a nod to the serial publication

I grew up pouring over National Geographic magazine. I would be the first in my family to read it, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next issue and the inevitably eye-opening images. It was only in my adolescence that I actually read the articles and I am pretty sure they contributed to the formation of my world view. It is clear to me that NG took me out of my suburban world and led me to contemplate the interconnectedness of the planet. I began to think about more than my backyard and family woes. The world expanded and I expanded right along with it.

Nowadays, I have an internal debate about magazines that leaves me relatively indecisive about their purchase. Consumption and paper use aside, there is something in their being that speaks to my desire to be current and connected, and share ideas and creativity. I really enjoy reading articles, mostly in libraries, and will rarely part with a magazine I have gone so far as to buy. I will read articles that resonate with me several times and keep my eyes open for certain writers whose style and subject matter engage me. Magazines that have finally timed out are mined for images and text, leading them to a new life in my sketch book.

So why all the expounding on serial publications? Because there are two that have me under their spell and I want to introduce them to you.

It is incredibly rare to find an articulate, thoughtful, aesthetically conscious, artistically inspired treatise that speaks both from the heart and the head. Orion is just such a magazine. I have been collecting it for years and what began as a flirtation with beautiful cover imagery quickly developed into a deep love affair founded on shared values, feelings of responsibility and a love of beauty. Orion is devoid of advertising, which means it is funded by those of us who buy it and donate to the Orion Society. It has survived in this format and the result is a seamless interface of art, prose and poetry. Orion ‘is an influential forum for re-imagining humanity’s relationship to nature, culture, and place, featuring America’s foremost writers and artists.’

I confess a love of design and craft and typography. And, of course, art.  So, what publication takes all of these loves and rolls them up into one sensuous package? Uppercase. I realize that these creative folks have already put out 6 issues and that most people have discovered this delightful magazine out of Calgary but I had to take a moment to mention that it is well worth a look. The magazine industry has been gasping, (or so we’re told) and we have lost some stalwarts of the serial world. My mother is still mourning the loss of Gourmet. Then comes a sprightly little magazine, full of inspiration and whimsy. It is the literary equivalent of a dark chocolate mousse topped with real whipped cream and tangy raspberries and rose petals straight from the garden. Eccentric, enchanting, varied and a visual treat.

Enjoy.

Success, your comment is awaiting moderation.