Breahna Upton

Long Beach

Bio

Growing up half Black and half Polynesian, I've never seen someone quite like me in the spaces I found myself in. Instead of finding power in that, I have to admit that I felt a lot of shame. I've had to do a lot of work on myself to better understand who I am and find pride in it, and zines have played a huge part. The creation of my zines started out as a way to heal those parts of me that felt misunderstood, unworthy, and unacceptable.

Being able to make tangible art to represent all the crazy emotions I was feeling allowed me to grow, reflect, and understand my place in the world. I love seeing how my zines have evolved into creations of self-love, pride, and acceptance and I'm so happy to share that side of me with other people.

Zines

Sad Bitch Zine, $3.00 - Journey with Breahna as she explores the more emotions involved with sadness while also being a Black woman navigating through the art world. The main question explored throughout this piece is "How is Pain Measured?" Buy here.

You Kinda Suck, $6.00 - This collection of poems and short essays touch on topics such as platonic love, Breahna's love/hate relationship with The Smiths, and the mixed race experience. Buy here.

Your Dyslexia is Showing, $2.00. Mini zine featuring poems and haikus regarding the artists journey and friendship. Buy here.

Other Work

I also sell handmade stickers that primarily focus on Defunding the Police and the Black Lives Matter movement. I make these stickers in hopes it will aid other people to have important conversations with their friends and family about police brutality, systemic racism, the BLM movement and more! I love creating stickers because they are such a great way to spread a message and give everyone the shared responsibility of enlightening others with their meaning. To check them out, please visit my Etsy shop.

Links, Social, & Support

Website: www.brestinyprintshop.com

Social media: @kawaiianhawaiian on Instagram

Venmo: @kawaiianhawaiian