FRESH Magazine Issue 02 by Fresh Magazine

FRESH VOLUME 02 FREE IS THE WAY

ED’s note Finally Issue 02 is out, where I’m actually screaming on top of my lungs! I wasn’t so sure if I wanted to move on with this project, as at times I felt like I was biting more than I can chew. Obviously I went with my guts, and whipped out a new issue. The second issue was not necessarily more difficult, but it definitely tested me in so many ways. I just wanted to say thank you to all those who contributed, and the brands who took part in this issue. The support from others means more than compliments through words. There are definitely changes in the layout, where alterations were made on the design to keep it look fresh. Also, we have added a new regular column featuring domestic based designers called “Focus Label”. What you can anticipate for Issue 03, would be that it will be a larger issue, with more men’s fashion content, possibly some music related feature, and an environmental section! Anyways, do spread the word out about this still-new magazine, if you believe that we are worth it. Actually, it should be if I am worth it! Peace, M.

TEAM Creative Director Michael Cheung info.freshmag@yahoo.com Editorial Assistant Tess Ma Contributors Carmen Chan, Elizabeth Berry, Walter Ma, Katy Talan, Justin Lee Williams, Mimi Leung, and Aimee Brodeur Cover Art Maia Moon maia-moon.com Last Look CathLove cathlove.com

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huh! Flairy Kicks >

Check out these kicks from quality brand Cipher, named Radial, the shoes are made of leather and suede with what looks like laces intertwining subtly over the body of the shoe. If you’re tired of repetitive sneaker styles, then fork out for this unique shoe, which comes in 5 different colours. cipherism.com

< Stussy Men Stussy’s Men’s Fall 2011 lookbook caught our attention not only because of the crazy eyewear. Peter Sutherland captures some typical American teens in the rugged outdoors, and the resulting pictures have a stark, wistful feel to them, making us long for dusty summer days when all that was needed for a good party was a group of good friends being silly together.

< It’s Totes My Style! Bags have a tendency to get overly funky and clunky in this day and age – go back to the basics with this Labyrinth Tote Bag by Soraam. Roomy and with inside pockets for your phone, camera, or pens, this made-toorder bag is functional as well as nice to look at.

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< Crazy Cool For those tired of the usual jeans-and-shirt combo, Agi & Sam comes crashing into the scene with loud, crazy-colourful prints. Inspired by Will Smith’s wardrobe from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the designer duo presents a collection that is attractively wacky, with prints that will go a long way in shaking up the metro guy’s closet. agiandsam.com

ON THE HUNT: Konzepp Are you in the market for a handless wrist-watch (don’t worry, it still tells time)? Or tea from the Cameron Highlands? How about a tiny little plant that you can wear as a necklace so that you won’t have to worry about leaving it at home? Or what about... okay, I won’t go on with the questions, but you get the gist. Konzepp is just the store that will satisfy your secret, quirky little shopping desires. Tucked away on Tung Street in Sheung Wan, the shop’s cool entrance reflects the kooky and eye-catching products you’ll find inside. Melding creativity, design, and practicality, its lifestyle products come from all over the world. It’s a nice space to visit, and who knows? You might discover that an asymmetrical storm umbrella was just the thing that was missing from your life after all. konzepp.com

Balloon Statement > Jazz up a simple outfit with these colourful Ayame Coral Balloon Thigh Highs. During these inbetween-summer-and-autumn days, just throw these orange thigh highs on with a pair of summer shorts or a sundress to help you shift into cooler weather. It’ll definitely turn heads! shopkoshka.com

The Geometry of Shirts > Take a look at these shirts that are on offer from Pattern & Shape. This project, gathering seven artists from around the world, focuses on designing t-shirts using geometric patterns and shapes, and the resulting products are affordable and distinctive. Go for the simple and subtle Square shirt or the more eye-catching, minty Lozenge shirt. pattern-and-shape.heroku.com

< A Twist At The End Fancy walking around with sculpted pieces of art on your feet, or maybe just a bit of Lady Gaga craziness? Victoria Spruce’s shoes are definitely something different. Her shoes are a modern study of flowing lines. We especially loved her pastel-shaded range – adding even more whimsicality to the otherworldly footwear. victoriaspruce.com

focus label: Magnan & Tse

Magnan & Tse is an international high-end fashion label, but every piece of clothing is wholeheartedly and painstakingly made. The Fall Winter ’11 collection embodies the modern but personalised spirit of the clothing. The cuts are basic and simple, but accented with intricate embroidery and beading techniques, all carefully sewn on by hand – giving the clothes an edgy-chic attitude that is the label’s signature. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, there are also digitally-printed silk pieces which retain the label’s edgy flavour with an added layer of dreaminess. magnan-tse.com

MI ED media GENIUS There is no doubt that Justin Lee Williams is a talented lad. Even though he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of himself as a true Aussie living the Australian dream, we still love him none-the-less. FRESH digs deep and tries to find out what this laidback mixed media artist is all about.

