When we began our 2020 VoiceCatcher submission season, we had no idea what the world would look like as we moved toward publication of the issue. We are continually impressed by the resilience of artists. For some of us on the VoiceCatcher management team, the past year has been arduous—stressful to the point of banishing our ability to create. That’s why we believe this issue is one of the most important VoiceCatcher has ever published. For some of the individuals published in this issue, and indeed for many of our readers, creation is a necessity: they can’t not create. And for others in this issue, and among our readers, creation is a conscious choice: they see what’s in front of them and insist, “There must be something more.” Some hear the call to make something and seek it out. Some become their own call. Both deserve and have our profound respect.
With this time of physical distancing and uncertainty, we are so overjoyed to share these pieces that bring hope and beauty to our world. This issue reminds us that art begets art. The call to create spreads and ignites something fierce in us, something we may have thought was lost.
We hope the pieces in this issue bring you joy, peace, catharsis, and inspiration. They certainly have for us.
Happy reading!
Julie Swearingen
Michele Ford
VoiceCatcher Managing Ediors