Original Art by Molly J.
Editor’s comments:
Welcome to our second issue of the zine. Our first issue is now archived, and our highway has benefitted from new construction. Thanks to our readership, we are opening more lanes to accommodate the traffic to our submissions editor. Our intention is to continue to expand the neighborhoods of self-expression and to link them to the highway.
This issue is inspired by the question: Where is America? In these challenging times, it seems everyone has an opinion on the subject—and a medium through which to express it. We suspect you may find your voice within the diverse works submitted for this issue. If not, please blog us your comments and/or send us your work.
As promised, we’ve added a section devoted to hand-made books. We, like you, know that not all libraries originate here in the virtual world. In addition, we have an extensive gallery of hand-built collages with accompanying artist statements. We have an impressive variety of video in documentary and narrative styles, drawings, paintings, music, song, poetry and memoir writing. For those with short attention spans or limited time to ride the highway, we have a list of provocative one-liners.
The home page features two impressive works by the talented young artist, Molly J. We direct your attention to information about the latest project from Wandering Rose with links to their organization.
We welcome work in any medium or language from anybody of any age. After all, We are Pangaea. Those of you, who are interested in making work for our third issue, please click onto the submissions page. You’ll see that we will be riding green on the highway.
Sushanna Ellington, editor-in-chief
inDIYpendent culture faire
Noon to 9 pm—May 15 & 16, 2010
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I love all that you guys are doing the poems, the pieces of art, the stories, etc. It is really great, so keep up the good work.
This issue was very, very good. All the different sections provides something for everyone to look at. The arts and crafts are fantastic, the layout it well-thought, and the videos are very amusing. The stories and poems are what really kept me entertained and all of the writing was magnificient. Keep up with the issues!
Dear Editor,
I love everything on this site. It really opens my eyes to the different types and forms of art/how people express themselves. I’m getting the impression that this website will be very successful. I am now also thinking of submitting a piece of art in the next edition.
This issue was truly amazing. The abilities of the artists are incredible. The writing was my favorite section. Also, there were many great collages. I am looking forward to looking at the issue next fall.
Dear Editor,
I really love the website and i have a feeling it will go far. It has opened my eyes to the many ways a person can express themselves. I am also going to submit my own art soon. Good Luck!
Nice Job to all, and all who did a nice job.
I really like Eloy’s one about how America is where it wants to be in the world. I found it interesting.
I remember taking the picture for Pedro a day after it had rained, he wanted to do an erasing out art piece based on him and a puddle with his reflection in it. I thought it was really cool that he wanted to do it, and it turned out really great. I liked the theme behind it as well, to me his past was represented by his reflection in the puddle, and he was moving on with life and looking forward. It’s a good piece
I remember taking the photo for this art piece, it was aa day after it had rained and Pedro wanted to take a photo that captured his reflection in the pudddle. To me his relection in the puddle represented his past, and he was looking ahead to the future , kind of like a new beginning. I think the erasing out art piece turned out great
The art on this website is truly amazing! Especially on the collages, i’m so surprised students have made these kinds of art. Great job! I truly hope this website goes to far places.
I remember when the Chicano/Latin American Literature class was given this question, and I thought to myself that i’d never be able to create an image that would answer this question. Looking at everyone’s entry its amazing to see the different opinions that can be held in one classroom, no one entry is the same and each holds a bit of the artist’s personal story and journey. Just by looking at the images I can feel the passion of the person who created the peice. This question served to be a beautiful blank canvas for inner expressions to be brought forth.
This new issue really gives the outside world a new view of what high school students “learn” in class. I say “learn” because, I feel like the Chicano/Latin American Literature class doesn’t necessarily teach kids, but instead is able to open our eyes and broaden our perspectives of the world and its cultures. “Where is America” collages are able to produce one whole photo protraying one idea, ideas that to most, haven’t been brought up. Monica’s “We Did Not Cross the Border- The Border Crossed Us” can show that unfortunatly there are people who have become ignorant and believe that ‘other cultures’ dont belong in America; where as ALL cultures make up North America today.
