Photo: Clint Fisher

Last issue I wrote about challenges, funny enough we faced some major ones between issues 2 and 3.

It's a bit humorous on one level, and I write this with a smile on my face because during the second issue I was thinking ahead to issue 3 and for some reason I anticipated a bit more of a struggle than usual would be ahead of us. There just seems to be something about the number 3, for me it's always symbolized the number of perfection. 3 is synonymous with 1 to me.

Inherently, I was looking forward to the third issue before we had even put the first issue up. I'm not sure why, that's just how it was. The more time that passed after launching the second issue, the more pressure I felt to create the "perfect" third issue.

In addition, I have wanted to put together a skateboarding issue since the inception of the magazine. Greatly inspired by a long time hero of mine, Christian Hosoi and his story, I knew he would play a key part in the issue. With some major help from my "way back" friend "Al" and his contacts, I was able to reach Christian, and let's just say that after nearly 30 phone calls of he and I playing tag back and forth, we finally nailed the interview.

In our conversations, I had mentioned to Christian that we had two other feature spots open and he had the idea of bringing Brian Sumner and Jay Haizlip into the mix. That was a RAD idea, and Aenonfire is extremely privileged to have these shredding pro's contributing to this issue.

For this issue's article content we have Heidi Nobles, a contributing writer that I met at the Envision 08' Conference. She sheds light on the subject of "Creating for Sheer Joy". Also, Marlon encourages us to gain control of our minds by taking hold of those negative thoughts that tear us down and pull us away from the best that God has planned for us. Lastly, I hope to inspire you by highlighting the concept of "God Sanctioned Talent", in addition to sharing some thoughts about maintaining high standards in our creative work.

Just one more thing...

Photo: Jim Fisher

Ahhh yes. Christian, Jay and Brian I'm sure are quaking in their Vans... I present to you, circa 1988, a 17 year old Clint Fisher on his backyard mini half pipe. Oh the memories...[mostly of masonite burns] ;)

_clint

Photo: Clint Fisher

Challenges. It seems there are challenges everywhere we turn. As creatives, we constantly have to challenge ourselves so that we keep interested and not fall into easy formulas, or worse, become complacent in our talents.

In this issue, we've brought together a group of features and articles that hopefully will inspire and challenge you. We've got two musicians who are completely outside of the fold, and for that matter, are extremely comfortable being there. There's also a pastor who's passion for art and its role in the Christian life is bound to inform and inspire.

The articles in this issue focus on getting active in who you are as an artist and individual, and losing those ideas and concepts that can sometimes hold you back from being everything you were created to be, and lastly, moving beyond the hobby concept.

Do. Make. Create.

_clint