issues.

Instagram account Diet Prada has collectively displayed the contradictions behind some of these fashion brand names. Using their social media accounts to share their thoughts and feelings in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, a sense of pander appeared evident.

We may have forgotten that the fashion industry has excluded black people and people of color for decades. Things may be different in facade today and issues may have subsided. But isolated incidents seemingly reveal a history of micro-aggressions and a larger more systemic neglect, ignorant behavior, and rhetoric of the hardships black people and people of color have faced.

Feeling Left Out

Historically black people have been left out of the conversation in partaking in fashion directly or indirectly. And fashion brands have tarnished their reputations from time to time trying to create awe-moments that and up being derogatory.

Black people are already forced to have to look to a lot of these brands to seek or maintain employment, and that we tend to shop at their stores which often lack diversity in staff and the brand image, just to point out. Let’s be clear, fashion brands priors to this decade were reluctant to sew streetwear into their fabric, not wanting to be associated with the urban cultural market…

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#blacklivesmatter by PAGE Magazine June 3, 2020

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Silence is deafening: #TheShowMustBePaused is a boycott

Not A “Blackout”

This weekend a social media activist movement arose, amid a national, and international protest for the anti-racism for Black Lives Matter which was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer here in the United States.

Black Lives Matter is a global effort to build power to justice, healing, and freedom to Black people around the globe. Their mission is to eradicate white nationalism and the white supremacist mindset and intervene in violence against Black people and communities everywhere.

boycott paused — Black Lives Matter website header

The Plan

Tuesday, June 2nd, #TheShowMustBePaused initiative was implemented as an intentional disruption to normal business operations in observance of the racism and inequality that has existed in America from it’s earliest of days, transcending to today; “from the boardroom to the boulevard.”

Although TheShowMustBePaused is a considerable boycott to industry, this movement has been polarizing some and has created some confusion with the associated hashtag, #BlackOutTuesday.

Founders of #TheShowMustBePaused, Jamila Thomas of Atlantic records and Brianna Agyemang of Platoon, announced this effort in solidarity with Black citizens who have suffered inequalities, and those who have been murdered by police, most recently, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the many others.

As Black women in the multi-million dollar music industry, they have taken the day to seize in conducting any business as usual of any kind, from checking emails to releasing or recording any music, as a part of their mission “to hold the industry at large, including major corporations and their partners who benefit from the efforts, struggles and successes of Black people accountable.”

#TheShowMustBePaused

They used this time to heal and reflect through a conversation about the actions that need to be taken to support the Black community, millions of people began to post black tiles on their Instagram page to commemorate #TheShowMustBePaused.

As the black tile represented a moment of silence for those who posted it, others saw the effort as a distraction to the issue of #BlackLivesMatter…

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#blacklivesmatter by PAGE Magazine June 2, 2020

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Black and White: The power of one and the fragility of the other

THIS OPINIONATED EDITORIAL/ESSAY WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2013 AND UPDATED IN 2020.

The colors black and white have been revolutionary partners in shaping the world we live in today. We generalize people as black or white; or somewhere in between for social and class purposes, beyond the thought of biology.

The contrast between the two set the tone for each day we live; from the time we wake until it is time to go back to sleep. Closing your eyes creates a darkness that is sometimes feared by the smallest children and a place of solace for those who are cognitive of their metaphysical being.

When it’s time to make things clear, we tend to say something like, “Give it to me in black and white.” Contrast is something strikingly different in detail. While we act on instinct to the sight of black, or white, we hinder our realities to what is perceived as good for you and the opposite of that notion.

Image by Jean Marc Denis — BLACK II by Jean-Marc Denis

Black Power has been an uplifting premise for black people in America, but has been combated by the falsehood of white supremacy, or rather, the reality of white fragility.

A fragility that is evident in the weaponizing of police against black people when the truth is exposed to a non-black person’s insecurities. Insecurities that can be seen in many facets of living, more noticeable as a black person and denied by white counterparts.

As a single human race, we are forced by a learned oppressive behavior to recognize each other to the degree of the melanin pigment in our skin. It has divided us throughout generations and has infected all of us regardless of our being.

To think one is better because of the lack of melanin, rather, it is a deficiency within and a recessive gene among humans to lack melanin. Our children have proven that time and time again.

