- Sarah Anderson
- Michelle Bodnar
- David Bynoe
- Cowpuncher
- John Creary
- Fidgital
- Diana Fox
- Dale Lee Kwong
- Christopher Lawrence
- Caroline Pelletier
- Wendi Seskus-James
- Matt Smith
- Chad Williamson
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splinterswerve
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
splinterswerve.hotmail.com
Last Updated February 27, 2008
The dark. That's the theme of this issue of splinterswerve for the obvious reason of the season, at least for those of us that live in the northern hemisphere. The dredges of winter are almost over, however, and the days are getting longer. Every day, a little more light. But the days of darkness are not without their purpose.
Many of us withdraw a little from our social lives, become a little more introspective, go inside of ourselves and see what's there. We need this time to reflect, or even to just be. To let things percolate. For artists, the dark is an important part of creating, this going inside, exploring. And it is within the formlessness of the dark that ideas come to light (form).
Like outer space, stars, planets, galaxies are created out of what seems to be the dark. This reminds me of our moon that recently underwent an eclipse. And even in her lightness that lights up the night sky, she goes through her phases, from newness to fullness. She is always there, even when eclipsed. And if it wasn't for the dark, we would never get to see her wonderous luminosity.
In this issue: Dale Lee Kwong, the Calgary winner of the 2008 CBC Poetry Face-off contributes her poem that earned her accolades in January (and you can vote for her to help her win the National title). Exploring the depths and dark of her history has her all fired up, lighting her way from Genesis to Revelations.
I also interviewed Ryan Slemko from electronic pop band Fidgital as he talks about how the dark encourages him to create in a very inspiring way, with examples from their new album Departure. There's some local music you should check out too from Cowpuncher and Ginsberg's Inkling. And don't miss David Bynoe, a Calgary artist who explores the play of light through sculpture. Your firing synapses are sure to blow your toque off.
A special thank you goes to Dale Lee Kwong and Matt Smith for their help with edits this issue. splinterswerve appreciates your comments and your contributions. If you would like to submit material, please visit the submit page.
Wendi Seskus-James, editor
ps splinterswerve is now an official serial publication! check out the issn number under the masthead.
"The brain within its groove runs evenly and true...let a splinter swerve."
(Emily Dickenson)