Throughout all of the pieces of art there lies an interconnectedness that exists: the need to answer the question “Where is America?” The author statements that follow are poetry in itself. In Amanda’s Butterflies, I love the lines:
There is a lot of pressure for us to fit into a certain mold. But, in my America, I believe our differences need to be respected.
I know that the patches of clouds will come and go.
I will outshine them.
These pieces of art are outlets to people’s authentic voices. They’re statements of where they think, desire, want their America to be. They’re cursed questions that lead one in the right direction—only to discover more questions in the process.
This is an amazing website that allows people, high school students in particular, to use art as more than an outlet for self expression but a way to have their voices heard.
&to the editor: amazing job in organizing an interesting display of artwork—all of which are cohesive in their theme.
I will admit to liking all of the artwork on this site, although of course I gravitate naturally toward some more than others. The new issue with all the hand-made books was impressive. It is interesting how differently people can interpret a single task. The books were as unique as the people who made them. I also loved the poetry under the Rest Stop category. Horray for raw emotion! The poems written by Samantha were especially poignant… kudos to her, and all the other artists on this site.
Everyone has done a great job of putting this all together. Everyone’s artwork is amazing and very unique. There is something in this issue for everyone to read and be entertained with, from artwork to stories to videos.
I really liked Natalie`s collage, one of the interpretations for the identity card was that people when they think about America they think of the American dream. She put some butterfly n birds, the butterfly shows some kind of transformation and people when they travel in America they transform in their own way. All the stones that lead to the end of the path but at the same time all those rocks are the obstacles that people find in their paths. People would relate to this identity card because thats how they saw America is, really beautiful with a lot of opportunities but at the end they get surprised that it wasnt like they told them.
Dear Editor,
This issue of the zine demonstrated a multitude of ideas presented through the art. The art pieces exemplify each artist’s America, through the expression of their authentic voice. This zine is valuable to both those who submit their work as well as the readers; It creates a window into each individual’s distinct America and a mirror of one’s own life journey.
I really liked all these pieces of art they all spoke to me and all have a story behind them. The collages have so much meaning to them.
I think this website has many meaningful art, and writting. The one that caught my attention the most has to be “Mind-Gabryel,” the way the artist put all those pictures together into one, is amazing. ” I belong to both—and yet to neither,” some way some how I think we all can relate to that. Can’t wait to see the next issue.
I realy like alot of the work that these students have submitted. Specialy because i feel like i can relate to what they have to say. The piece that realy cought my attention was “Running for equality” by Silent Writer
The website turned out really good. I enjoyed doing all types of wonderfull work. I also learn a lot from this. I hope this website keeps on going for all those people that are interested and wants to submit their wonderfull piece of arts.
I really like all of the work these students have submitted. Mainly because i can relate to some of what they had to say or just because their work is nice. One of the pieces that caught my attention was “Running For Equality” by Silent Writer
its really great how Pangaea turned out. I myself have submitted a few projects that really took time and a lot of heart. I really like the fact that this incredible website allows anyone to show there work and express themselves through writing or an art piece. the poetry is incredible and there is great talent that is finally able to show and express what they have stored inside the soul. I will be in touch with this website and anxious to read more poems and to see more art of those who support this well done website in the near future. great gob!
Where Is America? This is a question I had great difficulty with…now, as I pursue my path, as I walk into the labyrinth, many of my questions are being answered. I am no longer worried of feeling lost and abandoned within the forest…I am now able to wander freely without fear, and I will continue to do so until I find my true authentic self.
Every thing in this website tells a little bit about who we are and our stories; and when we look back at it years from now what we wrotte will connect to our lifes in some way.
“What you dream up is deeper than what you know…”-Sundiata
The art pieces and stories on here are amazing. I love how Pangaea Highway brings many different cultures and pieces of artwork together. It is very enlightening. I am so glad that there’s a place where one can express themselves through art!
The zine this issue has a very diverse background, each piece of art unique and meaningful teachings like the right action piece really let readers learn new things a very creative issue.
I am out of words with how this website came together. It was a great experience and the artwork is amazing. Good Luck with the next issue! I can’t wait to submit more artwork.
