Response to the Blue Green Zine

Written in October/November 2024 by Onyx Ocean, edited January-March 2025 by Jill Howitt

     A series of chance events led me to stumble upon 87 Gallery, where I was struck by a blue and green zine with a fish on it. To my elation, the Blue Green Zine was free for me to take a copy, and just by the title and imagery, I knew it would be my thing. Initially two things came to mind – my dissertation research on blue and green spaces, and a slam poem called Blue and Green by Alyssa Cassese. I figured that the zine would be more related to the former, and was pleased to see that I was right.

    Reading the foreword by Jill Howitt inspired me. I was so happy to see people doing work like this in my new city, and immediately felt somewhere that I might be able to slot in.

    Engaging with the work of the local young people also inspired me. Students between the ages of 14 and 16 worked with the theme ‘Our Environment’ by exploring local and favourite blue and green spaces in the context of the climate crisis. They responded creatively to raise awareness of environmental issues and to express their hopes and fears for the future, each producing their own zine along with a contribution to the collective zine. Jill points out how ‘art and writing can connect us to places and create a sense of belonging and care,’ and much of my own work with young people involves nurturing place based connections with the natural world. These connections can influence people to look after the world they live in. There is a special synchronicity in discovering this zine and this meaningful local work whilst in the process of forming place-based connections with my new city.

    Students worked in a variety of mediums, some of them producing pieces that could be viewed or listened to through scannable QR codes. I was personally very interested in students’ use of collage, poetry, and exploration of spaces that meant something to them.

   I was particularly struck by a piece on football sustainability, which mentioned my favourite team, the one from the city I had just moved from. The piece actually made me tear up to see the way the two cities and my place based connections were tied together.

 

   Seeing the thoughts and feelings of the young people expressed in their own voices, words, and images is incredibly powerful. I find it fascinating to see what is connecting the young people of today with their city and with the wider world. It is also a brilliant way to showcase their learning.

  I would like to facilitate the creation of similar work with young people, which is why I have reached out to The Critical Fish to collaborate. 

  It is fascinating to notice the way that things align sometimes – a guide to walking the city (possibly inspired by ‘Perambulations’, a series of curated and informative architecture walks and cycle rides – a lockdown project started by Stefi Orazi) that drew me to a gallery at the same time as I was making place-based connections with my new city and contemplating the dérive. I found an exhibition that pulled me in for a deeper connection and allowed me to linger long enough to find a zine so representative of what I’d like to be doing, it’s as if I was directed along a path.

  I’m keen to find out where the Critical Fish may take me as I ride this wave of inspiration.