Out of Print

Out of Print is a literary apparel and accessory company that recognises how we read and experience literature continually changes. They aim to celebrate stories, so here's mine. 

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Growing up, or rather being grown up, in our generation is a bit of a scary proposition. Everything is so different than it was in the past. Between globalization, the internet, and the sheer desire so many have to go against the grain, it can be difficult to figure out how you actually fit in.

Feelings of anxiety or fear can trickle down from the mind to the body and wreak physical havoc from head to toe. The effects can be exhausting. The conflict between the inability to determine factors that are and are not controllable and the feeling of responsibility for total control is what produces apprehension. 

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle.”

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll nails this viewpoint spot on. Although it is a novel written in the nineteenth century, it continues to resonate with readers of all ages to this day. It tells the tale of a young girl falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar characters. Here, Alice encounters a series of puzzles that seem to have no clear solutions, which imitates the way that life frustrates expectations. 

Chapter by chapter, she's disturbed by what's going on around her, and doesn't really understand what is happening, but she can't look away because it is all too intriguing. I became obsessed with this kind of haunting feeling as it relates so much to our own world. Although facing pressures to conform to society's expectations, Alice as the text progresses grows into a stronger-willed and empowered heroine who chooses her own path and overcomes the many barriers she's faced with.

“Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.”

The fiction is packed with illuminating imagery and bizarre, strange and eccentric characters, who are each outsiders themselves but enable her find her purpose. I consider myself a visual person, so all this makes me love the narrative so much more. 

This story invites us to remember that the world is offering up a place for each one of us, no matter who we are, no matter what burdens we carry. But it's our own place to look around and pay attention to what we see. Everything out there has the power to astonish us. When we look with the eyes of an awakened one, we will see the beauty and wonder of what's actually going on. We'll see beyond the appearance of separation to touch the oneness that is life. We can be amazed and fascinated too, but only if we start paying attention.

“It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”

I'm learning from Alice to recognise and trust the voice of intuition more, by doing so I'll find new doors opening and new possibilities everywhere. Maybe like her I'll feel invigorated by the potential I've unleashed, a power that will only grow with each new accomplishment. And hopefully I'll discover the serenity and satisfaction that come only to those who are living life to the fullest. Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes, and we shouldn't resist them. 

We all aspire to leave a positive imprint on humanity. So, in spirit of Alice how will you make your mark? This question may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. You may already know how you intend to do this. If so, take a moment to share your thoughts and refine your ideas. If this is something you have never given a thought to, now is the time. Surely we don't all have to go on an acid trip with a talking rabbit to figure it out. 

“If you don't know where you are going any road can take you there.”

The Force is here, all we have to do is reach out and start to use it. In Barna where these photos were shot the trees stood tall, but each of us have the opportunity to stand much taller.

When you least expect it, the great adventure will find you. The world is your wonderland after all.

“Alice: How long is forever? White Rabbit: Sometimes, just one second.”

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As always opinions are entirely my own, I received no fee to write this. I was given two items from Out of Print for review purposes. There are many ways to express our individuality in this world, the clothes we wear is a huge part of this. For each product sold, Out of Print donates a book to a community in need through their charity partner, Books For Africa, they're a company with really admirable ethics and great values so I'd appreciate if you check them out. Promoting literacy in underserved communities is something we need to look into more. They also support the authors, publishers and artists who made these iconic works.

I'd also like to thank Love Joules for all her help with this shoot, and allowing me bring this visual to life. Being someone who prefers hiding in the background, she really allowed me feel at ease in front of the camera and made the whole experience fun and relaxed. I look forward to working with her more in the future.

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