This website turned out amazing! There is great pieces of work. They all represent something different. It is intresting to see how America is in different peoples eyes. It is also a way for people to express themselves through art. There is something for everyone to see and read. This website has been really successful. =)
the art pieces on this websites show how much the students have grown since the first day we walked into the chicano lit class.
After reviewing the website and observing the artwork I have to say everyone who submitted art is extremely talented. Each collage of where America is, brings a new point of view and a deep interpretation. The Chicano/Latin American class has done an amazing job with this website. This website, offers different perspectives to people who are not really aware to the world. I believe this website will change people’s thinking, which is a good thing.
Overall I feel that this Zine issue really demonstrates ones connection to the path to the unconscious because of the depth behind the pieces of art.
The art submitted by everyone is simply beautiful. Everyone expresses themselves in many different unique ways; you can just tell by noticing every little detail they put in their work. We are so culturally different, but in the end we all are the same. I appreciate how the zine really shines on our creativeness . I’m proud of everyone. This zine is amazing.
I remember when we were asked this question. (“Where Is America?”) I thought about it carefully and realized that to us, the answer depends on what society we were raised in. I answered this question by reflections on what “The other” felt like. (I think it’s safe to say that we all entered the class with a “Dominant Culture” mindset already in place.) Looking back at the video that I made, I realized that music is one of the best ways to express emotions only found in the Unconscious. I specifically took certain lyrics from certain songs and spliced them together. I realized that my Unconscious was hard at work to try to “answer” the question, “Where is America?”
As for the pieces that were submitted, great job everyone! It really shows how we have come a long way since August. It also shows the dedication each student put into submitting his or her own piece. Finally, I would like to thank those that made this website even possible to access in the first place. It’s been a great year and I can’t wait to see the next issue.
All of the artwork presented in this Zine is amazing. The great thing about this class was that we all worked together to put on so many great works of art. whether is was creating the Zine, Senior Project and artwork for the art show. We’ve all showed so much talent, its amazing to think that all of our talents were kept in for so many years. We’ve all accomplished so much, not only being able to make it to the end of the year safely but to also realize our paths and we’ve got a sense of who we are. All the artwork shown here gives people an idea of who we are and what we can express. Its amazing.
i really enjoyed looking throughout all of the art…they’re really expressive and they all caught my attention. they all have a meaning to it and everyone had there own ideas. we are all from different cultures but we are all the same and we some how relate to one another! everone did an awesome job…good job guys!
What can i say about this website. Anyone who checks this out will see the world in a different way. It is life changing and can really open your eyes to Where America is.
This website can go really far! IT’S AMAZING!!
Looking through our classmates projects. I have to say everyone gave it their full effort. A lot of the art pieces are amazing. What I also like from the Zine is that its very diverse. Many students come from different cultures and it feels that we are all coming together for one common cause. Going to our unconscious.
All the arts were really amazing. By just looking at the arts, I can tell the student’s effort. This tell us that each of us has grown not only as a person but as a good artist. The Chicano/Latin American class has done a great job to this website and I strongly believe that all of this work will change people’s thinking.
All the arts were amazing. By just looking to all of the arts, I can tell the student’s effort. This tell us that we have grown not only as people but as artists too. The Chicano/Latin American class has done a great job with this website. I strongly believe that all of this work will give the people a different point of view in a positive way.
After looking through all the pages of the zine, I can safely say one thing, weve grown since we first started the year. I remember being asked questions that at first seemed randon, or strange, but as time passed by and lessons were given those questions became clear. The artwork is spectacular, and it demonstrates how the class has grown to understand questions such as “Where is america?”. I’m proud of the mark weve left here, and im sure glad that I decided to stick around for it all. Good work everybody, lets hope that future Chicano/Latin American Literature students feel the same drive and passion for this project that we felt when it first launched. Once again… good work everyone!
This e-zine served us a great opportunity to communicate our authentic voice. In all collages I saw that students expressed what has already been there, only it’s different.
Thank you. I really enjoyed soaking all its goodness and meaning.
