Sarahfina Fore died earlier this year, but there’s still a shrine with fresh flowers and a poster board documenting memories of them outside Wasted Ink Zine Distro in Phoenix — a sign that the teacher and member of the creative community will not soon be forgotten.
Fore’s dear friend Charissa Lucille has a remembrance.
On how they met
Sarahfina and I met at a house show in Tempe, probably in 2013 or 2014. And they were personing the door and, you know, collecting cash donations and checking people in. And that was often a role that I saw them in — kind of the, the greeter of an event or a group, to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable right off the bat.
On their contribrutions to the zine world
They did so many things. They volunteered with many local organizations and groups, including Trunk Space and Girls Rock Phoenix, and was heavily involved with Wasted Ink Zine Distro and our local Phoenix Zine Fest, as well.
They made a few small mini zines that were about mindfulness and being shy, and mixtures and tinctures for sleeping better. Kind of all the mini zines that you would want in your collection to help you feel more seen and loved.
On their presence
Sarahfina was almost an ethereal person. They were quite tall and had a laugh that would echo throughout every room or building they were in. And wherever Sarahfina was, there was almost this cloud of scent following them that they had custom mixed at home with dandelions and herbs and teas and tinctures to make themselves smell however they wanted to represent that day. And it kind of clung into their long hair and followed them everywhere they went.
Their typical greeting was a compliment, right away, kind of mirroring your energy, your attitude, saying, "My goodness, you look radiant today." And followed by the most warm embrace you've maybe ever experienced, they would just wrap you up in this big deep hug. And I think those hugs will always stay with me.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Sarahfina Fore's name.
