Often I joke that I am a jack of all trades, master of none when it comes to visual arts. I love to play at artistry: cartoons here, a painting there. Though I’ve never displayed my own work anywhere, I’ve dabbled enough to know wonderful art when I come across it. Joey Amdahl’s paintings are wonderful. Joey won our art contest because of his unflinching portraiture, his beautifully sweeping colors, and the steely gaze of the cover piece, titled, “Rebecca.” In Rebecca, I saw The Passed Note’s readers: her funky blue lipstick, her dark gaze. Something about Rebecca struck me in my gut: she was determined, resolved, and definitely wanted (and deserved) to be a part of something.
We are honored, in this issue, to host the Joey Amdahl’s wonderful paintings, alongside some stunning short stories. I feel Joey’s art fits right alongside these tales of searching and finding, hurt and loss, home and adventure.
Editor's Note