Axon: Creative Explorations

Drawing on Susan Leigh Star’s theory of boundary objects, this article explores the dynamics of collaborative practices across boundaries, focusing on the concepts of translation, transformation, and transdisciplinarity. As artist-scholars and as editors, we examine how the ‘Collaborative practice across divides’ issue of Axon facilitates collaboration by maintaining a common identity while adapting to local needs, and we prioritise process, practice, and relational movement. The integration of feminist environmental humanities perspectives further emphasises the relational and ethical dimensions of such work, and shows how diverse ways of knowing and doing can coexist and foster creative resistance. We reflect on the challenges and synergies encountered in our collaborative editorial process, emphasising the importance of backstage labour and the epistemological implications of our work. Within our framework, this issue of Axon itself becomes a boundary object, bridging various disciplinary and social worlds, and inviting readers to engage with the content in a transformative manner. Through this exploration, the article underscores the significance of embracing the uncertainties and relational complexities inherent in collaborative, transdisciplinary endeavours.