2021 NEBA Zine Swap – New England Book Artists

New England Book Artists have completed another Zine Swap!

During the summertime pause in NEBA activities, we had plenty of time to get busy with zines. The members learned about the basic structure and zine themes, and we “zoomed” into Cristina Hajosy’s Zine Library for inspiration. The digital versions of the swaps for 2020 & 2021 showed that even in the most difficult times, zines still thrive – and collaborations are still possible.

Please enjoy this zine gallery with zine titles and artist’s statements.

Nancer Ballard – The Last Word on Perfectionism

Marie Canaves – Havana Syndrome: A Cuban Conundrum

This zine is part of Cuba, Terra Incognita, a series of works related to my experience as a Cuban-American exile. It deals with the mysterious “Havana Syndrome” which was first reported in 3 locations: the U.S. Embassy, Hotel Nacional, and the Hotel Capri, which was designed by my father, José Canavés and belonged to my family.

Dennis Dahill – Pre-Covid Paris

Susan Gaylord – On Perfection

“On Perfection” is a zine version of one of the essays in my book Art Lessons: Reflections of An Artist’s Life. The essay begins with a quote from the Victorian writer Matthew Arnold: “Not a having and a resting, but a growing and a becoming.”

Ania Gilmore – Pakistani Spice Bag

Sharing of the folded paper technique is deliberate to celebrate and honor Lineage. I learned the Pakistani Spice Bag in 2016 from the Australian artist India Flint at her fabulous Wander, Gather & Create in the Land of Enchantment Eco Dyeing workshop in Taos, New Mexico, who learned it from a Persian woman that she met about 19 years ago, who learned it in a Spice Market in Pakistan.

Cristina Hajosy – Mushroom Meditations

This zine explores the visual connections between mushrooms, spore sprays and Enso, Japanese meditative brush painting. It combines ink and Sharpie drawings, photography, prints on vellum, and acetate image transfers. The meditation was begun with Shiitake mushroom farming, followed by a conceptual jump into broader, deeper contemplations of mortality, corporeality, and the cosmos.

Cristina Hajosy – Steps to Abstraction: Light Bulbs Edition

The art teacher in me is back with the 2nd Steps to Abstraction zine. For this edition, a perky pair of light bulbs are taken through 7 steps from realism to abstraction.

Carolyn Letvin – Waylon

I’ve had cats my entire life, but Waylon is the best cat I’ve ever had. He’s in total synch with my ways and life, he’s incredibly loving and gentle, he’s very smart and responsive, and he’s so darned pretty! When I’m not with him I think of him all the time. I love him to pieces, like my zine says.

Susan Marsh – Cyanotypes: A Brief History and Guide

I interpret the realm where the earth, sea and sky mingle through the lens of a former architect and science teacher. The architect in me is inspired by the various structures and construction of books and stitches, while the scientist in me is enthralled with all aspects of nature and the exploration of various media and techniques such as the chemistry of natural printing, dyeing and cyanotypes.

Susan Marsh – Things I Learned from My Mother

Lessons I learned from my mother’s example.

Judith Patterson – So Old

Growing old is a fierce, exciting ride, trying to grow and learn in the short time left. What grows, never grows old. Aiming high with love, I shall wrap my artworks around my family and friends. Eroding, but a spark left. Cheers!

Gail Smuda – Wagner And B. Bunny

Alice Stanne – Small Spaces

Donna Stepien – Minimalist Menu

Thanks to everyone involved with the 2021 NEBA Zine Swap. Another amazing collection! This year, it’s housed in a lovely custom box designed by Susan Marsh. Thanks to Susan for all her work on this project, as well as, NEBA’s newsletter and managing the Membership.