Alas,
it has only been two brief months since our last sojourn into artistic,
literary, and musical eclecticism, and yet I yearn for more. I have
been overwhelmed repeatedly by the response to TAR, both in
terms of submissions and kind words thrown in my general direction. I
would like to thank everyone who submitted their creativity for my
viewing and reading pleasure – and it is always a pleasure – as well as those who have contributed financially to our burgeoning publication. Gracias, gracias por todo.
I also wish to thank all of the publicity personnel and friends who
have been kind enough to provide me with review copies of books and CDs
over the past year and a half. (Keep ‘em coming!) And, as always, thank
you to the artists, poets, and musicians whose work is featured herein.
You all make this labor of love worthwhile!There are always changes afoot at TAR since I’m really just making this up as I go along. Finding quality short stories has always been a difficult task, so yet again there are none in this issue (as has happened more often than not in past issues). Poetry, as a passion, far outranks fiction for me, and short stories really have to grab me by the throat before I want to publish them. Artwork is another story entirely. I’ve been terribly pleased with the art submissions we’ve received of late. TAR: Winter 2006 features a particularly diverse collection including the vibrant paintings and photographs of our featured artist Hernando Rico Sanchez. (You may remember a few examples of Hernando’s work from the Fall issue.) The Winter issue also includes quilts by another of my favorite artists, Amy Bouse, as well as the art of Freda Hirsch, Ben Navaee, Lara Chauvin, Ann Naylor, Andrea Cukier, and William Auten. As always, Winter 2006 features a delectable smorgasbord of poetry, including works by Rick Alley, Kevin Estrada, Molly Sunderdick, Jeanpaul Ferro, Liz Riseden, Gill McEvoy, Erie Chapman, Margarita Engle, and our old friend Bill Cowee. In my portion of the magazine, you’ll find reviews of CDs by Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart, Calexico, Charlie Sexton, Daniel Lanois, and my good friend Matt Morrow, as well as another of my little rants – this one called “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding?”
This issue is dedicated to my friends, without whom my life would be far less enjoyable...Steve, Annette, Jim C., Jeff, Sarge, J., Marybeth, Lisey, Kris, Gillian, Keith, Bruce, the Great Scotts, Liz and Liz, Ang, Nicolee, Adam, Turk, Joey, Clement (et Octave, naturellement), Caroline, Gary, and Lada (who inspired “Peace, Love, and Understanding”)...And to all of the readers who have made the first year and a half of TAR a success.
Be well,
Tracy