Black Skin Around The World

We read and write in that same contrast making letters on paper more legible, like this essay. Black and white have separated the people of countries like South Africa and The United States, not to mention the world.

Before color television, we adored the black and white era – the shades of grey on our screens. Black and white are simple attributes but have been undermined as what has caused our revolutions in history, and affected many areas of our everyday life.

Ethnicity and the differences among us, have been separators of our varying cultures but have been oppressive manufacturers for those who bare darker skin worldwide. By the color of our skin, we somewhat are still going through a segregated period and are in constant re-construction.

But the reasoning behind this was as simple as one ethnicity represented good and the same people that considered their skin color ‘white’ and good, were the same people to deem black, or darker-skinned people to be of some sort of evil and not considered equal.

Considered inadequate, historically relating those of black skin to non-human mammals, and treated as such throughout the history of the slave trade from Africa to the Americas.

If we address apartheid or segregation…

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10K80 by PAGE Magazine June 1, 2020

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How This Is Your Brain On Plants is doing streetwear different

Streetwear is usually an easy route to becoming a fashion designer, as it uses what is available to create garments at the lower end of the market.

No one thinks of streetwear as a conscious point of the industry, especially one that has the prowess to undertake a charitable effort.

This Is Your Brain On Plants is altering that narrative and going beyond trends in their production and the fight against COVID-19.

Founder of TIYBOP, Zale, and his design partner and stylist, Stacey Lee, have been drawing up plans to create a lane in the streetwear fashion market for those with urges to be more conscious.

Their brand aesthetic is no different from their own lives. Vegans who are always finding sustainable processes for a living have found sustainable processes for their brand and a way to help those during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our brand puts sustainability and creating a circular economy first and foremost.” – Zale

Photo courtesy of This Is Your Brain On Plants

Using 100% sustainable materials, TIYBOP is creating GRS 100% recycled cotton masks for essential and hospital workers in their hometown of Toronto, Canada. The mask is washable and reusable by nature.

Not stopping there, the mask themselves are fully sustainable in that they use strings – not elastic bands – to fasten the mask to the face. That’s a step up from most facemask bearing the elastic bands that go over the ears.

Like most brands, creating facemask that would meet CDC guidelines right now are quite a necessity for a good cause. But seeing the need for sustainable masks in the market sparked an effort that other brands likely overlooked.

Partnering with OVO/REPS UP artists Preme and Bioraw, the design duo behind TIYBOP donated 600 reusable masks, as well as other materials necessary for hospital and essential workers to function during the pandemic this past Mother’s Day.

The streetwear duo are continuously making donations as their facemask campaign is “buy one – give one” as part of their marketing and goodwill efforts.

They have also donated 1200 Certified Organic Plant-Based meals to those in need around the Toronto area.

In continuum, they have plans to help out other communities in the U.S. that are suffering from the inaction of the Federal Government to donate necessities and other essentials for communities and institutions.

“We are doing a big donation in Chicago with rapper Rockie Fresh to a retirement home that got hit hard by Covid-19. Also, we are currently organizing a few more donation days with some close friends in the music industry.” – Zale

TIYBOP is a fully sustainable streetwear brand to the core. They only use clean inks for creating t-shirt prints, free of Formaldehyde, heavy metals, and Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APE).

Their printer, Kornit DTG Printers are 100% waterless, skipping the washing, steaming, and pretreatment process. They save, on average, 2.700 liters of water in their production process.

“We are constantly looking at new technologies and fresh ways to upcycle materials that are destined for landfill. We want our brand to be defined not only by our aesthetic but also by our creativity on the material side.” – Zale

The world we live in is supply and demand and Zale and Stacey Lee are well aware that it has to start with individual goals that resonate outward to our family, friends, and ultimately the industry.

“I think there will hopefully be a silver lining from this pandemic and a chance for us as a society to put the health of our planet before financial gains and convenience.” – Zale

Look out for this article on PAGE magazine.

donate by PAGE Magazine May 26, 2020

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Proud to Pay: Donate and pre-order your copy of PAGE Magazine

Here at PAGE, we respect this notion and agree that if you are sustainable then you are conscious of those whom you carve the way for. Having a style that transcends time is sustainable.

Mindfulness when purchasing fashion or other everyday items is sustainable. Being conscious of your routine habits and mitigating them to decrease your carbon footprint and increase efficiency is sustainable. Caring for your environment, community, and other groups adjacent to that is sustainable.

