In issue 41 of Catamaran we present new art and writing, but much of the work in our Summer 2023 issue takes inspiration from the past. Our cover artist, Pamela Carroll, draws inspiration from Early Dutch and Spanish Masters and focuses on showcasing the truth in everyday objects.  Barbara Tannenbaum explores Josephine Baker’s struggles with sexual identity back in the thirties in her essay “Seeing Josephine Baker through a Queer Lens.” We also welcome back Danusha Laméris and Alison Luterman, who have reflected on memories in their respective poems, “Pool” and “Jewell Lake, 1994.” The cover of the 41st edition of Catamaran is orchids. Similar to the excitement one might feel when the once-bare stem of the orchid returns to life with new blooms, we hope you’ll find enjoyment and inspiration from the offerings in our summer issue.