The idea of writing a summary of this project seemed scary to me so I’m gonna just do my own thing and make this be very informal. Cause at the end of the day, I really just need to get this done, and the project is about having fun and making things, so I’m gonna make this task fun for me so that I can actually get it done.

The inspiration for this project comes from… well like so so many things. My brain works by synthesizing all of the things I’ve ever found interesting and the things I research in order to create new things or like different approaches to problems. I think this is a very cool and useful skill to have but it makes comprehensively documenting my thought process and research essentially impossible. But I'm gonna do my best.

Here we go :D

The project is currently on display at the senior show in Galley 360. The presentation of the work is constructed with mostly found objects from my apartment (ex. ikea silverware divider things, a box I use to store art stuff, and random art materials). This decision was partially due to convenience, as I lacked the time and funding for the project to go out and find something more fancy. However it also serves the important function of breaking down some of the formality and expectations that are created by the context of an art gallery. By offering the viewer swedish fish and the opportunity to read through zines made by myself and others, I expect that may help to encourage the audience to not feel totally scared by the idea of making their own zine.

The primary goals of the project are to provide an opportunity for fun and for making a thing, as well as sharing your own experience and seeing your aspects of your experience reflected in zines made by others. Having struggled with my own mental health for awhile, I’ve probably heard the words “you are not alone” just so very many times. And like I recognize that that’s objectively true, but at the same time hearing that has at best no effect, and can maybe also make you feel worse about feeling alone. However, there is something about the experience of being heard and understood and being there and supporting others that can be incredibly helpful. Through this project I have shared small pieces of my own experience through the approachable medium of zines. I’d consider the project to be a success, based on the unprompted and informal positive feedback from some of my peers who’ve read the zines, and those who’ve expressed interest in making zines of their own.

How might we create the conditions for Northeastern students to enjoy making zines, looking through zines made by others, and/or eating swedish fish.

Here's some doodles of how someone could interact with the project.

The feedback I received from peers and friends was extremely helpful and encouraging. It indicated that there was an audience for a project like this and that it was likely to be successful. I asked classmates to make some zines if they had time during the second to last class, and their reflections on that experience were very positive and insightful.