Building relationships that are constructive and mutually beneficial is sustainable. The way we eat, dress, travel, communicate, work – live are the ways we can all be sustainable. This is what page is about, and this is why we exist.

WHY DO YOU EXIST?

Become a member without subscription fees. Be proud to pay for your copy of PAGE magazine Issue#1 and join the dialogue of new-wave thinking in fashion and lifestyle.

This campaign and concept go beyond exclusivity. We are not a club that isolates ourselves or alienates anyone else. We are people that encourage and inhibit inclusive ideas that anyone can use to level-up their consciousness of living.

Don’t be misconstrued, the inclusive conversation is rare. It’s one that hasn’t been a language of the fashion industry until now. Curated for those who know – those who want – a better future exist on the other side of the daily self-expression.

Moving forward toward the proverbial pasture that is sustainable fashion and living, it’s an effort-less journey taken when you have a platform designed to humanize that which is thought to often be pretentious and lack depth.

That is not what fashion is today, and unfortunately for someone like Kanye West, we’re here to “keep reminding” you that fashion is an industry that everyone plays a role in. Whether you’re a bad actor or a true thespian, fashion is a scene for dressing up that reverberates throughout society – high and low. No disrespect to MAGA hat wearers…

So if you want to know how self-expression is inherently all of us then look to those who value fashion’s intrinsic quality and the different people it represents.

There is no wrong way to be fashionable except for pretending you don’t care about your fashion and the way you present yourself. Everyone has a style and everyone deserves to learn themselves in such a way.

WHAT WE THINK OF AS SUSTAINABILITY HAPPENS TO BE – NOT THE ONLY WAY.

“SUSTAINABILITY IS FUNDAMENTALLY ABOUT MAINTAINING LIFE ON EARTH AND THE ECOSYSTEMS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT IT. IN SIMPLEST TERMS, SUSTAINABILITY IS ABOUT OUR CHILDREN AND OUR GRANDCHILDREN, AND THE WORLD WE WILL LEAVE THEM.” – FASHION REVOLUTION, A COMMUNITY INTEREST ORGANIZATION.

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50 cent by PAGE Magazine May 22, 2020

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Music vs. The World: These Verzuz battles will get you BIG mad

As exciting as they have been, with more Verzuz battles to come, we got bored and thought we would create a list of match-ups that may be fun to see play out. Founded by super producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, who started the battle wave, have fostered friendly hit-for-hit between music icons.

Their battle has been followed by acts like songwriters, The Dream versus Sean Garrett, recording talents Ryan Teddy versus Benny Blanco, hip hop legends Rza versus DJ Premier, and famously the glitch-filled episodes between Teddy Riley and Babyface.

We thought we would create a list that expanded on the idea of the illustrious Verzuz battles. We would love to hear your angle on some of these battles listed, and who you think should go head to head while we are still battling COVID.

Tyler, The Creator vs. Asap Rocky

Apart from the pranks, their friendship hasn’t really been tested.

Lil Uzi Vert vs. Playboi Carti

Let the dreads fly with these two, as they go back and forth on dropping music – or not.

Travis Scott vs. Kanye West

The ‘gawd’ Yé has made gospel off the back of Travis Scott’s original sound. And let’s not forget their sneaker collabs.

Chalrie Wilson vs. Ronald Isley

These two have timeless vocal cords.

Beanie Sigel vs. Meek Mill

I think these two need to just call Smack for a URL rap battle.

Keyshia Cole vs. Lil Mo

These Superwomen can really tug on the emotional chords and still rock with your favorite rappers.

Usher vs. Chris Brown

Both started making music in their teens and have the dance moves to tear up any rug.

Ghostface vs. Raekwon

Learning these two had real beef before rap, it’s only right they put their tracklists up against each other.

Funk Flex vs. DJ Clue

These two have always been on opposite ends about their crafts.

J. Cole vs. Kendrick Lamar

I’m confident everyone could agree that this would be one for the history books.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers vs. Green Day

Shirtless rockers and the “Emo” kids collide.

ELLA Mai vs. Alicia Keys

I’d love to hear and compare vocals and lyrics as these two can really help you tell someone “I like you” and hopefully spark romance.

