The Journal of Wild Culture
Encyclopedia
The Journal of Wild Culture was a short-lived magazine
combining, among other things, artistic perspectives on ecology
and environmental issues. It was published in Toronto from 1986 to 1991.
(SPWC), an arts organization devoted to exploring environmental and ecological issues from an artistic perspective, and ideas provoked by the term "wild culture". The magazine and the activities of the Society were best known for carrying on the nature-culture discourse in a "quirky and innovative" manner, and for influencing the way serious themes could be delivered with a sense of play and timeliness.
The magazine's subtitle, ecology and imagination, spoke to the notion of it being a platform for artists to express themselves through the lens, or mirror, of the natural world. Whitney Smith
, the magazine's founder, recently defined wild culture as "the articulated ecotone
between what humans do and what they can't control in nature". Others have spoken of its "tolerance for ambiguity and an acceptance that things cannot be defined.". Nevertheless, the lack of a definition seemed not to daunt its contributors. Plus, the "quirky and innovative" magazine carried on its discourse in a way that influenced the way more serious themes could be delivered with a sense of play and timeliness.
(which published its own magazine) and FILE magazine, produced by the conceptual and media-based art collective, General Idea
, and to the Utne Reader
s use of other published materials. The JWC was in production in Toronto from 1986 to 1991. Graphic designer Bernard Stockl became the art director and quickly established the look of the magazine, including the characteristic contents page. Smith and Lowry assembled a photocopied "Journal of Wild Culture Preview Issue" that was circulated in the arts community, and a donation of $5000 "from an anonymous angel" followed, just enough to pay for the printing of the first issue.
, an early contributor to the magazine, said that "half of the experience at "The Journal of Wild Culture" is the parties.) Volume I, Number 1 was sold for $3.95 and 3000 copies were widely distributed in Canada by Disticor, and the issue sold out; later distribution of increased numbers went into the U.S. It developed a small but devoted fan base, particularly in British Columbia. In 1990 its southwestern U.S. distributor reported that the magazine had "a cult following in Texas."
, Brian Fawcett
, Gary Michael Dault, David Cayley
, Marni Jackson, with Chris Lowry as senior editor and Smith's closest associate in the first years. Writers and artists included William Irwin Thompson
, Paul Shepherd
, Merlin Stone
, B.P. Nichol, Sarah Sheard
, Thomas King
, David Young
, Carol Off
photographers Ed Burtynsky, John Reeves
, Raphael Goldchain, Debra Friedman, and artists Barbara Klunder, John Scott
, Fastwürms, chefs Chris Klugman and Michael Stadtlander, and various academics who used the magazine as a vehicle for ironic pieces developed from legitimate research. Dewdney said that "it is the vagueness of the idea, the inability that I and a lot of other people have to pin it down, that makes it so attractive."
magazine, offering it as a trade paperback available in bookstores. A pilot issue of selections from past JWC issues was put out by Somerville House in 1992, "Wild Culture: Specimens of Ecology of Imagination", edited by Smith and Lowry, but sales were not encouraging; one explanation for this was that the book did not offer new material.
but also accessible and visually engaging. In order for the quirkiness to work we needed the credible and elegant look that his gave us." Stockl said he modeled the JWC design after Harper's and Arts and Architecture: "The trick was to create certain effects with what was available to us. Trying to cheat our way through it without it looking like that." The Bernard Franklin Stockl Memorial Scholarship is offered annually at the Alberta College of Design for "creative and innovative exploration in the use of typography for the purpose of communication."
Magazine
Magazines, periodicals, glossies or serials are publications, generally published on a regular schedule, containing a variety of articles. They are generally financed by advertising, by a purchase price, by pre-paid magazine subscriptions, or all three...
combining, among other things, artistic perspectives on ecology
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
and environmental issues. It was published in Toronto from 1986 to 1991.
Editorial premise
The Journal of Wild Culture (JWC) was the literary organ of The Society for the Preservation of Wild CultureThe Society for the Preservation of Wild Culture
The Society for the Preservation of Wild Culture or S.P.W.C., was a Toronto arts organization in existence from 1986 to 1991 that explored environmental and ecological issues from an artistic perspective, and in a “quirky and innovative” way. The S.P.W.C...
(SPWC), an arts organization devoted to exploring environmental and ecological issues from an artistic perspective, and ideas provoked by the term "wild culture". The magazine and the activities of the Society were best known for carrying on the nature-culture discourse in a "quirky and innovative" manner, and for influencing the way serious themes could be delivered with a sense of play and timeliness.
