swerve is a little magazine of contemporary poetry
and art.
Issues are hand-made in small editions. Each issue is
designed to be unique from the last.
In each issue, swerve presents a small group of younger American poets
of exceptional merit and inventiveness. Each issue also features striking
visual art and design.
The idea is to put an intimate thing into your hands, that feels good to
hold, a magazine that may be read in one uninterrupted sitting.
Founded by Fred Schmalz (known hereafter as "me") and Brian Engel,
swerve started publication in December 1999 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and
has appeared irregularly since. Early on, we were able to put out 2-3 issues
a year, but now it's a bit slower than that. Money and time. Money and
time. Also the desire to make it really cool means it doesn't happen at
the same rate.
Currently, Elizabeth Zuba and I publish the magazine. Elizabeth is based in Brooklyn and I am in Germany.
For six years, we resisted having a web presence, believing that "the
magazine is the thing" and that a website wouldn't be able to translate
the tactile quality of swerve. But letting people know about it, and making
it available to a wider audience won out. So here it is. And thanks to Addie Juell's
photography and Tsega
Dinka's
web design, I think the gist isn't lost.
swerve is unique, but it is not alone. I recommend visiting some
of my favorite fellow travelers.
