Dear Readers,
Fragments of Persephone was conceived with the goal of engaging a dialogue between stereotypical concepts of the feminine and the actuality of it. We sought work exploring intersectionality and personal dichotomies—and hoped for complex, layered examinations of the self. Of body and mind, and one’s many (and changing) perspectives. These writers arrived. The poems collected here not only navigate multitudes of the feminine, but wreak havoc with them. These are honest and unrelenting poems. They mourn, resent, clamor, question, and celebrate. This feature, while scarcely comprehensive, offers a tangible—and wondrous—glimpse into the ever-shifting selves of womanness. I am awed by the candor and mystique, by the profound risks hazarded here in both craft and story.
Astonishing, too, in the result of these poems gathered together in conversation is the tenacious, palpable current—a momentum built entirely of necessity: the writers’ need to speak what so often goes unspoken—or at least unheard. I come away love-struck by the disparate fragments that comprise us, by the dense and complicated beings we each are. And I am both enamored of and challenged by the countless ways we choose to divulge. It has been a joy to work on this project and it is my honor to present Fragments of Persephone.
Best,
Jeanann Verlee
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Dear Readers,
It was an honour for me to participate as the guest editor for Fragments of Persephone, focusing on women and femininity.The works of art featured here were chosen because of their unique way of using the feminine symbolism to portray some of today's women concerns. I was delighted by the intensely personal and private aspects of these images and found very inspiring both the technical dedication and original ideas. How interesting is to follow the evolution of the representation of women in visual art throughout time! Thank you very much to Fragments of Persephone and all the artists for the wonderful experience!
Best,
Alexandra Levasseur