Description
Tales from Behind the Counter is a loveable throwback to when zines were less cohesive, and more of a friendly letter compiling thoughts on whatever was on the author’s mind.
Here’s how its creators describe it:
“Tales From Behind the Counter (TBC) is an independent creative publication whose goal is to build solidarity and community in the city of Ottawa. Our name references Becca and Kiran’s shared experience as café baristas, where we’ve witnessed all kinds of creative community from behind the counter. The zine includes interviews with community members, writing, poetry, and visual art created by Becca and Kiran, as well as donated by collaborators and friends. We believe that creativity and joy are at the heart of social change, so each issue is sold by donation, with all proceeds going to a community organization in line with the issue’s themes.”
Issue 4 includes an essay comparing the movie Priscilla with bell hooks’ Communion: The Female Search for Love, thoughts on Susan Sontag’s Regarding the Pain of Others, a soup recipe, notes on writer’s block and the glamourization of mental health issues, and a centrefold that you can fold into a fortune teller!
Issue 5 includes a review of Ryka Aoki’s Light from Uncommon Stars, an interview with the poet Ellen Chang-Richardson, an interview with Caro Stewart about queer art, a recipe for spanakopita, and thoughts on surrealism.
