Edition 304

Weather is beautiful, surprising and often confounding. This photo essay examines the changing climate, and the art that it inspires.

Also in this issue:

‘Wham Bam Poetry Slam’: Maxine Clark braves the world of competitive poetry; Anthony Morris talks to Adam Zwar, co-creator of SBS’s Wilfred, about the release of his first feature film; and ‘Sorry Camp’: a sombre update from Felix Clark (‘Clouds Over the Desert’, Ed#294), working at a remote Aboriginal community school.

Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Aaron …

The Big Issue is a general interest magazine sold by vendors
around Australia. It is not a political magazine, a religious magazine or a
magazine aligned to any cause or campaign. It is a magazine with a national
readership that is both fast-growing (up 10% last year) and remarkably
diverse. It is read by teenagers; also read by people in their 70s… and
above.

Our contributors come from all age-groups and demographics. They, and
a small core of regular contributors, help put together a magazine that aims
at being lively, interesting, provocative, entertaining… and seldom dull!
We are also …

Edition 303

Cover story: Sleep Stalking

If you think sleeping is simple, you’re dreaming. Romy Ash and Melissa Cranenburgh seek some answers about what goes on when you nod off.

Also in this issue:

‘Forging Iron Man’: Guy Davis talks to director Jon Favreau about the softer side of Iron Man, and Jake Avila discovers it’s never too late to catch a wave in ‘Not Drowning, Surfing’.

Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Richard from Adelaide. We also have ‘Streetsheet’ contributions from AnneMarie from Sydney and Brendan …

Edition 301

Acclaimed actress Kerry Armstrong talks to Alan Attwood about her new ABC TV series, being ‘difficult’ and why she wants Tilda Swinton to retire.

Also in this issue:

In ‘The Real Ryan’ Gaynor Flynn talks to Ryan Gosling star of Lars and the Real Girl, a film about an awkward introvert who has a real-life relationship with a blow-up doll.

In ‘Homeless, not hopeless’: youth homelessness is in the spotlight – thanks to a new report and documentary. But has anything changed?

And in ‘Roving …

Edition 300

It’s our 300th birthday! We celebrate with messages, poems and praise from vendors, memories from past and present team members and a look back at some of our favourite, and sometimes controversial, covers.

Also in this issue:

Shaun Micallef ponders anniversaries and his parents’ marriage in ‘My Word’; Second Time Around’ – Anthony Morris talks to Australian director Peter Carstairs about the delayed success of his first feature-length film September; ‘Girl Empower’ – writer Emily Maguire on why the fight for gender equality will continue …

Edition 299

Four people share their experiences of mental illness: what it means to have it; finding the strength to beat it; and the reality of living with it – a carer’s anger, guilt and brief moments of optimism.

Also in this issue:

‘Close to Home’ – Rochelle Siemienowicz talks to director Elissa Down about her debut feature film The Black Balloon, a funny and authentic portrayal of a family struggling with their autistic child; ‘Loudon Clear’ – musician Loudon Wainwright III on acting, gynaecology and the family business; and Michael Corridore takes the camera off the spectacle and onto the spectators with intriguing results in ‘Roving Eye’.

Edition 298

The gap year – time out between education and work – is becoming increasingly popular among young people. Anna Krien reports on what has become a viable personal and career option, and finds out what it means to different people. And Brianna Summers shares her experience as a cleaning lady, souvenir ‘intern’ and telemarketer on a working holiday in Berlin.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Kong Quest’, Anthony Morris talks to film producer Ed Cunningham about The King of Kong: …

“Good morning”, “g’day”, “hello”. These are my greetings to the ‘passbyers’ as I stand on my pitch at CERES, Piedemontes and the Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne.

While I stand at my pitch, I may have a quiet hour in terms of how many mags I sell, but I’m flat-out giving and receiving smiles and warmth. I’m making millions, no trillions. I’m filthy rich!

There really can be a beautiful spirit in humanity, and I’m one of the lucky ones to experience this caring nature of people. I feel special and I feel privileged …

At the top of Arthur’s Seat
With her long flowing hair
And colourful dress
She is complete.
I take a photo of her
So it isn’t all a blur.
She leans back
And the wind takes her hair anywhere.
For her to be with me,
It is nice to be.

This poem is about Owen’s late wife, Annie. They were married for 11 years.
Owen sells The Big Issue in Melbourne.

I will never make it as a wise woman.
This is how you remind me of who I really am?
I’ve been to the bottom of every bottle, script, syringe,
Anything really as long as I don’t
Have to think of the words you put in my head,
It must have been really bad for you
Living with me must have been hell for you
So you beat me, and over a long period of time
You make me paranoid, antisocial, scared, intimidated,
No sense of feeling. YOU WIN. I feel that way today!
You say you love me and …