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The exhibition TU : PLEI will be open 20-25 July 2021 at Stroud Brewery, 9am-5pm.

_{While writing Buried Gods Metal Prophets I often looked back at my childhood games and wondered what they meant then, whether time has given them a different meaning or not. It might have. But surely when the Guillemot Press editors worked on the manuscript, there were moments when my siblings’ chasing in the backyard or ‘soldier-soldier’-game felt untouched and sacred. Precious and private.}

_{At first, sacred to me, later just sweet reminders that childhood play and joy are universal experiences. A child’s laughter and falls and bruises and tears have a collective ‘sameness’ yet our experiences give them unique meaning. A bit like different interpretations of what ‘freedom’ and ‘enjoyment’ are all about. A bit like what being human is all about. After all, war and tragedy, love and disappointment, growth, learning, failure and success are human experiences that repeat themselves despite topological or temporal differences.}

_{Alongside the artwork, I will be reading from Buried Gods Metal Prophets on Thursday 22nd July 6pm. FREE entry! All welcome!}

_{Buried Gods Metal Prophets is published by the Guillemot Press, edited by Luke Thompson and Sarah Cave.}

_{Illustrations and design: Antonia Glücksman.}

_{The book is available here.}

_{© Maria Stadnicka, July 2021}