What was the first book that inspired you to become an avid reader or inspired writer? For me, to be honest, it was most likely the Chronicles of Narnia. I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to reading but was none-the-less intrigued by the illustrations on the cover and the tales that my best friend's mother was able to extract from within the pages.
Though much later than my peers I did eventually learn to read which blossomed into a love to read, write, and delve into the worlds that others create. I love the colorful pages of handmade booklets sent to me by my pen pals and try my best to buy physical copies of the books that have been so fundamental to my process.
On my bedside table you will find a stack of books. Right now I am reading a book about Santería, the goddess Brigid, and there are also a few zines piled alongside my books and e-reader. One of those zines is one I would like to highlight here. It is called FLORXl Zine.
If you aren't familiar with the term, a zine is a DIY publication. Unlike books and magazine, a zine can be made by anyone. Most often zines are collaged, copied, and pasted then photocopied for distribution. This is the case with FLORXL zine which is made up of stories from gardeners of diverse backgrounds all over the United Kingdom.
((Image from the FLORXL Zine Etsy Page))
"The mainstream horticultural media is typically dominated by weath and elitism, aimed at a mono-culture of audience. FLORXL aims to break free from this and mimic the generous spirit of gardeners, creating a vibrant, inclusive and joyful community of plant lovers."
I remember first reading those lines printed on the back cover of the zine. Those words resonated and inspired me to continue making my own zines about gardening and living in harmony with Earth.
The zines I make aren't like those of FLORXL Zine. They are uniquely my own. Full of my own collaged photography and handwritten mistakes this isn't a ground-breaking piece of art but rather an ode to the art that has inspired me.
Of course, there are plenty of online writers and purely digital blogs that have been sources of inspiration. Somehow, it feels different though. Holding art in my own two hands then making art with those same hands holds a kind of power that the elusive digital world does not.