Is there a particular film that you keep watching over the years? Nirvana live.

Would you say that you are a freak of nature? I think that humans are the most ordinary forms of nature. What are your views on depression? Would you agree that everyone goes through a dark phase at some point in their lives and it’s actually not such a big deal? I guess I don’t have any specific views on depression. Everyone is different and will experience different things in life. But, speaking for myself, I have definitely been in and out of some real dark places, and have found that art has let me surpass those scary times. Making work as an artist has enabled me to concentrate. Having said that, when being alone for such a long period of time my thoughts get the best of me. I saw this as a problem, so I decided to visit a Buddhist temple for some assistance. Hearing about the different meditations and thought processes has definitely enlightened my situation. I guess that what I’m saying makes no sense to you and to the readers … or maybe it actually does. I kind of don’t mind either way. What makes a true dreamer? Anything living that has the need to sleep.

What have you been working on lately? Is there anything different in terms of the characters and creatures you draw upon with your new set of work? There have been a couple things that have been going on, in terms of my work. The main goal I always had in reference to my art practice was the process and to have some kind of vehicle that allows me to move within the art form, so that I have no direct tie to a medium or style. I can be easily pigeonholed in the art world, and I am totally aware of the fact that if you don’t develop your message and technique, perhaps you will never master your craft. That is why I put a lot of effort into the awareness of my art process. I often create hundreds of sketches, drawings and paintings within a single month. Through these experimentations I attempt to model and shape the chosen medium. I guess this has always been how I work my way through a final product. I have also left the commercial art gallery that represented me in Australia, so that I could branch out into experimental exhibitions. The main reason of this change was due to my personal opinions on commercial spaces in general. I do get the feeling that galleries at times do not give a shirt about the image of other artists, in terms of the artist’s liking of position themselves. I was not that affected by the decision, as I do have my own studio which in the near future can be transformed into my own gallery space. At the moment, I do prefer this method of showcasing my artwork, in comparison to exhibiting in an actual gallery. I do at times feel quite reluctant to become exhibited, as I am socially awkward and hate opening nights. Eventually I will return to showing in galleries. showing in galleries.

What else would you be doing, if you weren’t pursuing a career as a full time artist? I do like animals, but I guess I would be more inclined to be homeless and unemployed. I really have no idea. Your vision in life is... ? I have spent way too long thinking about this, it just can’t be answered. Pressure – we all have some of it. When would you say it’s enough? All great artists and people will experience selfdoubt, which is a mild cause of pressure. I think it’s important to be moderate, and have a balance in life. I am totally doing the opposite, which is why my social life is so fucked up. The real pressure I guess, for me, is to try and feel like I fit in a social group. What do you use the internet the most for? Listening and viewing nineties’ grunge bands. As a child I used up a big sum of my allowance on purchasing all types of videos. The internet has definitely made everything so convenient, and efficient. The internet has made such an impact on my life, but I guess it will never top off that excitement of being eleven, and watching Nirvana videos on VHS.

When was the last time you reminisced? Actually just before, when I read my answer on the previous question, which I thought is fucked. Australians love their beaches and enjoy a good sport. Would you classify yourself as a true Australian, living the Australian dream? No way! I loathe all that bullshit! I used to be quite offended by people who describe themselves as living an Australia dream, but I don’t take the effort to bother anymore. At some moments, I do believe that Australians are quite narrow-minded. Is being a millionaire a priority in your life? Jim Ward said “I don’t find success as interesting as art”. It’s actually lyrics from one of his songs. It was playing during the period where I turned my back on a large amount of money. .

Would you mind being left in the woods on your own? Actually, I do often stay in the woods alone! I live in an area that has very dense woodland, so it turns out that my backyard is acres of trees and bush, with nice streams flowing through. Where do you seek inspiration from? Is it mainly through a source or purely imagination? It is definitely a combination of both, realistic and abstract. Art making is a love hate relationship, sometimes you love it, and other times you despise it. justinleewilliams.net

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Mimi Leung - an illustrator who hails from London and is currently based in Australia - is a force to be reckoned with. She might look like a normal Chinese face to you, but please don’t be fooled ... she not only has creative talent in art, but personality as well, which is evident in our interview. What FRESH specifically loves about her work are obviously the colours!

