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Kyam introduced us to some example images of illustrated zines and explained their use. There are many definitions of zines but the Salford Zine Library shares the following:
“A zine, (pronounced zeen as in magazine) is most commonly a hand made, photocopied, or otherwise cheaply produced small circulation, self-published leaflet/comic/literature or any other collection of printed paper you can imagine. Zines have historically been a way for groups and individuals to express opinions and ideas that may fall outside of the remit of traditional publishing and self-publishing has offered an alternative. In making a zine you are effectively your own editor, publisher, distributor and boss!
There are no particular skills or experience required, anyone with a pen and an idea can make a zine!
Zines can help us make a tangible connection to our own personal histories and in turn can help ground us in the present. Zine making can be a great way to engage with your community, make friends, share stories and document your experiences….
The DIY ethos at the heart of zine making promotes, and encourages the idea that everyone has the potential to be an artist/writer/musician/whatever you want. If you’re not seeing/reading/hearing the media you want around you – make it yourself!”
Kyam showed the group how to make a simple beak book zine, which we filled by writing or drawing a small story or collection of food myths and fables that we grew up with.
The group was full of rich and playful food myths; from foods that make you ‘all hot and mithered’, to the promise of wishes being fulfilled if you could only eat a slice of coveted Indonesian Milk Pie. A number of remedies for ailments were shared, mustard oil for ear ache or sesame seeds fried in ghee for a cough.
The conversation expanded to include questions around particular food myths promoting cultural ideals. For example, one community curator brought up colourism in the Pakistani community. Some of the myths she discussed were around eating in pregnancy, in particular what to avoid to ensure you had a fair-skinned baby. This led to a very frank and thoughtful discussion about colourism and the impact of colonial legacies on beauty standards around the world. Kyam embraced the discussion and lead it towards unpacking food myths and the often problematic ideals they are propagating.