Huck 48 - The Origins Issue
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Janette Beckman (cover)

For the past decade we’ve met creative doers, both iconic and unknown, at the forefront of DIY culture who’ve shared invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. Their stories inspire; their work impacts our world. Now, as we near our fiftieth issue, we’re ready to dig even deeper into the engine of creativity that these people helped ignite. We want to ask bigger questions — about how they made their mark, and where indie culture is heading — so that readers can walk away inspired to strike out on their own.
Our journey kicks off with The Origins Issue, a celebration of new beginnings, former lives and authentic roots.
Join us as we learn from:
Janette Beckman: The British photographer looks back on her days on the cultural frontline, documenting the birth of punk and hip hop and its transatlantic spread.
Clayton Patterson: The rebel photographer on how New York City lost its way.
Jamie Brisick: A former pro surfer reflects on the birth of an obsession – sparked by a 1970s lime green skateboard – that has stayed with him since day one and shaped his path through life.
Gilles Peterson: From pirate radio to world music stage, deejay and champion of fusion sound reflects on his early days.
Chuck Ragan: From Hot Water Music to solo folk, the punk pioneer opens up about a chequered period in his teens.
Ishita Malaviya: India’s first female surfer ushers in a new worldview.
Sinkane: From Sudan to Ohio via Utah, Sinkane frontman Ahmad Gallab contemplates the meaning of home.
iO Tillet Wright: Bashing stereotypes and homophobia one image at a time, LA photographer iO Tillet Wright reveals her hidden past.
Christopher Owens: From indie darling to gospel cowboy, Chris Owens’ religious background is more radical than most.
Geoff McFetridge on Saul Steinberg: The graphic artist waxes lyrical on his kindred spirit from another time.
Plus…
New Voices of Kosovo: Pristina’s pioneers of indie culture share their thoughts on why independence matters in their city more than most.
Ferguson – A Special Report: How deep do the roots of institutional racism run?
Personal Photo Essays: Diana Markosian and Pete Pin retrace their roots.
Cannabis BC – Huck Investigates: Vancouver’s friendly marijuana grow-ops are about to get a corporate takeover. Huck meets the activists, growers and investors on the frontline of the debate. Will bottom-lines or blazing rule supreme?
And much, much more…
Join us as we take a step back before jumping into the unknown. Subscribe today to make sure you don’t miss another issue in the series. Buy The Origins Issue in the Huck Shop now.
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Written by: Hannah Bentley

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Written by: Isaac Muk

Rahim Fortune’s dreamlike vision of the Black American South
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Written by: Miss Rosen

Why Katy Perry’s space flight was one giant flop for mankind
Galactic girlbossing — In a widely-panned, 11-minute trip to the edge of the earth’s atmosphere, the ‘Women’s World’ singer joined an all-female space crew in an expensive vanity advert for Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains its apocalypse indicating signs.
Written by: Emma Garland

Katie Goh: “I want people to engage with the politics of oranges”
Foreign Fruit — In her new book, the Edinburgh-based writer traces her personal history through the citrus fruit’s global spread, from a village in China to Californian groves. Angela Hui caught up with her to find out more.
Written by: Katie Goh