Behind the Scenes

WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO OUTER SPACE?

Our contributors share with us.

SERENA MARIA DANIELS

As far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with learning about the mysteries of the world. The top two subjects that interested me as a child were dinosaurs (because what little kid doesn’t love dinosaurs?) and space. I remember going on a field trip to visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and just being in awe of the vast wonder that space exploration promises. As an adult, I’d have to say that, while I’m still amazed about the potential of space travel, I think as a society we must do the work to protect our own planet before venturing off into the depths of the universe. Serena Maria Daniels is an award-winning Chicana journalist based in Detroit and founder-editor of Tostada Magazine, whose mission it is to preserve culture and uplift communities of color through food and culture journalism. Serena is also the inaugural president of the newly formed International Taco Council.

The Food Connection, Page 46

JAMES HUGHES

Despite my reverence for the space program and those who document space travel, I’m remaining earthbound. The closest I’ll get to outer space is an IMAX screen. James Hughes is a writer and editor based in Chicago. He’s also a frequent collaborator with his feature subject, Dan Winters, having edited Winters’ 2014 book Road to Seeing and served as an executive producer on Winters’ 2021 film Tone. His writing can be found at jameshughesprojects .com.

Model Maker, Page 18

ANUJ SHRESTHA

Though I would leap at the chance to go to space, it would feel irresponsible at a time when such an experience is only available to the wealthiest in society. Cultivating a fascination with the mysteries of the universe is a universal human preoccupation. Until we’re able to address the inequities that plague our home planet, space travel will continue to be playtime for the elite. Anuj Shrestha is a cartoonist and illustrator who resides in Philadelphia. His comics have been listed in several editions of The Best American Comics anthology. His illustration work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, McSweeney’s, Wired and Playboy, among others. He is fond of Italian horror cinema and Chihuahuas.

Driverless Driving Deconstructed, Page 30