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About
KRF

I paint the imagery through the essence you —as the artist —give to me. We perform our roles our best because we want to succeed individually and holistically —as a Black community. I embody the stories I tell of each Black artist because we all have an origin story which catalyzed our journeys.

Vinyle zine isn’t the start of my story, but it is a part of the story that helps me to articulate my soul. 

VINYLE zine

About Chief, KRF

How Does Your Artwork Express Your Soul?

I wanted to make a magazine that encompassed the arts I loved to see in people, but this time I wanted to include myself in the picture. I went through several names long before Vinyle surfaced. I had “The Heights” magazine, “UMAG,” “colourBLUzine,” and in 2020, Vinyle zine came about. All of these names symbolized Black people pivoting themselves to where they wanted to be, when they had come from nothing. I had gone through hurdles in life but never faltered, because I always knew I have it in me to keep going. When I see Black people’s art, I think of the stories they’re telling. Whether it’s music or dance, or even fashion designers and stylists. They all serve a purpose —to articulate their stories through their styles. I see that in every piece of artwork that speaks to my soul. Vinyle is meant to articulate the soul of Black folks through their art. All ideas start with a muse. Black people have a muse which sparks the idea of what their next masterpiece will be.

VINYLE zine

They pencil it out, and then boom, it’s out for us to download and listen to, or wear on our backs, or purchase as the next literary Gold Medal. We tell stories through our mediums of art which in turn conveys the way our soul is set up. Even trap music has a soul to it. I’ve suffered plenty, gained plenty, loved many and lost some. But none of it has deterred me from being a powerful phenomenal woman. Vinyle zine has helped me to learn to give and take. To exchange energy evenly. I give you the mic and you give me the message.

VINYLE zine

I paint the imagery through the essence you —as the artist —give to me. We perform our roles our best because we want to succeed individually and holistically —as a Black community. I embody the stories I tell of each Black artist because we all have an origin story which catalyzed our journeys. Vinyle zine isn’t the start of my story, but it is a part of the story that helps me to articulate my soul. 

- Kandice "KRF" Fowlkes

Kandice Fowlkes 
Chief Vinyle zine
English Professor
BA English, Clark Atlanta University
MA Professional Writing, Kennesaw State University
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