1455’s annual State of the Art issue was an absolute mic drop: packed with content, insight, and art. If you’ve not yet reviewed this issue, set aside a few hours and dig in: you’ll discover fresh insights from Jon Madof, who has not only deftly navigated the ceaselessly changing music business, but become a tour guide for other independent musicians; we talk to best-selling author, co-founder of A Mighty Blaze, and our 2022 StoryFest Keynote Speaker Jenna Blum about how writers can help themselves get paid; we hear (and see) what’s going on in the world of freelance photography, courtesy of award-winning Matt Mendelsohn; we get deep into how the academic and workshop environments are changing, and why it’s less necessary than ever for students to pursue an MFA, and we glean the insights from Futurist and best-selling author Shawn DuBravac, who will guide us through the complex and impactful world of AI—and beyond, letting us know what to beware of and watch out for. And, as always, we are delighted to showcase a variety of poets and visual artists, who remind us why all these conversations are so critical.
Due to busy schedules, time differentials, and a couple of last minute conflicts, what was shaping up to be a crowded, if enthralling, event turned into an intimate poetry reading. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, if life throws you a curveball, read poetry (in fact, no matter what life throws at you, read poetry!). It was an absolutely delight to open up the floor to two gifted poets whose work appears in this issue: Lisken Van Pelt Dus and Gay Giordano. I also read a poem by our featured writer James Allen Hall, and a bonus reading from the dearly departed William Matthews.
Please enjoy, and spread the word!
