Sarah is the author of Tazewell’s Favorite Eccentric and, more recently, the book Everybody Else’s Girl, as well as editor of the compilation zines Dangerous Damsels and The Worth of Water. We’re so excited to have her exhibiting for her second year at Feminist Zine Fest NYC! Here’s her story:
1. Kindly give us a short description of yourself and the work you do.
My name is Sarah. I’m a zine and book writer, a balloon twister, a face painter, a wife and hedgehog mom, and a pickle enthusiast.
2. How did you get introduced to zines? Were you influenced by anyone?
I was introduced to zines via a queer pen pal service in the mid-90’s. I’ve been influenced by a lot of early riot grrrl and queercore zinesters, though as I get older, I think I’ve gotten better at fleshing that out into something that feels more like an authentically independent voice.
3. What does it mean to do “feminist zine-making”? Does feminism appear in your work (explicitly or implicitly)?
Feminism is part of everything I do. Thinking specifically about feminism and writing, I think I implicitly write for an audience of queer folks and female-identified people. I try to keep my privilege in perspective and write in the most honest way I can.
4. What is your favorite zine or piece of mail art? Do you like any specific style/part of a zine?
I don’t have just one favorite. I’m a huge fan of a lot of different things, and I’m lucky to be part of this community that consists of so many people I respect and admire.
5. If you could sum up your zinester life in a kitchen appliance, what appliance would it be?
Well, a coffee pot.
NYC Feminist Zinefest 