I really enjoyed seeing all the art work. it made me see how far we all have come so far to see what great work we have all done. thank you Ms. Elington and every one else who worked on the zine.:)
Wow ! I really like this website its awesome . It shows the talent many people have . Theres some very beautiful pieces of art .
I cant wait untill the next issue !!
all ofthe art work that is in this page is amazing and i can see that alot of people expressed themselves doing this art work and put time in it
This is amazing everyone has done a great job.!!!!
It is the first time I read or visualize Pangea Highway and it’s contents within. I have to say that the work put in here is truly amazing, and I can tell it must of have been a lot of hard work. I liked everything said here because it really made me think about of where do I live and who am I…I like the fact that the work put in here made me reflect more of my surroundings, and how everything is connected and affects us one way or the other.
Seeing how all these great artists worked hard and used their hearts to put these art pieces together in this magazine is something truly amazing and unique. What i really like about it is that its a great way to express what one feels and to sometimes just get their points across. I personally submitted an art piece and felt a great satisfaction because i became a part of this. I cant wait to submitt more work.
I really loved this website, It was a really good eye- opener in many ways. I loved the piece the by Lochi and his meanings for everything, that was the one piece that i really connected too. All his struggles and feeling at the time are so similar to what I’m feeling and have been feeling for a year now.
I really enjoyed getting to see and understand what the artists in this zine saw America to be. I learned a lot about America in ways that I never really had thought about before. This zine has very powerful words.
Before I read the whole zine, I wasnt sure what the answer to ” Where is America?” I thought that America is in America. I didnt think that there was more to it than just that. I learned that American is where you want it to be and what you want it to be even though America is not really like that all the time.
i think that the magazine itself is a very wonerful magazine. All the writing and drawing actually have a meaning in how a person feels about america and actually makes you think in what america you live in.
This site has a lot of thinking put into it.
Each picture I have seen or piece of literature I have read seems to have an answer to the question “Where is America”. For some it’s a place where everything can be reached and for others it is a place where there is a lot of problems.
I really enjoyed going through this website because it shows a number of opinions from different people. I find it amazing to see the thoughts of different people and compare and contrast them. I see that this site lets me know how a person is feeling and thinking about a certain subject, and it is very interesting to come up with the reasons why.
The work put into this magazine is great. The art pieces are great, they show us how a lot about life. I think that all the people involved in the magazine got their point across and showed everybody America from different perspectives.
It is amazing how all these images have such deep meanings tied to them. The fact that all these different images and thoughts came from the same question is equally fascinating. I think it is great that all of the people who have contributed were so open with their thoughts.
this magazine showed me a couple things such as that many people have their different ways to express their america.
I really liked seeing how the artists put their words and their feelings through their paintings and how they colored them which had an explanation on how the artist felt about america. I also liked going through all these amazing paintings and looking at the similarities they have in common and the differences, its great how people think of america.
All in all, all these artists did a great job!!!
I would love to make one painting using photoshop and being part of this.
This is actually my first time ever reading the Zine and hearing about The Pangaea Highway, and so far i think this website is amazing and incredible. After reading and observing the artwork and writing that students have expressed themselves in, i believe it was a big eye opener for myself and i could relate to it in various ways. Everyone has their opinions and expresses themselves differently and that is what makes us unique.
I think that this is a wonderful magizine, and id like to say i am impressed with all the thought and consideration put into the posts. The question where is america can not be answered the same for every person because it stands differently for all people. For me personally, i think that america is a state of mind where you can be free and not worry about any discrimination.
The website and it’s contents are great. It is interesting to look and process the things that people think about when asked, where is America? Everyone has varying, yet similar thoughts it seems. Most think of America as an idea, rather than a physical place. They believe that the goals and dreams we have show us that America is in our heads, and in our hearts. I agree with these beliefs, because America is not just a geographic region, it’s a nation made up of the hopes and dreams of all that inhabit it.
When I was first introduced to this new zine that was sweeping the school last year, I really didn’t have a clue what it was about or the purpose of it. Untill now I’m finally starting to get the jist of what this site has to offer the world and the viewers that visit it. Not only does it allow oneself to open up ones eyes to the mysteries of their own past and culture but also to let other people of different backrounds see things in another perspective. The way that each individual presents their views of the question Where is America has exposed me to so many new ideas and ways of thinking of things that this zine complements itself .
