Intergalactic

Foile Zine ISSU03
INTERVIEW

LINA SUN PARK

Name and describe an external place you hold most dearly?

The blue lagoon in Iceland. I went there about 4 years ago with my sister and had such a beautiful experience. Standing in the water by myself, when no one else was around and it began to rain. It is a headspace I can return to whenever I want to recall a feeling of wonder and peace. It’s nice to remember this place exists in the world at the same time I do.
If ‘Intergalactic’ is our relation to space — can you describe your relation to beauty?

Beauty is something that comes in many forms, but my own relation to it is a feeling that lets me know when I am in its presence. It can be the feeling a piece of music evokes, or the mood I am put in as the sun shines down on me.
How has this changed over time?

When I was younger beauty long felt like a very physical and visual thing. However that type of beauty is complex, it can be very deceiving and not indicative of substance or value. As I grew older I realised beauty is not exclusive to the physical or visual, and that beauty can be found in almost anything.
Your work pays great respect to ‘craft’ and the hands, do you feel your pieces are anchored in a time? Present, past, other.

The historical references of craft may keep it rooted in the past, childlike themes of youth and wonder are brought to mind. To appear childlike but in a more serious context, this can lend a new feel. Some of my work utilises craft techniques, in a more glossy setting. Those pieces exist in their own world, hinting at the past but a lot of the present, and a future only they know of.
What is the next destination for beauty within our society?

I hope it is discovered in the nature that surrounds us, and the process of this discovering. As a world we continue to become more engrossed with devices and technology. I hope to see an urge for preservation, to see a desire to understand the ways of the natural world and its beauty become the mainstream.
Space has always evoked within us a sense of wonder, the possibility of the unknown. What brings you the most wonderment?

True moments of awe and wonderment are when I am somewhere outside of the city. No light pollution, maybe a high elevation, I look up and I can see all the stars, even the tiny milky way stars not usually visible, and the North Star. It’s only happened twice or so in my life, and I’ll never forget the feeling!
How important is beauty to your work?

Beauty is so important, it is one of the driving factors behind the need to create. To share with others what my definition of beauty is. Creation as a contribution to the visual lexicon of beauty out in the world, adding to the ever evolving definition of beauty.
What role does it play? If at all.

Beauty plays the role of instigator, among other things. To share your idea of beauty with others, it also functions as a quality to realise within your work. Despite how subjective that quality may be, it brings fulfilment nonetheless.
Your new book ‘A Spell Too Far’ demonstrates your gift for creating other worlds. What is involved in building a world?

I imagine building a world is unique for everyone, but I’d say the foundations consist of knowing what is special to you, and having a flourishing imagination!
Stepping into the present, galaxies and future aside — what got you out of bed this morning

It’s raining today so opening the windows in the kitchen, smelling the petrichor. The impetus for my getting out of bed this morning was making a nice cup of tea.
What is the most mundane thing you hope aliens and humans have in common?

An affinity for collecting little things! I would love to see an aliens collection of special little trinkets, and even the more ordinary things like their space rocks.

ALI SCHARF

1. Name and describe an external place you hold dearly?

My apartment! I live in Brooklyn with 7 of my best friends. We're split between two units directly on top of each other. Our life is literally a sitcom. When we’re not working, we spend most of our time sitting on the couch together or making cute little dinners. After 3 years in this apartment we are leaving, and moving to LA in August. As time inches closer to the end I am sad, but mostly grateful for what this space has brought us and the memories we have created.

2. If ‘Intergalactic’ is our relation to space — can you describe your relation to beauty?

I would describe my relation to beauty as boundless. In the same way that space is 'intergalactic' or infinite, beauty to me, and the rituals surrounding beauty are limitless. Skincare and make up are mediums that are deeply individual, personal and custom to each person. What works for one, may not for another. To discover your most beautiful self, simply means finding what makes your feel most confident.

3. How has this changed over time?

An expansion beyond previous ‘limits’ of beauty, in terms of public perception. Over the decades, trends have flourished but all within a very narrow scope. We have come a long way in the broadening of beauty, it’s scope and many facets. However, as far as representation goes —I think we still have a long way to go!

4. Space has always evoked a sense of wonder, the possibility of the unknown. What brings you the most wonderment?

I often wonder about the future. My future, the future of the greater world. Another unknown...too scary next question please.

5. Time passes, the cultural idea of beauty evolves. Are there any past customs you wish to see resurrected?

Plenty of trends have come and gone, I am most familiar with American trends and what I’ve seen in the 2010’s and beyond is recycling of previous eras trends — e.g. 50’s red lips, 70’s feathered hair, 30’s thin brow. The current era embraces individuality. Doing whatever you want, manifesting itself as bare faces, body hair, freckles. I hope this continues and is pushed to even greater acceptance.

6. What makeup does for beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In your eyes, what is makeup to beauty?

A form of self expression, to be used in every and all ways. Allowing people to achieve a sense of personal beauty and confidence. Beauty has no rules, do what makes you feel most yourself. For me, I feel most beautiful with fresh dewey skin, blushed cheeks, a little winged eyeliner flick, and a glossy lip.

7. Commerce and beauty often comingle. What is a beautiful thing money cannot buy?

Confidence. Don’t get me wrong, money may buy makeup products and plastic surgery, things that can be used to make you feel more beautiful. But true confidence cannot be bought, it begins with self-acceptance and everyone’s journey to achieving that is totally different. Sorry if that’s cheesy but it’s true!

8. What is the antithesis of beauty? Name the ugliest thing you can see right now.

The ugliest thing to me is jealousy. Jealousy may be a natural response sometimes, but if it takes over, it can ruin self-esteem, create resentfulness, and damage relationships. It eclipses your own beauty and that of those around you.

9. What is the next destination for beauty within our society?

In terms of specific trends, who knows! But as I said, I’m hoping for more representation. The inclusion of plus size actors and models to the mainstream has become prominent. As a curvy girl, this has really helped me accept my own body. I wish I had grown up seeing these girls. Even now, it still feels as if there is one particular plus size woman shape being embraced. I hope the mould is even broken further.

10. Stepping into the present, galaxies and future aside — what got you out of bed this morning?

Hate to say it, but an iced latte with oat milk gets me out of bed most days.

11. What is the most mundane thing you hope aliens and humans have in common?

I hope aliens laugh too, or have their own way of laughing. I wonder what that would sound like!

Index