Eve vs. Remy Ma

These veteran Rap Mistresses are nothing to play with and they have records to prove it.

50 Cent vs. Ja Rule

50 still has the power. And Fyre Fest – you owe us, Ja.

Saweetie vs. Megan Thee Stallion

Whether you’re into “eight-figure” dudes or just straight ‘savage’, a battle between these young women seems – pretty – fun.

Sonny Digital vs. Metro Boomin

Battle of the beats, this would slap so hard.

Dizzee Rascal vs. Skepta

Grime’s finest has got to get a piece of the action.

Vybez Kartel vs. Mavado

These two have been at it for some years.

Nickelback vs. Creed

This may be the most epic deep bellowed screamfest of all time.

Eminem vs. Logic

I kind of just want to see these two in a boxing ring gloved up, LOL.

Bieber vs. Timberlake

Battle of the Justins. Who’s stealing more hearts?

Jeezy vs. TI

From bandannas and tipped fitted caps to three-piece suits and lapel pins, these two have come a long way from the trap.

Lil Wayne vs. Future

Who can put out more music in a single studio session?

Nicki Minaj vs. Cardi B

I think we are way over due for this.

Jay Z vs. Nas

The eternal flame burns – ether.

J Balvin vs. Bad Bunny

Who runs the Latin music world?

Will Smith vs. LL Cool J

Born the same year, these two rappers turned actors might as well find something to do during the quarantine.

Mary J. Blige vs. Janet Jackson

Mary may not be as good a dancer, but the music can stack up to Janet.

Diddy vs. Suge Knight

“To all you artists out there, who don’t wanna be on [IG Live] where the executive producer’s…all up in [your stories], all on [your post] dancin’…then come to Death Row!” – Suge Knight.

Could you imagine – Bad Boy and Death Row in today’s era?

Fantasia vs. Jennifer Hudson

Who is your American Idol?

Davido vs. Burna Boy

Like David and Goliath – Davido and the African Giant – straight out of mythology. How epic this could be.

Darius Rucker vs. Jimmie Allen

Country music is lit! Storytelling at it’s finest. Two different generations but don’t sleep. Heard of Lil Nas X?

Kane Brown vs. Sam Hunt

‘Cause Country Music is so lit.

Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera

Pop queens face-off for the ages.

Brandy vs. Monica

Who does the boy really belong too?

Alchemist vs. Harry Fraud

The smokers’ lounge is now open with beats that will make you believe even you can write a rhyme or two.

Lil Kim vs. Foxy Brown

Brooklyn is still the livest borough, so put your lighters up.

GoldLink vs. Anderson Paak

This might just be the most jazziest musical duo overall.

MC Lyte vs. Queen Latifah

As far as women empowerment goes, this might be as good as Jill Scott versus Erykah Badu.

Gucci Mane vs. 2 Chainz

Big Guwap and Tity Boi. The most lavish battle to take place all the way down in the ‘A’.

Pharrell Williams vs. Rick Rubin

Two music gods walk into the studio… Need we say more.

Birdman vs. Master P

This one is for the cash money getters. Those that know no limits.

Lil Jon vs. Diplo

Turn down for what?

Snoop Dogg vs. Snoop Lion

If you ever wanted to live a second life – here you go!

Madonna vs. Lady Gaga

These gender bender brands don’t care how you were born as long as you came to dance.

Migos vs. Beasty Boys

These Big 3 might not be fair but worth a mention. Hasn’t been many trios this tight in hip hop.

Wale vs. Complex

Wale won’t let them off the hook.

Kulture Hub · Wale vs. Complex Magazine Staff

Sean Paul vs. Elephant Man

Dancehall has always been a flashy genre and we all got busy pon di river to these artists here.

Shaggy vs. Mr. Vegas

Mr. Boombastic better keep his head high.

Daddy Yankee vs. Tego Calderon

Fat Joe can be the referee. Make sure you bring the gasoline.

Trey songz vs. August Alsina

You may want to keep your girl close.

Talib Kweli vs. Q-Tip

NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: Talib Kweli and Q-Tip attend Q-Tip’s “The Renaissance” album release party at the Bowery Hotel on October 27, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Makes sense.

Mos Def vs. Black Thought

A lot of food for thought between these two.

Jodeci vs. Dru Hill

The “Ooo yeahs” would go so hard.

