My 1977 Zine
1977 was an important year for me. I felt that I had really grown up. I was 17 in this year, a sixth former and able to drive. I was also selected, as Ranger Guide, to represent the UK at an international Guide camp in Canada and this was my first flight without my family. I flew to Toronto, stayed in Ottawa and later, flew to the camp in Nova Scotia (Cape Breton Island). The theme of the camp was inspired by Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach and this seemed a fitting theme to represent my new found freedom, independence and learning. Jonathan Livingston Seagull was keen to learn about life and flight. He felt that a better world could be found through challenging experiences and the perfection of knowledge. This also seemed to sit well with the focus of the Paper Trail project.
I have incorporated the paper into My 1977 Zine. I am currently fascinated by zines and have been using them in various ways and for various purposes. The format seemed well suited to the purpose of sharing my memories of emerging adulthood in 1977.
A zine is most commonly a small circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier. Among the various intentions for creation and publication are developing one’s identity, sharing a niche-skill or art, or developing a story, as opposed to seeking profit. Zines have served as a significant medium of communication in various subcultures, and frequently draw inspiration from a “do-it-yourself” philosophy
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