For our winter issue, we chose “Cocoon” as the theme since it can mean many things. Rest. Home. A period of waiting. A place to hide. Solitude. Isolation. A dance between retreating from the world and releasing oneself back into it. Winter months are a season of hibernation, the natural retreat into a state of dormancy. But is it? From the outside, the caterpillar appears inactive in its own cocoon. Yet, this phase is paramount for its growth. 

We selected pieces from global contributors that have interpreted the theme in different styles, genres, and voices. For our creative nonfiction, we have an insightful story centered around real-life experiences. We will always publish stories with complex female characters and narrators, providing you, the reader, with stories that are soulful, humorous, powerful, and unforgettable.

This month’s artwork is sourced from The National Gallery of Art public collection, and we selected pieces that resonated with our stories. We are including links to the website where more details about the piece and the artist are available.