Jeff Howard
Editor-in-Chief
Black Rock and Sage
It’s generally a good idea to share your biases. Will you be my confessor? I’m not looking for forgiveness, just transparency.
Perhaps it’s a bit shameless of me, but I am the editor-in-chief of Black Rock & Sage, the only magazine on the ISU campus that exclusively publishes the creative work of ISU students, including short fiction, personal essays, poetry, original musical compositions and visual art.
Our magazine thrives because of the many student submissions we receive. I’ve submitted creative work to the magazine a couple of times before becoming the editor; so did other members of our editorial team.
I’d like to discuss the need for creative expression and the importance of participating in an artistic community.
Some students revel in artistic self-expression, but others tend to stay away from it. Reasons might include indifference, inherent lack of talent, fear of criticism or judgment or the difficulties of producing art that is really great.
I should also mention that there are other people who do create art but keep it to themselves because they feel embarrassed. If any of those descriptions fit you, please consider this. Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “A few can touch the magic string / and noisy Fame is proud to win them. / Alas for those that never sing, / but die with all their music in them.”
I get that it’s difficult to create something truly great. Sometimes it feels like even making something mediocre would be a moral victory.
In my field of study, I get to hang out with some immensely talented writers who seem to be able to write and create in ways that are way beyond my ability. And yet, when I open my mouth, these people see me as a confidante, a community member, a fellow artist trying to say something original and beautiful. I don’t need to be afraid to share.
Art is about self-expression, but it also involves the ability to communicate personal truths to an audience. Trying to establish this connection between artist and audience brings us together in a way that is a little nerve-wracking at times, but more often it is rewarding and fun.
Sure, I’ve had a lot of rejection, but I’ve experienced acceptance as well, and you have to risk the first to get the second. The nice thing is when acceptance comes, there is nothing quite as electrifying and validating as it can be.
Black Rock & Sage offers a print magazine in which emerging artists can exhibit their creative work. Our submissions period opens in September and stays open until February 14, 2016, and anyone with an interest in creative writing, music and visual art can submit. We also offer an audience of people who care to listen, look, read, understand and sincerely appreciate your artistic efforts.
All submissions go through a rigorous, but anonymous peer-review process, and the ones we think are most ready for publication will appear in the magazine in May.
It may sound ominous and daunting, but it’s really exciting to have your work appear in the magazine alongside other quality pieces of art and know that someone thinks you’ve made something truly great.
So once you have found the courage to share your work, please send it to us. We want to listen.
If you are interested in submitting work to Black Rock & Sage, find out more at our website: http://www.isu.edu/blackrock/submit.shtml
