Prompted to make a zine about an every day object, I chose to look at fingernails. The content of the zine was generated from my own personal thoughts and experiences with nails, particularly centered around adornment. Although the short statements are personal and subjective, they are largely relatable and easy to interact with.
The aim of the zine was to create a bizarre and humorous celebration of fingernails, which makes the viewer hyper aware of their own fingers while reading. Senses are engaged as textural and found objects require the use scratching and peeling, while the acrylic nails attached to the cover simulate the sound of long nails tapping on a hard surface. Even the smell triggers a sensory understanding as many pages are painted with nail polish.
Larger conversations may also be triggered in reading the zine. For instance, how is taste developed and what does it reflects about one’s upbringing and understanding of social hierarchy? How are trends interpreted and appropriated among different groups?
February 5th, 2015
by Elise Mortensen
Nails
Elise Mortensen, January 2015
“Nails” zine: 5.5″ x 8.5″ in envelope
Mixed Media, edition of 10.
Prompted to make a zine about an every day object, I chose to look at fingernails. The content of the zine was generated from my own personal thoughts and experiences with nails, particularly centered around adornment. Although the short statements are personal and subjective, they are largely relatable and easy to interact with.
The aim of the zine was to create a bizarre and humorous celebration of fingernails, which makes the viewer hyper aware of their own fingers while reading. Senses are engaged as textural and found objects require the use scratching and peeling, while the acrylic nails attached to the cover simulate the sound of long nails tapping on a hard surface. Even the smell triggers a sensory understanding as many pages are painted with nail polish.
Larger conversations may also be triggered in reading the zine. For instance, how is taste developed and what does it reflects about one’s upbringing and understanding of social hierarchy? How are trends interpreted and appropriated among different groups?
Process:
Process 1: Images from picture collection
Process 2: Materials
Process 3: Original collaged copy
Final Edition: