The Relief staff is churning out the next issue as quickly as possible, so we’ve got some great announcements coming at you this week starting with the cover (right) and presales.

The cover was created by artist Sandra Bowden, and we’ve got an interview with her below, but first…

Presales are now available!

As of right now, you can pre-order Relief Issue 5.2 for $11.47—25% less than retail. This offer is only available for the next few weeks we wrap up the production of the issue. Don’t miss this opportunity to save a few bucks and receive 5.2 immediately after the journal has been printed. To pre-order, just click the Add to Cart button below.

An Interview with Sandra Bowden

Relief: Tell us a little about “Crossing” the painting featured on our cover for issue 5.2.

Sandra: The official description reads:

This small encaustic contrasts the vibrant textured red “X” or “cross” that strides across the face of the painting to the glow of the gilded surface.

I did it originally for my granddaughter’s eighteenth birthday. I wanted to create a cross that had dynamic movement, boldness, yet was subtle at the same time. The texture of the work demands attention, and the contrast of the red against the gold surface of the background adds dimension.

Relief: Much of your art has an obviously Christian bent to it. How would you describe the relationship between your faith and your artistic practice?

Sandra: The relationship between my faith and my art has always been intertwined. The works that I have created and the series of works that have emerged are a visual record of my intellectual and spiritual journey over the last 50 years. I follow the work, let it ask the questions, and then I search for the next piece as an answer to the questions and possibilities that the previous one has prompted, both artistically and spiritually.

Relief: What gets you excited about art and/or “Christian” art today?

Sandra: Here is something that i just wrote for Transpositions, a blog in England:

In 1980, I promised God that if it did not have to do with faith and art, then I would not do it. That decision has given me great freedom to be involved in Christians in the Visual Arts and the Museum of Biblical Art, along with continuing to be a practicing artist and a serious collector of religious art. All of these efforts are aimed at helping the church reclaim the arts. For over 20 years CIVA has offered an array of traveling exhibits of historical and contemporary art to churches, colleges, and seminaries, and as a result several hundred church related galleries have come into existence during that time. Mobia has mounted some of the most significant religious art exhibitions in the United States, receiving remarkable reviews. Our personal collection continues to grow and is loaned out to institutions as a way to engage people in the visual arts. Each of these efforts offers experiences and opportunities to expand understanding and appreciation of the arts. These are only a few of the many organizations, websites, blogs, symposiums and conferences that have sprung up to explore new ways of engaging the arts in the community of faith. There is a movement that is reviving the visual arts in the life of the church and it is very exciting.

Now Accepting Graphic Narratives, Images, and Interviews!

Issue 5.1 has shipped, and the submission period for issue 5.2 opened May 1. New work is already flowing in, meaning our editors are starting to think about all the work they have to do again.

This issue we’re excited to try out some new content, so we’re announcing here that Relief will now accept graphic narratives and images for consideration. This is an experiment, so we won’t run anything if we don’t find work that meets our standards, but we’re optimistic that through this site and word-of-mouth (that means you) we can find some great stuff.

This will make Relief, as far as we know, the only place you’ll be able to find graphic narrative of a Christian/spiritual bent. There are others doing images, but we think there are plenty more great artists out there whose work needs a home.

We will also be accepting queries for author interviews. Guidelines for this new content can be found on our Submissions page.

Thank You Christopher Fisher

Over the years, Relief has been stewarded by some amazing people, all of whom have served our literary vision as volunteer staff. This journal is a labor of love, and few have given their hearts as Christopher Fisher has, first as a Relief author (and Pushcart nominee), then as our Fiction Editor (there was dancing and woohoo-ing when he accepted the position), and finally as Relief‘s Editor-in-Chief. Whether as an author or editor, he has been an asset to this journal, so it is with sadness that I must announce his resignation.

In this next season of life, Christopher will be focusing his considerable talent on building his editing consultation business and returning to his own long-neglected creative writing. As much as we hate to see him go, we must admit that the world needs his writing, and we’re grateful for the chances we’ve had to publish his work. His final issue (at least as Relief staff, though hopefully not as a Relief author) will soon be shipping, so make sure you’ve ordered your copy!

A New Role for Brad Fruhauff

With the position of Editor-in-Chief open, ccPublishing’s Board of Directors was quick at work to find a replacement, since we will begin accepting submissions for issue 5.2 in just a few weeks. After careful deliberation, Brad Fruhauff, Relief‘s Poetry Editor, will be stepping in as interim Editor-in-Chief. Brad will continue his hard work as Poetry Editor, but he has agreed to take on the extra responsibilities until a permanent replacement has been found.

Issue 5.1 to Print and Shipping Soon!

You’ve been waiting patiently, and we’ve appreciated it. We’re very excited about this issue, and we can’t wait to start packing them to send to you. If you haven’t purchased one yet, you’ve only got one week to take advantage of the presale price–$11.95 (20% off retail).  Order now >>

LoveRelief Update

We know you love Relief. It’s the reason that you’re even reading this right now. But if you really love Relief, we’d appreciate it if you helped support us. As a non profit organization, we run off of donations and sales. All donations go right into operating costs. With a full volunteer staff, every dollar put into Relief can be seen either on this website or in our print materials. We’ve got less than 3 weeks to meet our goal of $1,500, and we still believe it is possible, but only if you make your mind up to click on the “ChipIn” button on the right.