2026 Spring Submissions
January
This new year, The GEM Journal celebrates Creation in Enlightenment ✨🤍
We’re seeking work that ties creation with a fresh start, and explores ideas for the new year! Envision how the future looks for you.
Seize the Moon
Amelia Haque (she/her)
“My photograph is titled ‘Seize the Moon.’ I used to think that by seizing the day, I’m setting myself up for normative standards of success. But this year, I want that to be different. I want to seize the night, the moon, the times that are normatively pushed aside and treated lesser than the day. This year, I’ve had enough of trying to get the early worm. I’m not that. I don’t know what I will grow into this year, but if this dinosaur seems joyful enough to seize the winter moon, then I can aspire to do the same. I am not measuring myself against anybody’s standards other than my own.“
Artist Statement
@amelia_haque is a fourth-year History undergraduate student at UVic. She actively engages in the student community, and spends her remaining time trying her best to refuse doing work that disinterests her and striving to rest and take time for herself.
When Stars Align & Lily Dance
Sona Eidnani (she/her)
About the pieces: “When Stars Align” is a watercolour painting with ink on watercolour paper that depicts two women who have unexpectedly crossed paths
“Lily Dance” is an illustration of two lilies in love using pencil crayon, gel pen, and ink on paper.
Artist Statement
Sona Eidnani is a writer and artist based in Victoria, BC. She studies Writing and Art Education at the University of Victoria and explores themes of mental health, identity, and community through journalism, creative nonfiction, and visual art.