Prickly Jim

A Collaboration between Sam Stonnell and Lydia Hill

Authors

  • Lydia Hill Freelance Illustrator
  • Sam Stonnell Massey University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/prbt.23915

Keywords:

Metal, Hardcore, Music, Visual Art, Graphic Art, Mixed Media

Abstract

Within this text, we discuss themes that cover the relationship between our personal visual art collaborations and how they relate to the heavy music scene and culture within Aotearoa. We provide background context to the origins of Prickly Jim, and display examples of the type of work we create. We explore the culture of the ‘moshpit’ in relation to our own personal experiences and the wider correspondence it has with our creative output. The pit becomes a perfect metaphor to describe the dichotomy between the aesthetics of metal and metal’s true heart. On the outside, the pit is choreographed violence, intimidating to the uninitiated. On the inside, there is a profound sense of community and belonging. Yes, we punch and shove each other, but it is in a way that could only be described as endearing.

Author Biographies

  • Lydia Hill, Freelance Illustrator

    Lydia Hill is an Honours graduate from Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand. She is currently working as a freelance illustrator and designer for mainly metal music related illustration.

  • Sam Stonnell, Massey University

    Sam Stonnell is a multi-faceted music practitioner and artist from Te Whanganui-A-Tara, Aotearoa. Her research interests lie in different forms of music related transmedia, as well as accessibility within arts and music.

References

Duncombe, Stephen. 2008. Notes from Underground: Zines and the Politics of Alternative Culture. Portland, OR: Microcosm Publishing.

Hayes, Craig. 2013. ‘New Zealand Metal 101: Filth, Squalor and Noise from the Antipodes’. Popmatters.com, 23 January. Online at https://www.popmatters.com/167283-new-zealand-metal-101-2495785273.html.

Jenkins, Henry. 2006. Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York: New York University Press.

Purcell, Natalie J. 2015. Death Metal Music: The Passion and Politics of a Subculture. Jefferson, NC: McFarland Incorporated.

Sinclair, Gary. 2013. Spaces, Emotion and Heavy Metal Subcultural Control: Music Consumption and Civilising Processes. Dublin: Technological University Dublin.

Published

2023-01-31

How to Cite

Hill, L., & Stonnell, S. (2023). Prickly Jim: A Collaboration between Sam Stonnell and Lydia Hill. Perfect Beat, 22(1), 81–86. https://doi.org/10.1558/prbt.23915