Taking Shape — Imprint Magazine

In this issue of Imprint we invited writers and artists into conversation about the people and forces that form us, and the choices we make to shape our own lives. They prompt us to consider what is happening in front of our eyes, even as our modern distractions hinder us from looking with appreciation or listening to each other’s stories with care. How might we change our lives by shifting our attention? Their creative work says hard things; it invites us to play, reflect, and absorb beauty. The result is an issue that strives to be worthy of our readers’ attention and to give wealth in return, rather than take it.

Read the Letter from the Editor

Living Work-Free

I took a year of early “retirement” after being laid off, but discovered that my old habits of productivity tied to self-worth were hard to leave behind.

The Making of Me

Words spoken suddenly switched on lights that blazed
in a universe bright now where night once ruled before verbs and nouns
pronounced sky and sea as separate then announced a new world as “good,”

These Are the Good OId Times

With the busyness of everyday life, the constant demands of work and family, it’s an easy default to do instead of to be.

From Nothing

From ages past, first to last, everlasting to everlasting,
the Ancient of Days, more ancient than days,
clothes of thunder and eyes ablaze.
A wind is gently blowing now; a divine breath exhaled.

Within and Without

An artist reflects on the struggle of creative work, a battle with materials and with his own self through which an expression of courage takes shape.

Mountains

Although I couldn’t see it at the time, God was making a way. It didn’t feel like summiting the mountain, the hard work and new heights that proved I was moving forward. It felt more like walking through a dark valley carved through the heart of my sorrow.

The Lightest Anchor

A writer tells a there and back again story about finding the unexpected and the new perspective it taught her.

Welcoming Myself Home

My childhood home rests on a mountainside in northern Mexico empty and abandoned from years of warring cartels. My dad built the house with the intent of building a church within its walls, and he saw that vision through. Every time I turn from my kitchen sink, I turn and see in my mind’s eye a house full of humble people meeting on a Sunday afternoon.

Now It Springs Forth

In the early days, he told me: live your life.
Laborious days after death, audacity of a child
I reach for his blessing, and scarce can catch my breath.

Taking Shape Issue Team

Joel Faber, Lead Editor
Karlo Matt Rian Ong, Layout Editor

Readers: Isabella Soares, Kelly Meagher, Sharon Lam, Kan Cheung, Kaye Ann Caronogan, John Mani, Noella Kalenga

Contributors

Kristine Amundrud, Erin Blake, Vilma Blenman, David Cade, Kan Cheung, Jen McNaughton, Kelly Anne Meagher, Kyle Simpson, Aaron Sun, Joanne Yau