Collages and descriptions throughout this website are truly symbolic to individuals who are highly aware of the place they are living in, namely- America. I specifically focused on Eloy’s piece of art named “American Solitude” mainly because it has a clear demonstration of the real America. Eloy’s words, “I believe America is where one believes it to be” highlight the significance of common individuals simply living life in their personal worlds.
I enjoyed all the art work it was really inspiring and it gave me an idea of what to make if I were to make one. Some of the art work was mind bottling
Very good job to all the artists and posts that you guys did, they were very meaning full.
When I was looking threw the magazine I clickd on salvadors where america is page and I really liked it. I like how he showed pictures to explain what he felt and how he explained what the pictures mean to him. To me america means pretty much the samething to me as it did to salvador a place were you get second chances and were everyone is at peace with eachother.
I really enjoyed reading this magazine. Everything from the poems to the images were interesting. It’s easy to see that a lot of thought was put into this and i really hope there is more people who may want to share the views as well.
After throughly reading through the different artworks that have been posted, this website has done an excellent job to display the variety of peoples opinions torwards the question where is america. This website contributed as an eye opener to what america realy is. Bieng asked this question in class allowed me to really brainstorm on the answer to this question. This website is a very useful one to learn from. Thank you
This site got me thinking about what and where is America. To me it seems to be more of an ideal than a place. Its a place of liberty,freedom and beauty, wherever you look you can see beauty. Its a place where all goals can be achieved by everyone a perfect state of mind.
Pangaea is outstanding. Though it felt like some of the pieces in the hand-built collages were scattered about the place, I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the magazine. There’s something about this magazine that grabs not only the attention of the reader, but the heart. The words and art pieces are strung together so lovely. It almost feels like a new door is opening inside of your mind. Keep up the great work.
Also, my personal favorite piece is, “Butterflies,” by Amanda. I think almost any other girl can relate if they read through it.
It’s amazing to see how much an assignment and class can change people’s views on life. All of these works of art are amazing and I am proud to say I even have the pleasure of knowing and am friends with some of these wonderful students. It’s great to see that everyone has different opinions and views on life and this website is a perfect way to express them.
People whose parents werent originally from this country feel just like some authors of this magazine. It is hard to be defined as a person from a different country than your parents. It is hard to keep all the traditions that your parents have while you are growing up learning some others totally different. America is the biggest country composed of immigrants. That means that there is not that much people whose DNA is a hundred percent american. But all those immigrants who came to the U.S. after the border was made, had to struggled in order to achive their dreams. Many people die each day trying to cross the border, some others croos it, but have to leave their families in their homecountries. America has became a nation full of people with more than one nationality. I feel just like these authors, even though i wasnt born here, i am a citizen of this country, but i still feel more mexican than american. I have been here for 4 years and start to think about myself as a mexican who is going to make his life in america. Never forgeting his background.
When I was asked by my teacher “Where is America?”, I thought the answer was “North America”. This zine helped me open my mind to ideas that I never had thought of before. The collages are great! And the artists are really amazing!
“I believe America is where one believes it to be. It is not in a physical state; it is a spiritual state filled with wonders and mysteries to be solved.” This was written by Eloy and it stood out to me the most. It made me really think about the things we as humans do in our lifes. I agreed with the the first line of America being where we choose it to be. We choose where our America is by the way we do things and by being our true selves.
Giving the time to process this into my head, reading and looking at all these collages made me think about myself and the things that are happening around me. Some collages made me learn about other perspectives. I feel if though I need to think about more in dept of this question, “Where is America.”
This was my first time reading the whole zine, I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed Eloy’s “American Solitude”, but the whole concept makes you think about how other people see America and where it is within themselves.
this was a good experience for mind opening. Many of these stories really got me thinking about things besides my own thoughts. its good to have a website where you can share things like these for others to see.
Actually genuinely great weblog article which has received me considering. I by no means looked at this from the stage of look at.
