Volume 4, Issue 5
Issue 5 of Volume 4 centers nature and the environment. The natural world is at times nurturing, at times dangerous. We, too, spring from our environment: how alike we are, and yet, how dissimilar.
Collage artist Kathy Bruce addresses some of those similarities in “Homage to von Humbolt,” imagining a fantastical portrait of the naturalist Alexander von Humbolt.
Similarly, in her untitled mixed-media artwork, Despy Boutris explores a relationship–to nature, to self, and to another–the excitement and fear that arises like wildfires.
Beth Copeland’s poems, “Owning a Hawk Feather is Illegal,” and “Lady Bug, Lady Bug, Fly Away Home,” also explore relationships through the lens of the natural world: how can we work together in this time of environmental crisis?
A small town in Tennessee must grapple with a young woman’s disappearance in Robert K. Pearcey’s woods-dark mystery, “The Disappearance of Sara Lang.”
Lastly, the lyrical “Cloudeater” by Srijani Ganguly follows a child with an independent streak and a strong curiosity about the world around him.
Book Reviews
Interviews
Art & Photography
River Daughters I | Visual Art
“In the Yorubá tradition of mother Africa, the river goddess Oshun is the incorporation of love, fertility and sensuality, she is the essence and the nectar of life, the protector and guardian of women and children, along with her sister Yemaya that rules over the seas. To understand the beauty of women is to honour her daughters, their vitality, intelligence and caring and nourishing abilities.”
You Belong to Me | Visual Art
“You belong to me is a colorful piece with man and woman. The man holds the woman’s heart in his hand. Is this love? Possession cannot be defined as love, except by the possessor. The bright colors offset the theme of this painting.
It doesn’t depict violence as its true definition, but it is more than implied.”
Pandemic Engulfment | Visual Art
“My current paintings explore appropriating elements from Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, Color Field painting and Dream Work. It is my intent to empower the viewer’s mind, imagination and soul. Each time you engage with these images you find new interpretations; one minute they are eyes then planets or just shapes.”