The 19th issue of Some Magazine explores the concept of endings—whether long-awaited, sudden, surprising, predictable, dramatic, or quiet. In his famous poem Stages, Hermann Hesse writes that every beginning holds “an inherent magic living within.” Endings, however, rarely claim much of this magic. The end makes no promises, inspires no hopes, and provides no direction. It simply marks the arrival at a final destination.
“Ready” is the theme of this issue. Although we know that nothing is ever truly complete or final, the drive to reach a point of “readiness” is a powerful companion and a motivating force in creative work.
In interviews with various artists, perspectives on “being ready” emerge: Jill Senft describes the process as “letting go and moving on,” while Jonathan Meese sees art as an “arch-necessity.” This issue’s works highlight both the power of process and the instinct to preserve, as seen in Kinda Ghannoum’s archive of Syrian graphic design.