I think Victoria’s blog was pretty good, along with her pictures ^.^
” I believe America is where one believes it to be’’; this was said by Eloy in his inspirational entry on where he believed America is. This is very true; America can be anything one believes it to be at whatever moment. Life is unexpected and is constantly changing so what America may be one day can completely change the next. One day I may feel like I am on the top of the world filled with great confidence and perseverance while the next day I may just want to blend into my surrounding and be unnoticed as I soak in my sorrow. In our everyday lives we see self-conscious people, hardworking people; also people just sit there and observe to see what will happen next. What kind of person am I? I am all of these people at times; a self-conscious teenage girl who is both hardworking but also takes the time to observe her surroundings. Both eloy and Narmeens pieces have enspired me to see it this way by there interpretations.
This whole zine was impressive, and made me think about “Where is America?” in more ways than just a geographical stand point. The zine that made me think the most was Paulo’s “Changing Phases” collage. It not only depicts the importance of peace, but also shows how we are replacing religion with pop culture. We as a people need to focus on what is important and stop worrying about the lives of celebrities.
I enjoyed reading and going through all the different forms of answers to the question,Where is America? Butterflies by Amanda is one of the pages I can relate to and one that caught my eye. I always get butterflies in my stomach or start moving a lot when I am nervous. I always tend to think when people around me laugh or chat amongst themselves, they are either making jokes about me or talking about me, making me self conscious about the way i look or anything about me. Sometimes I feel like I am alone, not feeling accepted by either friends or groups. I try to talk and let them know what goes on and the responses I get in return are short and simple, possibly a change of subject. Observing my surroundings, I do feel many girls/women worry about their images, physically and mentally.
I really liked Monica’s art, agreed to where and what she defined America was. After reading her words, I realized those words are somehow reflected myself. Nice Job Monica!
I was really inspired by what some of the people had written and i was most taken by one entry. It talked about searching for freedom, searching for America. For this writer, finding America was finding truth. That was what America was to him. Freedom. I have always searched for that freedom, and I’m not the only one. Thousands of people are in constant search everyday and its most likely that none of them have found it. Why? Because it doesn’t exist. Not in a physical state. Only in your imagination. I have never wanted anything more in my life because to me, freedom is happiness. Freedom can get you to awaken so many senses that you never knew you had. For me freedom and america could never be one and the same because they have never been equal. maybe on some level but never all together. I don’t believe freedom exists anywhere so when this writer says that he was searching for something that was never there, it makes you wonder if you can ever be free. So you can keep searching for something you want but sometimes the pain you go through to find it isn’t always worth it.
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I really enjoyed going through the website and seeing all the art and reading what people had to say about how they feel about America and the different struggles that people face. The one article that stuck out to me was We Did Not Cross-The Border Crossed Us by Monica, because I think its so true how we are all caught up in technology that we don’t even see what’s infront of us. Also how we are forgetting our culture and roots and what should truly be important to us in life.
Awesome website, I hadn’t noticed pangaeahighway.wordpress.com earlier during my searches!
Keep up the fantastic work!
well i really enjoyed reading, I See War. i enjoyed reading Fabio’s story. Fabio first talks about his ancestry religion and his present day religion. he also begins by giving his opinion on modern warfare and how many people frown upon the news of war but don’t always see the real picture of war. Lastly Fabio referred to the bad things in his life as the devil. he says that the devil is ever so present, meaning with every good thing that the world has to offer, there is always something bad that follows to. you cant expect life to be perfect and i think thats what Fabio was saying in his America story.
I have seen all of the art and read all the poems in this website and i thought that this is a great space for young people to share the common things we have among us and sort of the same way we all feel about our dreams in this country.
This edition of Pangea Highway has copious photos, videos, music, and pieces of writing that have captured my attention because i would have never expected there to be so many different answers to Where is America. The way that the photos portrayed the spiritual and realities of the physical America is truely fascinating to me. I have never seen such powerfull messages from a piece of art like in the zine. Also the biography of Milton shows how no matter what your situation is you can always better yourself even if it seems impossible.
Awesome!