I created this zine based on research into DIY spaces and their connection with the aesthetics of zines. Drawing inspiration from zines as a method for disseminating theory, I typeset the essay "In Defence of De-Persons" by Johanna Hedva (available online here). I incorporated my own hand-drawn illustrations and other graphics to pay homage to zines while exploring non-normative typesetting that responds to the content of the writing.

Gallery5, a local art gallery and music venue in Richmond, put out an open call focusing on the theme of “Queer Joy,” which led me to think of the function of art in my life as a queer person. The theme prompted my idea to ask my friends who are artists about their relationships with art, starting with my friend and often collaborator, Deirra Clyburn. Our discussion  touched on queer  and racial identity and the ways those topics weave their way through her art. After the interview, I used the transcript as the text for the book, pulling large quotes and placing them next to Deirra’s art.

After planting a Miyawaki “tiny forest” in Fonticello Park in Richmond, VA, Ann Jurczyk from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation sought to create interpretive signage that explained the forest. Ann provided initial direction, the main forest timeline graphic (originally sketched by a local artist), and text. I designed the poster, adding edited icons originally from the Google Material Symbols Database, and adjusting the timeline sketch to work as a larger graphic. Rounds of feedback followed with Ann and Daniel Klein from the City of Richmond’s Office of Sustainability to create the sign to explain the benefits of this type of forest, and contrast the usual forest succession in the region with the accelerated Miyawaki method.

In collaboration with Deirra Clyburn, “Quest to Figure Out What Love Is” is a series of short writings by both of us — two young people searching for answers about love of all kinds. “Part I” is written by Deirra, while “Part II” is written by me. I typeset and laid out the book, with Deirra's feedback, and printed and perfect-bound the final books.

This book documents a personal conversation I had over the phone with my mom about her and my dad’s relationship. Translucent film with expressive, hand-drawn layer on top of the text, which varies the text placements and weights to follow along with the rhythm and cadences of each speaker.