What have triggered you to draw these slimy, vomit-esque creatures? It was how I was feeling at the time - sick and slimy. I was thinking about how to dress up disgusting subject matter in fancy wrapping. I wanted to talk about some depressing, repulsive, crude things and knew no one would really care unless it was bright and shiny or cute, funny or smart. I hid my miserable meanings among all these distracting colours and stupid faces. I suppose the style came from the way I felt about so much of graphic design and illustration at the time too - I was sick of it and sick of myself. What was your upbringing like? Really Chinese. Like, congee for breakfast, yum cha every weekend, even though we had to drive an hour to get it, school work in on time, TVB on video before we graduated to satellite. Even though I grew up in England I wasn’t really exposed to much of the culture until I was older. My parents were strict and I liked books but as I grew up I started playing up. Looking back, there must have been a pretty intense period of me being a total nightmare for them. What do you see out of Australia’s Aboriginal culture that we don’t see or value as norms in the city? I like being out in the country and there being nothing for miles but sand and trees and nature. I love how the whole sky can just be full of clouds or packed with the brightest stars. You definitely don’t get that in a city. It’s an awesome view. I love how important the land is and how people relate it, completely different to what I’ve known. I used to hate being barefoot but out bush I love it – the sand is so soft and warm. There’s a genuine connection between people and nature. I also really like hunting, out bush it feels like the most natural thing. It’s kind of beautiful and poetic - true and really of the earth. I know it sounds wrong to say this stuff about killing and eating animals, but I guess that’s one of the differences out here.

How would you define ones education? My education was good. I went to private school and got the top exam prize for about 7 years running until I graduated. When I wanted to study Art at a public 6th form college next my mum cried, but I softened the blow by taking Maths and Further Maths too, and Physics. She always kind of hated that I went there but I got As so she couldn’t complain. Art school in Winchester was fun and blurry. I’m pretty sure I was depressed for almost the entire time spent at St. Martins. By graduation I was sick of being in education and stuck in one place for no real reason. That was when I first started having vague plans for New York but then after a last minute decision to apply, I got accepted to the Royal College of Art where I spent 2 years trying to be someone I wasn’t. I kind of fucked it there to be honest.

When was it did you decided to become a full time artist. Was it something you always wanted to do, or it just came along during the late teens, and you sort-of thought that it could be realistic? I never thought it would realistic to be an artist. The cringe on people’s faces when I told them I was going to be an artist when I grew up is something that stuck with me for a long time. I used to feel embarrassed and ashamed to say that I’m an artist, and in some ways I don’t really think that I am. Sometimes I really hate that word because I see it as a profession or a cliché. When I’m painting or drawing or creating whatever I’m just me, not an artist. When I’m doing all the other guff that helps me make a living from my artwork, I feel so far from me and that’s when I feel most like an ‘artist’. It’s stupid. You just finished a series of acrylic paintings for a recent show. How did that came about? It seems to bit a little different from your normal illustration style, and subject matter. I’ve always been into painting, before I even imagined stuff like my illustrations now. The Alice Springs show happened because the right opportunities came together. I got a studio I could make a mess in, there was a slot in the gallery at the right time and for the first time I could actually afford to pay for everything without having to worry. It was great because I was fed up with doing those tight, detailed illos for so long and really needed to just go nuts and free on a big canvas, painting these messy tornadic nudes. It’s worked out great because now I feel more inspired and settled to push on with my illustration. Was it difficult, to put yourself out there, and try to become noticed by the public, and the process of exhibiting in galleries for the first time? Yes, definitely. Nobody’s joking when they say you’ve got to be tenacious and thick-skinned to do this. Also to be able to care heaps and simultaneously not give a shit. It’s very schizo. I used to get frustrated when no one responded to my work until one day I realised that no one has to give a shit about me or my work. Things seemed to click after that. Getting attention as an artist is kind of similar to getting attention as a woman. Or man - I remember a male friend once said about life, “You just wave your dick around and hope someone will sit on it.” I suppose some artists actually do this and get somewhere but I choose to see it as a metaphor. Are you a fan of vegemite? Rarely, unless I want the taste of cold barbecue juice all over my toast. “If it doesn’t kill you, it will just make you stronger”. What makes you stronger? Spinach. Not really. Falling hard on my face. Coffee. Leading to the next question. What’s your biggest fear? It changes all the time. When I was living in three countries I started to develop a fear of flying. I couldn’t stop imagining that the plane wasn’t there, that it was just me on a seat with no seatbelt thousands of ks up in the air. Or I would become obsessed with the idea that if I flushed the toilet the

