Looking Forward: Writer to Writer

Lucy Freeman Leave a comment

Hey arts, ink readers!

I hope exam season is treating you well and you’re finding ways for self-care in the midst of all of it. This week, I spoke with Aylin Gunal, Editor-in-Chief for Writer-to-Writer. I asked her about the publication, how the organization has adjusted to this semester, how she perceives creativity on campus this semester, and how students can get involved. It was a wonderful conversation I’m excited to share with you all!

If you don’t already know, Writer to Writer is a student publication that began in the Minor in Writing program. The twice-yearly collection is open to students across campus and encourages multi-modal writing submissions (videos, photo essays, etc.). The organization’s staff is made up of students, many of whom are in the Minor in Writing program, though others are welcome. 

Thanks to technology, not a ton has changed for Writer to Writer this semester. Aylin told me that they’ve been pretty successful adjusting their regular programming to be online, including their weekly meetings. Additionally, they’ve begun to incorporate more events like writer’s workshops, which have served as community-builders within the organization. This has been especially important, as Aylin realized how valuable the small chat before meetings and between discussions was once it was significantly reduced due to zoom. In order to address this, they’ve been incorporating more intentional community-building activities this semester, including a minor-wide book exchange for the holiday season! Although it’s not quite the same as hanging out in North Quad every week, it’s a way for writers to expand their skills and make friends during this crazy year. 

When I asked Aylin how she saw creativity on campus adjusting this semester, she told me that she really missed the chance encounters that being on campus in typical semesters allows. You can walk through the Diag and see a group of students playing handmade instruments, pass the art museum and see a new exhibit, or walk by a pillar filled with fliers and learn about an acapella concert happening that weekend. Now, the information you get is much more based on following the right people or being on the right newsletters, which can limit what you’re exposed to. Hopefully, however, we find ways to bring some of these simple reminders of “normalcy” back to campus next semester. 

If you’re interested in getting involved with Writer to Writer, you can submit your work to their blog or publication here. If you’re interested in being on the staff, you can email writer-to-writer@umich.edu and attend the next weekly meeting. You can also stay up to date with their activities, including a soon-to-be-announced campus-wide writing competition, by following their Facebook or Instagram pages. 

That’s all from me this week! Good luck to everyone on finals and remember to take some time to take care of yourself! I’ll technically be on hiatus until classes return but keep an eye out… you may get a special post or two 🙂

-Lucy

Artist Spotlight: Jeffrey Cheung and There Skateboards

vle Leave a comment

Artist, skateboarder, and musician Jeffrey Cheung, based in California, is known for his work in carving out space in historically heterosexual, white spaces, namely skateboarding. In 2017, he and his partner founded Unity, a skateboard company/community/printing press, and now runs There Skateboards, a collective also dedicated to supporting queer and trans skateboarders of color (QTPOC).

Although skateboarding is known for pushing boundaries, it is an activity that has been dominated by white men since its inception. Women and skaters of color are rising in popularity, yet skating remains rife with misogyny. Cheung’s collectives work to fight for marginalized voices and expand diversity, hosting skate sessions and art shows with different communities. There Skateboards also sponsors several pro queer skateboarders–including Cher Strauberry (who has started new brand Glue Skateboards) and Marbie Miller. Unity and There are more DIY and “underground” companies spearheaded by an authentic artist.

Cheung’s art itself speaks toward his mission; they are colorful, androgynous figures that are vibrant and dynamic. They interact with each other and seem to spread the message that self-love as well as community are important. Featuring an assortment of tees, hoodies, prints, skateboards, and even a collaboration with Adidas Skateboarding, Cheung and his company, as well as other queer skaters of color are make a big and refreshing difference in the world of skateboarding.

You All
Pink
Triangle
Unity Skateboards
Mural

Poetry v. The World: Used to be afraid of going bald

jonahso 1 Comment

When I got that buzzcut, I was in the 8th grade, if I remember correctly. I liked it when I walked back the the lobby, but the look on my mom’s face was unbelievable. It’s actually incredibly entertaining to look back on, because she was so shocked and I had this just like “yeah, whatever” demeanor about it all. She knew I didn’t like it before I knew.

I always take a shower after I get a haircut, still pretty much to this day, to get all the little pieces off of me. And when I was just putting my foot in the shower, I looked back to the mirror. Something about being naked and vulnerable with my nearly shaved head, I couldn’t take it.

I got over it in like two weeks, but it was still the first time vanity had really taken a toll on me. The teenage angst was setting in, and it was there to stay for a while.

But!! It’s got a positive end. I still feel I’m slightly reliant on vanity for my self-esteem, but overall I’ve come a long way. When I was going through those phases, my parents and family members always told me that I would grow out of it. And young me didn’t doubt them, but it’s nearly impossible to look into the future when you’re self-conscious in the present is so fragile. So I just kept my head down.

If I’m honest, I think this poem would fit better into a collection. It kind of jumps from two large stages of growing up with little transition and minimal details. I feel the context of a piece inside of a collection is huge. Like way bigger than people give it credit for. Just in terms of emotional variance, imagine reading a poem about like… leaves falling, and then being thrown into a narrative poem bout World War II. There’s a lot of poetry just in how you structure the things you make, and I’m excited to read more into that in the future.

Anyways, please do be well and remember that vanity is nothing. [Steps off soapbox]

Sincerely,

Jonah Sobczak

-jonahso

Study Hal: Week 29 – To Do

Leila Mullison 1 Comment

Today was the last regular day of classes! How are all the students out there feeling? Hal thinks it’s bittersweet. He’s happy to be done with his hefty schedule, but he’s going to miss seeing his classmates over the next month.

The strangest thing about today, though? Hal realized today he only has four assignments left this semester. And now that classes are finished, the assignments don’t keep coming! Hal and I are both a little dubious about this. What are we gonna do if we’re not pouring all our time and energy into homework??

Hal sends his best wishes for the students starting finals now. New here? Hal is a U-M student studying remotely for the 2020-2021 school year! He’s back on the Study Hal tag every Tuesday, so come back next week for more.

The Artist’s Panel: Value

Calin Firlit Leave a comment

Hannah Levine-Drizin is a Stamps Senior with an interest in mixed-media arts. She has a successful business as a freelance artist that she maintains on top of her busy academic schedule. The most common artwork that people request from her is collaged pet-portraits, so her work is a must see for any animal enthusiast. Aside from making collage art, Hannah is also a talented animator and sculptor. After graduation, she will be applying to grad school to further pursue her studies in Art and Design. You can follow Hannah on her Instagram, @hannahldart, to see her impressive body of work.