The magazine's subtitle, ecology and imagination, spoke to the notion of it being a platform for artists to express themselves through the lens, or mirror, of the natural world. Whitney Smith
Whitney Smith (multidisciplinary artist)
Whitney Smith is an artist and activist working in a variety of fields, including music, publishing, performance art and theatre. He is best known for his work as the publisher and editor of The Journal of Wild Culture....
, the magazine's founder, recently defined wild culture as "the articulated ecotone
Ecotone
An ecotone is a transition area between two biomes but different patches of the landscape, such as forest and grassland. It may be narrow or wide, and it may be local or regional...
between what humans do and what they can't control in nature". Others have spoken of its "tolerance for ambiguity and an acceptance that things cannot be defined.". Nevertheless, the lack of a definition seemed not to daunt its contributors. Plus, the "quirky and innovative" magazine carried on its discourse in a way that influenced the way more serious themes could be delivered with a sense of play and timeliness.
Start
Born out of the wild foods foraging of founder Whitney Smith, the magazine was conceived in 1986-87 by an editorial team that included Smith and architect Peter Ferguson, public relations consultant Kim Obrist and filmmaker and publisher Christopher Lowry. Smith attributed his inspiration for the formation of the Society to the National Geographic SocietyNational Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society , headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the United States, is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical...
(which published its own magazine) and FILE magazine, produced by the conceptual and media-based art collective, General Idea
General Idea
General Idea was a collective of three Canadian artists, Felix Partz, Jorge Zontal and AA Bronson, who were active from 1967 to 1994.As pioneers of early conceptual and media-based art, their collaboration became a model for artist-initiated activities and continues to be a prominent influence on...
, and to the Utne Reader
Utne Reader
Utne Reader is an American bimonthly magazine. The magazine collects and reprints articles on politics, culture, and the environment from generally alternative media sources, including journals, newsletters, weeklies, zines, music and DVDs...
s use of other published materials. The JWC was in production in Toronto from 1986 to 1991. Graphic designer Bernard Stockl became the art director and quickly established the look of the magazine, including the characteristic contents page. Smith and Lowry assembled a photocopied "Journal of Wild Culture Preview Issue" that was circulated in the arts community, and a donation of $5000 "from an anonymous angel" followed, just enough to pay for the printing of the first issue.
Recruitment through social events
The premier issue was launched on July 27, 1987 at the Wild Culture Hoedown on Toronto Island. It was described by Smith at the time as "a cross between a literary journal and an arty comic book with ecology as its theme". Future Wild Culture events followed the format and spirit of the Hoedown by offering down-home high-end cuisine using wild foods and made on site by Chris Klugman, a well-known local chef, and featuring artists whose personae related to nature themes: the Marquis de Sod and Mr. Potatohead were the guests of honour at the launch. Poet Christopher DewdneyChristopher Dewdney
Christopher Dewdney is a Canadian writer and poet.He was born in London, Ontario, and presently lives in Toronto, where he is a professor at York University. He is the long-time partner of writer Barbara Gowdy. Winner of the 2007 Harbourfront Festival Prize, he is the author of four books of...
, an early contributor to the magazine, said that "half of the experience at "The Journal of Wild Culture" is the parties.) Volume I, Number 1 was sold for $3.95 and 3000 copies were widely distributed in Canada by Disticor, and the issue sold out; later distribution of increased numbers went into the U.S. It developed a small but devoted fan base, particularly in British Columbia. In 1990 its southwestern U.S. distributor reported that the magazine had "a cult following in Texas."
Editorial community
Under Smith's leadership the magazine developed a group of editors that included Barbara GowdyBarbara Gowdy
Barbara Gowdy, CM is a Canadian novelist and short story writer. Born in Windsor, Ontario, she is the long-time partner of poet Christopher Dewdney and resides in Toronto.-Literary career:...
, Brian Fawcett
Brian Fawcett
Brian Fawcett is a Canadian writer and cultural analyst who currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.He was born and raised in Prince George, in northwest British Columbia, and graduated from Simon Fraser University as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Before becoming a full time writer, he worked as an urban...
, Gary Michael Dault, David Cayley
David Cayley
David Cayley, is a Toronto-based Canadian writer and broadcaster, who was a friend of Ivan Illich. His work airs on CBC Radio One's program Ideas.-List of works:* Ideas on the Nature of Science ISBN 9780864925442...
, Marni Jackson, with Chris Lowry as senior editor and Smith's closest associate in the first years. Writers and artists included William Irwin Thompson
William Irwin Thompson
William Irwin Thompson is known primarily as a social philosopher and cultural critic, but he has also been writing and publishing poetry throughout his career and received the Oslo International Poetry Festival Award in 1986. He describes his writing and speaking style as "mind-jazz on ancient...