Look for this article on PAGE magazine.

cut and sewn by PAGE Magazine May 18, 2020

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Passion to Paycheck: Quarantine is making better business for creatives

While brands like Chanel have halted production and companies like J. Crew have filed for bankruptcy since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic, smaller designers have used quarantine as an opportunity to produce and peddle their products online.

Cut & Sewn & Profit

One creator in particular, however, has been able to turn her passion project of thrift flipping into a paycheck during quarantine: Sarah Nocquet.

I met Nocquet the way most of us have been meeting strangers in this age of quarantine, through the internet.

It was a Sunday, March 29, and I was on Instagram, you know, aimlessly scrolling past the bread loaves and corona updates that seemed to dominate my feed these days. That is until I stumbled upon a video reposted by someone I follow of Nocquet turning a pair of red second-hand corduroy pants into a backpack!

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This video is what started pants2bags’ popularity on Tiktok! If you found me from there, stayed tuned for more coming soon! This bag is the product of a double upcycle: made of leftovers from the Tiramisu backpack and Walnut tote.

A post shared by pants2bags 👖♻️🎒 (@pants2bags) on Mar 30, 2020 at 6:53pm PDT

I laughed. This was one of the coolest projects I’d seen all quarantine, like way better than the Dalgona coffee posts and new Netflix show promos I kept on seeing in my feed.

I immediately slid into her DMs.

Nocquet, a 21-year-old graduating senior at NYU, first began turning pants into bags when she made her first backpack for herself earlier this year.

It was a brown backpack, just big enough to fit her laptop and a few other items, made out of an old pair of corduroys that she had found on a sales rack at No Relation Vintage, a popular thrift store in Manhattan’s East Village.

Seeing her bag, Nocquet’s friends told her,

“If you made that I would buy it.”

Out of Necessity

However, it wasn’t until after the coronavirus was defined a pandemic and college’s switched to online for the rest of the spring semester that Nocquet ever seriously considered selling her bags to make a living.

“I think they announced on Saturday or Sunday that my job was canceled so I just started sewing…”

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21 questions by PAGE Magazine May 14, 2020

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21 Questions: At 21 Olivia Ghalioungui is a published fashion photographer

Olivia Ghalioungui’s photography travels an expansive artistic landscape.

Her work spans from highly stylized fashion editorials for publications like Vogue to diaristic and analog photos, whose intimate and stripped-down quality gives viewers the impression they’ve been let into a momentary unearthing of her innermost spaces and relationships.

When asked which genre she prefers to photograph, she prefers them all. When asked about her style, she skirts around the question, instead offering her inclination to exist in a state of growth.

Olivia’s insight depicts a contemporary, sharp, and dynamic outlook of what it means to be a prolific photographer whose influence is swiftly ascending, all at the age of 21.

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4×5 self portrait sessions 🍦 @therealslimjamie

A post shared by OLIVIA GHALIOUNGUI (@oliviaghalioungui) on May 4, 2020 at 8:26am PDT

1. OLIVIA, YOU WERE BORN IN GREECE AND RAISED IN EGYPT. YOU STARTED PHOTOGRAPHING SELF-PORTRAITURE AT THE AGE OF 15. HOW DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER PHOTOGRAPHY?

I discovered it through high school when I was a sophomore. In order to graduate, the principal told me that I had to take an art credit class, so I was looking through and just happened to choose photography, because I thought, why not?

It was kind of a beginner’s class because I had never taken photography before. So I took the beginner’s class, and the next year I took the advanced; the year after that I took the AP level. That is originally how I discovered photography.

2. SO, IT WAS KIND OF SERENDIPITOUS THROUGH SCHOOL. IT WASN’T SOMETHING FROM YOUR HOME LIFE?

Exactly. Photography wasn’t really big in my family until I came along.

3. WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED EXPLORING PHOTOGRAPHY, THE SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED WAS VERY JUDGMENTAL. WHAT WERE THEY JUDGMENTAL ABOUT?

It wasn’t really the school that was judgmental, but more the other teenagers and student body. I think back then it was during a time when people thought if you cared about something, then you weren’t cool.

And I was obviously a lot younger and thought I really wanted to fit in and have friends, and things like that. So I didn’t show it to anyone because I was scared that I would be alienated.

Questions by Anna Koutelas