Container is a publication project that brings together a wide range of work by nonbinary creatives from around the world, paired alongside their unique experiences of gender and life outside the binary. Each of the four editions (so far) are designed with empathy in mind, allowing the submissions to create the format instead of confining them to boxes.
The exhibition-style zine provides a unique space solely for nonbinary people. Mars Hutton, Container’s founder tells us; “Often our spaces are shared with other genders (which has its own time and place, of course) but I have found it rare to find an exclusively nonbinary space. Creating my own has brought people together, opened up conversations around the term, and helped people of binary genders understand us a little better.”
Every copy of Container has had various handmade aspects; the 2023 edition was a screen printed and folded sheet of A1 paper, and all 60 copies of the latest edition have been hand-bound with yarn that echoes the cover designs and pieces inside. “As a one-person operation, it’s a fair amount of work to take on, but it comes from a place of passion. I want people to understand the breadth of nonbinary experiences, and for their fellow creative community to be promoted and supported by the publication,” says Mars.
Considering this, Container is a not-for-profit project, with all proceeds being split between charities or being saved to produce the next edition. Participants are also given a 50% discount to thank them for providing their work. The price of each copy is as low as possible to help with financial accessibility, and scans or photographs of every page are available to read on Mars’ website as a free option.
“Considering the design aspects for each edition has been an enjoyable challenge, balancing the page space between images and information,” comments Mars. In recent editions, the zine has been accompanied by information cards or a separate mini-zine, providing insight into each work and their creators, and adding another tactile element to the project.
A new challenge arose in edition four when a piece depicting genitalia was submitted (“I was surprised it hadn’t happened before now!”), and providing readers with an option to consent to seeing it was as important as ensuring the phrasing didn’t alienate the piece or the participant. After getting the go-ahead from the artist, Mars’s solution was to print sticky notes with a simple design, covering the image and explaining why, and being removable and replaceable over time. These considerations align with Mars’s values of “creating meaningful impact” in their graphic design practice.
Edition four is home to the work of 24 participants using a range of media, from embroidery to digital animation. Each submission refers to the theme ‘comfort’ in their own way, expressed through joy, love, tears, and gender euphoria. Every piece that is submitted, as long as it fits within the guidelines, is used in the final publication. Mars comments; “I have found that the quality of work is consistently beautiful and skilful, and I hope to include everyone’s submissions in the annual editions for as long as possible (the only barrier being page space).” They encourage submissions from any creative practice feeling that any art form can be translated onto a printed page. Previous submissions include the works of musicians and poets, sculptors, photographers, and more.
Combining and experimenting with media and practices is important to Mars’ creative output. For example, in edition four of Container, Mars explored hand-knitting the cover design. This further resonates with the theme of ‘comfort’ in a literal way with the use of soft fabric, made in a comforting rhythm over time.
If you’re interested in being part of the next edition, keep an eye on the Container Instagram page (@container.indd). If you’d like to purchase a copy of your own, Container copies are available here, and requests from stockists are welcomed – contact Mars at fifthmars5@gmail.com.
Want to know more about our membership? Give us an email at members@peopleofprint.com.
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