wall would blow away and I’d get sucked out and die. I’d spend ages in the toilet feeling awkward that people thought I was having a poo when really I was just standing there in front of the door staring at the flusher. I get really freaked out by childbirth sometimes and the bodily dysfunctions related to it - mostly prolapse. Then I start thinking about C-sections and the idea of going under general anaesthetic. I’ve had an operation under ga before and I was unconscious for a day or two once - the loss of time is scary. Where does it go? What happens to you? It’s not really like being asleep. You’re alive but you don’t experience it. It’s like someone switches you off, takes you somewhere then switches you back on. I know that you see yourself in New York in the future. What do you actually like about the concrete jungle? Books, movies and music. So many incredible real and fictional stories are set in NY. It’ll always have that allure and magical quality about it, even if only at a distance. I’ve been a few times for short periods and always felt there was a huge part of it that I was missing. I don’t even think I like it that much but there’s something about it that calls. I’ll probably change my mind next week to be honest.

Is it tougher being an artist than you thought it would be? Being an artist is just being you. Ideally. Unfortunately for me it also seems to involve having bags of guts and heaps of self-belief even when all the voices inside (and outside) your head are saying “Give it up”. Then there’s having the resourcefulness, willpower and determination to make it happen. And a lot of hard unpaid work, insecurity, a million different hats, making a fool of yourself (a lot), being judged and looked down on (also a lot). Trying to be an ‘artist’ is tough but trying has also made me tougher. I don’t know. It might be easy as tea for other people.

There’s the generalisation that Aboriginal Australians are drunks, violent, and uneducated people. What’s your view on this stereotyping? It saddens and angers me when I hear this kind of crap. Some Aboriginal people are violent uneducated drunks - but so are some people from any other race in the world. I think, like all racial stereotypes, that’s an extremely ignorant and simplistic view of the world which can have serious consequences that people don’t think about or realise. Honestly? I’ve seen more uneducated, violent drunks in Camden. Where most people are white. Or just crackheads. Or homeless drug dealers. Or goths. There’s racial ignorance and then there’s racism and they’re obviously related. Racial ignorance is sometimes forgivable but it also generates and supports racism. When fear gets thrown into the mix it turns into racism, and fear is not exactly hard to incite in the minds and hearts of the ignorant.

Growing up in England, kids at school used to pull slanty eyes and say ‘oooh ning nang nong’ or make Bruce Lee noises at me. I’ve had that all my life and sadly it continues today, but from adults and with more malice. It’s not extreme or frequent but when it happens it affects me for weeks. Racism is powerful. People can say the cruellest things when they don’t know you for shit. I cycled past 3 big guys in a truck once and one of them shouted, “Fuck off you fucking chink!” whilst the other stuck his finger up at me. They made me feel like I didn’t deserve the right to feel safe because of the way I looked, like I was scum because of my race. That’s degrading and a disgustingly low thing for someone to do to another. I try to call people out when they make overly generalised statements because I don’t want to encourage racism by being quiet, however dilute or ‘harmless’ the statements may seem.

What is the best way to approach galleries, if a young artist attempts to come into terms on a potential exhibition? There are many ways I guess. Go to everything, speak with everyone. Be weird or super friendly, or rich or famous, or have famous friends. Make work based on your famous friends - that seems to be popular. Date a movie star, sleep with a gallerist, be sponsored by LV, talk absolute bullshit. Build yourself into a living legend, an urban myth, an underground superstar. Tell everyone you’re a graffiti artist, some kind of homeless prodigy or psychotic woman hater or a fashionable homo with funky shoes and spray-on neon pants. Make work about sex and vaginas or penises, tits, arse, sausages and melons. Have sex in public and film it, maybe in black and white or super 8 and wear a policeman’s hat whilst you’re at it. Eat a baby and read books you don’t understand. Pretend to be dyslexic or a lesbian. Dress sharp and scruffy at the same time. Be controversial, even if you know it’s not genuine. Exclude people, make yourself special. Be an arrogant fuck and pretend you don’t need galleries - they need you.These approaches seem to have worked for some. mimileung.co.uk

oh.AimEE FRESH had the chance to catch up with American photographer, Aimee Brodeur on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in her life. If you do manage to read between the lines, this interview gives out slight hints on what she has been up to .

