A note from artist Stephen Ostrowski: The Door, an organization that opened in 1972, provides a safe space for youth ages 12 to 24. Those that attend have access to resources for their mental health, physical health, community, creativity, AND housing and employment. I volunteered at The Door in 2016 and 2017, first hosting a zine workshop through 8ball Community and later assisting painting classes. They are an important resource for young people in New York City, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth.

100% of the proceeds will be donated to this truly legendary youth organization, and Small Press will cover the shipping for all orders.

This text was originally French, written by George Sand, the pen name of Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, in 1851. A trailblazer of her time and location, Sand donned “men’s” garb in private and public space at a time when womxn were required to possess a police ordered permit to wear “men’s” clothing, and only for health, occupational, or recreational reasons approved by the government. She separated from her husband for what she called a “romantic rebellion” in 1831 and was legally divorced in 1835. Sand was granted full custody of her two children and celebrated as one of the great writers of the 19th century, all of which was unheard of for a womxn of her time.

The Mysterious Tale of Gentle Jack and Lord Bumblebee is a story, much like her own, about the power of living our individual and collective truths and the importance of kindness, not as a passive act, but an active practice. Although the main character is represented by he/him pronouns in the text, I chose to render Jack as genderless form so that Jack could resonate with all readers and bring an inclusive visual aspect that the text lacks and feels more true to both my own and Sand’s Earth journey.

Translated from the French by Claire Foster.