, Paul Shepherd
Paul Shepherd
Paul Shepherd is a retired English football forward.He was a part of the English squad at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.-Clubs:*1996-1999 : Leeds United*2000-2000 : Keflavík...
, Merlin Stone
Merlin Stone
Merlin Stone was an author, sculptor, and professor of art and art history. She is best-known for her book, When God Was a Woman.-Biography:...
, B.P. Nichol, Sarah Sheard
Sarah Sheard
Sarah Sheard is a Canadian novelist.Sheard published her first novel, Almost Japanese, in 1985. She has also been a creative writing instructor at Glendon College and Humber College in Toronto, and a member of the editorial board of Coach House Press...
, Thomas King
Thomas King
Thomas King, CM is a noted novelist and broadcaster who most often writes about North America's First Nations. He is an advocate for First Nations causes. He is of Cherokee and Greek descent...
, David Young
David Young
-Music:*David Young , American instrumentalist*Dave Young , Canadian rock musician*David J. Young, American musician/composer-Science:*David Allan Young , American entomologist*David M. Young, Jr...
, Carol Off
Carol Off
Carol Off is a Canadian television and radio journalist, associated with CBC Television and CBC Radio. She has been a host of CBC Radio's As It Happens since 2006. Previously a documentary reporter for The National, Off also hosted the political debate series counterSpin on CBC Newsworld.She is the...
photographers Ed Burtynsky, John Reeves
John Reeves
John Reeves , was a British judge, public official and conservative activist. In 1792 he founded the Association for Preserving Liberty and Property against Republicans and Levellers to campaign against the ideas of the French Revolution and their British supporters...
, Raphael Goldchain, Debra Friedman, and artists Barbara Klunder, John Scott
John Scott
-Politicians:*John Scott , Member of the Australian House of Representatives*John Scott , first mayor of Bytown, later Ottawa*John Scott , MP for Caithness...
, Fastwürms, chefs Chris Klugman and Michael Stadtlander, and various academics who used the magazine as a vehicle for ironic pieces developed from legitimate research. Dewdney said that "it is the vagueness of the idea, the inability that I and a lot of other people have to pin it down, that makes it so attractive."
Difficulties and demise
In the late 1980s, when advertisers were slow to embrace the few existing green magazines, and particularly one which the Utne Reader editor, Eric Utne, called "indescribable", low ad sales made it difficult to pay the bills and meet that quarterly schedule; only seven issues were published. Two Wild Culture auctions and funding from the federal and provincials arts councils helped take up the slack, but with a low subscription base and advertising revenue, a sudden drop in grant revenue, fund-raising and marketing fatigue, Smith's reluctance to step into the role of "a career publisher", the magazine decided to take a sabbatical. More recently Smith commented on his own burn-out keeping the magazine and the SPWC going, the dilemma of the artist-publisher, and the difficulty of keeping cultural magazines afloat in factors relating to demise of JWC. A difficult year in his personal life coincided with the failing fortunes of the magazine, and he admitted at the time that he was having trouble keeping all the balls of the SPWC and the magazine in the air. In early 1991, on CBC radio's Arts Report, it was announced that the magazine was suspending publication. The plan was to pursue a more economically feasible course by following the format of GrantaGranta
Granta is a literary magazine and publisher in the United Kingdom whose mission centers on its "belief in the power and urgency of the story, both in fiction and non-fiction, and the story’s supreme ability to describe, illuminate and make real." In 2007, The Observer stated, "In its blend of...
magazine, offering it as a trade paperback available in bookstores. A pilot issue of selections from past JWC issues was put out by Somerville House in 1992, "Wild Culture: Specimens of Ecology of Imagination", edited by Smith and Lowry, but sales were not encouraging; one explanation for this was that the book did not offer new material.
Bernard Stockl's contribution
Smith said that Stockl, who died of AIDS-related causes in 1992, made in invaluable contribution to JWC, particularly through "his creation of the table of contents pages. "Bernie's deep sense of graphic taste and design intelligence struck the right tone with the first issue: serious like an academic journalAcademic journal
An academic journal is a peer-reviewed periodical in which scholarship relating to a particular academic discipline is published. Academic journals serve as forums for the introduction and presentation for scrutiny of new research, and the critique of existing research...
but also accessible and visually engaging. In order for the quirkiness to work we needed the credible and elegant look that his gave us." Stockl said he modeled the JWC design after Harper's and Arts and Architecture: "The trick was to create certain effects with what was available to us. Trying to cheat our way through it without it looking like that." The Bernard Franklin Stockl Memorial Scholarship is offered annually at the Alberta College of Design for "creative and innovative exploration in the use of typography for the purpose of communication."