In a world dominated by digital media, there is undoubtedly powerful hold on hand-made gin. More than just ink on paper, jeans are statements, rebellions, and community at once. They thrive in the DIY space. There, creativity is unfiltered through the corporate lens, but shaped by passion and purpose. The Beat is a great opportunity to connect with the independent artist scene, and that’s why we had to make sure we didn’t miss South Beijing Fest.
Illusion Hall is a small, inconspicuous event venue located on Chula Vista’s historic third avenue. It is usually used for Quinceañeras and DJ events, this time serving as the venue for the first time in history for the South Beijing Fest.
Maxwell Sheller had both time and money, so he decided to organize the events and rent some space.
I’ve volunteered with other disadvantages before, but I thought I could do this myself. So I paid for the venue and the turnout was amazing. People are here for art, and that means a lot to me.
Over 20 artists filled the hall and despite limited space, SZF was able to host a panel discussing the inside and outside of Zine culture. One panel that stood out was to make another jean punk featuring Andy Ducles, Attiva Royster and Emily Rocha. All three are local artists. Royster is currently assembled a committee for Vampire Anthology, while Dukleth and Rocha are part of the San Diego-based comic studio, the Inclined Alien. They had a lot to say about this topic.
They spoke about how young people today are attracted to this kind of movement, whether they are in person or simply appearing to support local artists. They emphasized that Punk never dies. The core spirit remains the same.
Rosha emphasized how important these types of events are.
“The more you expand, the more accessible it becomes for everyone.”
Royster has created an important point about the nature of jeans.
“Jeans can be polished well or DIYed. At the end of the day, you can do whatever you want.”
They explained that what makes gin’s art was not the quality of the material, but the effort, sweat and passion poured into it. Whether printed on cheap paper or in the best stock, the key is that it is personal on the island. That makes others understand the importance.
Royster closed with a powerful note:
“I love doing that verification. ‘Want to take part in this project?’ to other artists. Let them know: we will meet you. ”
All the panelists agreed that supporting local artists is more than just sharing their work. Being involved in their art through social media and other platforms knows the world is here and waiting to be seen.
Walking the event floor, it was impossible to ignore the spirit of the festival, and was radiated from the booths of all artists. One table focusing on mental health perceptions and calico creatures. Another turned his attention to the Mexican farmers, and misconceptions were raised to them in light of current events. And there were so many more.
The comic also took part in the event. One standout was Cosmic Cola by local artist Logan Monroe. The independent title, the story is drawn from Monroe’s experience in the food industry. With vibrant stickers, prints and jeans, it was clear that the project was made with love and creativity.
Another locally published artist, Rachel Dukes, exhibited a variety of works, including large lithographic prints from Wizerd, and had a unique title like Frankie Comics. Their art is very kind and wonderful. It’s easy to get lost. Their lithographic prints in particular were breathtaking and packed with bursts of details and colour.
Next to the Dukes is Andrew Greenstone, a skilled comic artist known for his work in Sid The Cat Magazine, Rust Belt Review and Star Wars, and is his gin series, Star Wars. Greenstone couldn’t believe he explained and talked about his work in Sid the Cat, the thought process behind Star Wars from memory, and his unique, raw, vivid art style. I couldn’t put their magazines on it.
Another standout was at the table next to them. Jesse Walker introduced the town of Chongku, the first comic book ever.
The town of Chonku is a super aviation crime runaway about whipets and karate frogs. In short, it’s definitely an insane read. In other words, that’s great. It’s a kind of project that thrives in the Zine scene. There is a production written by Walker and Greenstone, with art edited by Greenstone and Dukes and processed in mixtape comics, along with art from Mars Gear Heart. This proverb Pancraft diamond.
That was something I had to mention to all of them. With Sid The Cat, The Wizerd/Frankie Comics, and Chonku Town, I think Kickstarter can do well with a huge amount of work in my opinion.
Greenstone said it was the best:
“The town of Chonku has just come out and Cat #3’s Sid is approaching! You have to be willing to go anywhere to get the book going. Without a show like this, it would be impossible to compete.”
Emotions were shared throughout the hall. As someone who has worked in the field of crowdfunding for the past three years, it’s difficult to not feel the same. Not only did the artists pour their soul into the project, but not just to recognize world events and local issues, but even today’s biggest name in comics reminded me of standing in alleys of proverbs, from Danmora to Daniel Warren Johnson to Fiona Staples.
Illusion Hall was a small venue and felt it was packed even more with the entire line of artists. Hall had only 300 people, and Scheller initially had doubts about attendees. He was happy to provide space.
South Beijing Fest welcomed over 180 participants.
And that’s the heart of it. Such a space. They create opportunities, foster connections, and remind us that art (no matter how big or small) has a place.
With such emphasis on South Beijing Fest, not to mention Rajean Fest! It will be held today from 11am to 5pm Saturday, March 1st to Sunday, March 2nd. While SBZF was San Diego’s first time, La Zine Fest will gather Southern California Ginestars in Broad’s East and West West Bank to celebrate independent publication and DIY spirit. Participants can interact with exhibitors and explore a diverse range of zines covering politics, personal stories, photography, art and graphic design.
The two-day event will provide hands-on workshops, panel discussions and access to broad galleries. Announced alongside Joseph Bayes highlights how Zines can continue to protect nature by accessible, grassroots art, empowerment activists, punk, LGBTQ+ creators, poets, and anyone who shares voices and ideas. Everything is completely free.
If you’re in the area and love independent artists, you don’t want to miss out on the wide events in this city!
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