What is CRYSTAL AND FLAME?
CRYSTAL AND FLAME is an experimental art writing journal, dedicated to bridging gaps in the cultural community. The journal will feature interviews with artists across mediums and cultures; speculative art writing that shakes up the way we understand what art writing can do and be; ekphrasis; divination projects; poetry; and opportunities for our audience to engage with our writers and editors directly. We are creating opportunities for circular engagement between staff and readership for the purpose of opening the site of discourse and recasting writing and thinking as shared, collaborative, and community acts.
What is our mission?
CRYSTAL AND FLAME exists to democratize arts discourse and expand representation in arts publishing by creating a platform for experimental art writing, public events, and workshops. Central to our mission is our intent to transform how arts ecosystems value artists and writers, empower public conversation about art, and instigate just labor standards in literary publishing.
In times of heightened social upheaval, language is often used against us, feeding conflicts and causing separation. Art offers medicine and answers for the problems we face. When we experience limitations in our ability to access art, whether because of economic, geographic, or other disparities, then our ability to expand our relationships and understanding can also become limited. CRYSTAL AND FLAME’s purpose is to uphold artworks that demand to be written about, create a megaphone for their transmissions, and bring artists and their audiences closer together.
Why is the project called CRYSTAL AND FLAME?
In Six Memos for the Next Millennium, the Italian writer Italo Calvino wrote that all contemporary art and architecture could be symbolically categorized as belonging to crystal (representing the height of organizational power via the principles of crystal structures), or flame (representing the catalytic transformation available through intense heat). We welcome debate about this notion. The idea is intended as a playful entry for anyone to engage debate about art, regardless of their experience. We intend to instigate a new approach to creative-critical debate by creating a formal yet approachable discourse. Does the viewer categorize a given art work crystal or flame? Based on what? Aesthetics? Emotionality? Sensorial experience? Color? Each subject that CRYSTAL AND FLAME writers cover will be sorted into a category by the journal’s staff; the public will be invited to disagree and debate.
How can I get involved?
We are seeking donors to support our start up costs. If you would like to learn more about the project, or if you are interested in funding a particular aspect of the work, please reach out to Maura: maura@crystalandflame.com. Thank you in advance for your interest and support.
If you are a writer or editor who thinks you would be a good fit for our project, please share a little bit about yourself and your interest: maura@crystalandflame.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Instagram: @crystalandflame