from the editor

The Spark Issue

It might have been the nicest name anyone ever called me: “You’re an artist,” declared my pal one evening during one of our regular solve-the-problems-of-the-world-with-wine chats. As a longtime writer and editor, most recently of the iDivamemphis column and blog in The Commercial Appeal, I’d never really thought of myself that way. But as I put together my very first issue of skirt!, which you now hold in your hands, I spent lots of time thinking about creative women in Memphis, and realized how the light from their divine spark almost always goes far beyond what you can see, into a community that needs their light desperately. The painter who’s also a teacher. The actress who’s a devoted storyteller. The filmmaker who listens for unique voices. Celebrating women of inspiration, and attitude, and accomplishment, is just what skirt! is all about, but now I need your help: Who is your inspiration? We all need to warm ourselves by her creative fire.

~leanne

kleinmann@skirtmemphis.com