"Maybe I can do this too:" Celebrating Broken Ink’s newest issue

USC Aiken’s literary and visual art magazine held a release party to commemorate issue 52 on Sept. 23.

Broken Ink focuses on student art, ranging from short stories and poems, musical compositions and various forms of artistic media.

The host, Editor-in-Chief Isabel Martinez, opened the program with an introductory video by Broken Ink’s faculty advisor, Roy Seeger.

“What you have in your hand is an artifact,” he said. “A moment in time. A cross-section of student voices that demand attention. I hope you enjoy it, but more importantly, I hope the work inside makes you think.”

Seeger gave a special thanks to the Oswald family, layout editor Bonnie Watson, Isabel Martinez and the rest of the staff, as well as those who submitted work to the magazine. 

Paige Singer, Danielle Verwers, Samantha Palker and Charles Reeve, all contributors to the latest issue of Broken Ink, presented their own literary pieces to the audience.

To close the event, art professor Joe Kameen gave an art demonstration. In his short arrangement, he talked about how an artist approaches an image that he or she wants to draw.

“It’s about drawing what you’re seeing, not what you think you see,” he said. “You need to think about the language that the page speaks.”

Those involved with the magazine want to spread awareness of it, eager that it will have a positive impact on the student body.

“My hope is that it will open up new ideas to people, and will inspire people to think differently or think deeper about certain topics. Or maybe find that creative spark within themselves,” said Amber Bryant, a senior graphic design major and member of Broken Ink.

“I think we have some really solid work. I’m really happy to see all skill levels represented,” said Bryant, who is soon to be layout editor in the spring. “I think that we have a very diverse issue as well, with a lot of minority representation and I’m really happy to see that. I hope that it spells out good things for the future.”

Martinez, who is a senior fine arts major, expressed her appreciation for the magazine and how it helps student artists come out of their comfort zone.

“I love for it to be seen as a safe space for artists and writers, because we’re pretty shy!,” she laughed. “I think it definitely gives confidence to other people and inspires them. I think it makes them feel like, ‘okay, maybe I can do this too.’”

Early submissions for the spring issue are open until November 20th.