How important is Photoshop, in terms of processing and editing your photos? Do you rely highly upon the software? With film I use Photoshop mostly to colour correct where I feel it is necessary. I’m not interested in using Photoshop to make my images something completely different than they were, when I first took them. It’s mostly to get the image to look the way I remember it. Do you always feel a sense of accomplishment, when you wrap up a shoot? When shooting personal work it is constant, and never really has a beginning or an end. I think the reason I have always stayed so engaged with photography is because I never feel finished, I’m never fully done. Have you ever thought that you could make a lot of money through a career as a photographer? It’s hard to put that type of pressure on myself that something I really enjoy in life also has to be able to fully support me. That’s pretty tough. I have the utmost respect for my friends who have been able to put their passion on the line, and come out on top with getting a pay check for their talent, and have not made sacrifices for it. I admire that.

What drives you to create beautiful imagery? It’s a form of internal expression I guess. I have always been in my head most of the time, and to be able to get the chance to capture something the way I see it, allows for me to have a type of release mentally. It’s really beautiful to be able to come back to images and go over the images years later, to remember how that moment felt inside, and to see it physically before me. I suppose that is the ultimate drive. It seems that bullying has become part of the American school culture, with documentaries like “The Bully Project” addressing it publicly. What are you views on this issue? I have never seen that film, so I can’t answer that question in reference to the way you are asking it. To comment on bullying … all I can say is I think both sides need a safe place and person to talk to at their school or home. Bullying is sad on both sides, and there is obvious unhappiness that should be brought to light for both the bully and the bullied. Would you agree that art is not just in reference to art making, but also regarding to a person’s lifestyle? Yes, most definitely! That’s a pretty broad question, but I feel that most people who create art in any means in their life, usually seek meaningful expressions in other areas of their life. What makes a compelling photo? I’d have to say for me, a compelling photograph can be a number of things. When I see an image that shakes me, it feels like there is no sense of time or place, and I want to be the person in the image. Or I want to be in the photograph experiencing that moment for myself.

Which model is the epitome of “androgyny”? Tilda Swinton. Who are these people in your photographs? The people in my photographs are people I find moving. Creative talents, love ones, and friends. We all come together with a common goal, which is to create something worthwhile. You are a fan of Wai Lin Tse’s works, who coincidentally was a featured artist in our launch issue. What do you actually like about her photographs? Wai Lin Tse’s work is beyond me. It’s so extraordinary. When I see her work, it’s like I lived the whole day within that moment that she photographed. She is a very special photographer. Her concept of light, way of framing, and the moments on her subjects’ faces are just incredible. She is a never-ending source of creative inspiration to me. Do you see yourself delving into filming, or you much rather focus on still images as your main discipline? I have been filming. It’s definitely interesting you know. I’m so use to my images holding still. Right when the shutter clicks it’s there you know … you got it. With film it’s one long drawn-out-forever moment. How long have you been taking pictures for? I have been photographing for 9 years now.

Some people deem that going to university is important, but sometimes you don’t learn much out of it. What role did it play in your life, and towards the knowledge you have on photography? In my own experience, I will say that being in an institute for your craft really depends on what you make of it. I think a lot of what I learnt could have been done on my own through books. Only through practice could we able to perfect our crafts. It’s all about constant practice, failure, and practicing again. Coming up with my own style, my own vision with photography, I definitely didn’t learn that in university. To be in school simply allowed me to have a full time job. At the end of the day, I had to figure everything by my own. aimeebrodeur.com

katy in town Photography Carmen Chan Styling Michael Cheung Makeup Walter Ma Model Katy Talan @ Model Genesis

Dress by 55DSL, and Sneakers by GUISEPPE ZANOTTI.

Right: Dress, and Boots by H&M.

Tee by 55DSL, Blouse, and Skirt by MONKI.

Dress by CHEAP MONDAY, and Skirt by REPLAY.

Shirt Dress by 5 PREVIEW, and Sneakers by GUISEPPE ZANOTTI.

Jacket by KSUBI, Dress by 5 PREVIEW, and Booties by H&M.

Top by MONKI, Skinny Jeans by CHEAP MONDAY, and Boots by H&M.

Above: Tee by H&M, Dress by MONKI, and Booties by H&M. Opposite page: Top by MONKI.

cathlove.com