Much like the seasons, the climate of the world is changing. Nonetheless, in these pivotal times, two things are vital to uphold, they must remain a constant in this, our free: the fostering of creative expression and its counterpart, the pursuit of happiness. Society will always need diagnosing— and even remedying—that is where artists come in. Artists are the observers, expressive entities who not only articulate but heal. Now more than ever, the world is in need of such entities, voices who document and translate the shift. With this shift there is also an increasing need to look inward and find the harmony between the micro, ourselves, and the macro, the world around us; and even then the artist is key. It is the artist who leads, and lives, by example. The artist is our existential compass that guides us. This issue is filled with individuals who are intent on finding the answer—an answer that may benefit us in a unique way. These individuals encourage us to find fresh ways of thinking, which what this issue embodies. Book N°5 is highlighting artists with varying, but potent, perspectives; artists who inspire us to recognize the essentials and then use them to build new schools of thought! Cover artist, Neil Grayson, a ‘serial savant’, is a dedicated autodidact who has found a true calling in the arts. Front and center and backed by his new piece poignantly title, “Portrait of America, 2017”, Grayson takes our world with all its potential into a striking interpretations of philosophical possibilities. For Grayson’s shoot, we collaborated with renowned photographer Yelena Yemchuk. Yemchuk, known for her work with the Smashing Pumpkins and popular publications such as Vogue and New Yorker, captures Grayson in his element—concentrated, contemplative, content, shaping his pictorial vision with gusto and a palette knife. The issue also includes Q&A’s with visual artists Harmonia Rosales, Kip Omolade and Emily Miller; features on Esmeralda Kosmatopoulos, Bradley Hart, Stan Squirewell, Jeffrey Allen Price and Ai Campbell; a look at Ali Cavanaugh’s Sock Arms series; and an open letter from Mariá Fernanda Leaño. We take time out to chat with some musical newcomers such as Chi Town’s own Ravyn Lanae, songstress Beccs and Mike Dean’s protege Dice SoHo. And we also put a spotlight on some young fashion labels like L’Enchanteur, WXYZ and SCOGÉ. We’re also glad to have some amazing writers in our Literary Portion. It’s part of our continued culture building mission to pay attention to the medium of contemporary literature as a form of our deepest expressions. So, we hope that you enjoy Book N°5! We hope the content inspires you to embrace your own journey.
Akeem Duncan Editor in Chief
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