Conceptions Southwest is a biannual literary magazine published by the UNM Student Publications Board. The Spring 2001 issue is, like always, a showcase of creative work by members of the UNM community.
Inside the fifty-something page review are collections of photography, poetry and short fiction submitted by UNM students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Conceptions Southwest is an enjoyable sprinkling of work, even if it didn’t leave me “breathless,” as editor Angela Williams suggests in the cover note.
The most enjoyable aspect of Conceptions Southwest is the community it embraces. Conceptions Southwest is a small-budget publication by UNM, for UNM. Some lovely black and white photographs are scattered throughout the magazine, though it is hard to do justice to fine art with a local budget. Nonetheless, they are nice to see.
There are also some admirable examples of the creative writing abilities of the community. Some of the shining pieces of fiction are Andrew Webb’s “Grand Theft Auto” and Jessica Fillmore’s “Sixteen Hundred Miles.” Poems by authors such as Kelly O’Rourke and Diego Lopez also navigate the essence of the magazine.
Every piece is worth reading, if only to capture the unique experience of life here. The versatility of work gives the reader not only a connection to the ambience of locale, but also a glimpse into the minds and experiences of our peers.
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The entire effect heeds an attunement to and an appreciation for the spirit found in the University community, particularly for a reader who is part of the same community.
Above all, Conceptions Southwest is simply a nice journal of thoughts to grab and enjoy for summer reading, plus it helps keep your creative juices flowing as the heat sweats the motivation out of you.
Copies of the magazine are free and can be found in Room 131 of Marron Hall and at the UNM Bookstore.
