The Childhood B-Side

Childhood

We all had to start somewhere as people. And lately, I have been realizing more and more how much our selves emerge from what we immerse ourselves in. For many of us in this section, including myself, that was art, in several different forms, dating back to our childhood. It taught us about the world as it was, the world as it could be, the world as it would never be, though it was still fun to consider. It showed us the space outside ourselves, and how we fit into it. Art taught us about those we love and about what we wanted; it asked us to be honest and gave us the curiosity to look for a greater understanding of ourselves. Childhood art is often dismissed, rarely getting the credit it deserves for being the first art we connect with. It's the thing that, through patience from the creators and natural empathy from the children absorbing the work, taught us that our presence and soul are not only contained in our bodies but can be shared with others. In editing all these writers' pieces, I saw firsthand all the different experiences and stories they had to tell, but also felt the same thread of connection to and core understanding of each one. If you read on, I'm sure you'll feel the same. Introducing: the Childhood B-Side.

Senior Arts Editor Rosa Sofia Kaminski