By Laurie Donaldson
Quandary: a state of perplexity or doubt. I am perplexed and doubtful about so much of how the world is turning, the lack of action about climate change, the rise of the right, the increasing power and wealth in the hands of the few, the last people on this planet you would want to have it. This makes it difficult to feel confident about the future, to consider hope an option. But what is the choice, to give up, to huddle under the duvet, to over-refresh, to deny yourself the very idea of optimism?
It is from this confusing limbo between despair and clear-eyed positivity that this new magazine has been born. A disparate group of people with an interest in writing, art and culture joined together to create something they would enjoy, and became friends. It is out of this growing bond that a magazine that celebrates rather than bemoans, that wants to hold the good things up to the light and share them with others, is being announced. We are united in the belief that self-expression, an eye for beauty, an interest in how creating new writing, new art, new music, new photography, and sharing it with others, can help others feel part of something, that over-used but suitable word: community.
It is our hope that this liminal magazine will flourish, not like weeds at the side of a well-worn track being ignored by people rushing headlong into the next thing they must do, but as a place for self-realisation, for seeking out notions that will flourish in the light.
Liminal is about ambiguity and uncertainty, and these are good things – it is better to be able to evolve or just change your mind about stuff than to be closed to different experiences. Transition is key, it is where the potential lies, and our wee magazine has the proud ambition to be part of this discovery, for those who submit their precious work to us and those who want to find original perspectives about splendour.
As a collective, we have decided on hope, that improving ourselves and locating the authenticity within is the best way forward. To ignore the bigger picture, all the crap we can’t affect, and to use our talents to offer you, our gorgeous reader, the chance to savour something new. None of us have ever published a magazine before, we are learning as we go along, but isn’t that what life is all about? Sit back, listen to the tide susurrate, the piping of oystercatchers and call of the curlew, seek small scurrying things in our artistic rock pools, above all breathe and be aware of your breath, find time to enjoy the whispers of those around you, and say welcome to your liminal self.