Ekphrasis
In the studio sits an artist contemplating, reflecting, wondering. A conversation ensues between artist and materials as ink glides across paper, paint grabs canvas, clay takes form on slab, fibres tangle and curl between fingers, papers tear and flutter to the ground, and a camera shutter clicks. Poets join the conversation. Their dance of words and phrases, pauses and breaks, rhythms and rhymes add depth and nuance to this ongoing conversation.
This is ekphrasis at arc•hive.
It has been an honour collaborating once again with Yvonne, bringing art and poetry together. This time through an exhibition of artists and poets in celebration of national poetry month. Gratitude to the artists and poets for sharing their artistry, and to arc.hive artist run centre for funding this publication.
Regan Rasmussen, exhibition curator
If you would like a copy of the chap book which includes the art and poetry please email archivebridge2516@gmail.com with an etransfer ($10 a copy) and mailing address.
The trick is to just say yes anytime Regan asks me to join her in an art-poetry scheme. I think she follows the same rule. So here we are – nine amazing pieces of art, and nine amazing ekphrastic poems.
Are the poems direct responses? How do we walk into a museum, say, or open an art book, or look at one of these images, without bringing our entire lives with us? These days we are overwhelmed by information and choice. Those things that most press on us, that we feel passionate about, imbue our visual and literary arts. Here, led by the visual art, poets have entered their own thought and dream-spaces, their own realities. They have contemplated the ideas and processes of the artists, and let their words twin, like braided hair and like woven cloth, into poems both unique and linked.
Sometimes when considering ekphrastic work, we think the poem, spurred by the artwork, should stand alone, but why not lean on the inspiration, why not let one be aligned fully to the other? Why must any of us stand alone. I thank the poets and artists for opening themselves to the conversation that ekphrasis brings. Conversation is always a way forward, and a way to deepen not only our understanding of each other, but of the world we inhabit together.
Here are poems that speak to and through art, poems that add a further layer to the images, paintings, sculptures, woven and felted artifacts of being human.
Yvonne Blomer, poet wrangler
See the artwork and listen to the poems.
Sandy Voldeng & Cynthia Woodman Kerkham
Sandy VoldengWoman Risingclay 22" H / 2004 After the Accident ...
Regan Rasmussen & Anita Lahey
Regan Rasmussenthrough the looking glass 3mixed media drawing / litho print30" H, 40" W / 2020 My Blue BicycleAnita Lahey responds to through the looking glass 3 by Regan Rasmussen ...
Jenn Wilson & Aziza Moqia Sealy-Qaylow
Free Flow Aziza Moqia Sealey-Qaylow responds to Trapdoor set in the floor by Jenn Wilson Jenn Wilson Trapdoor set in the floor photo collage 54" x 38" / 2020 Jenn Wilson is a photo-based artist whose works address the...
Connie Michele Morey & Garth Martens
Connie Michele MoreyPrimary Resources & Natural Agents (I Miss My Friend Gerard A Lot)Train car, Bonavista, NL; Reclaimed wood, photograph and photograph debris25.5" x 37.5" / 2020 Who else in the dark headed there? ...
Alison Bigg & Rhonda Ganz
Alison Bigg Eyeball Safety, Solar plate etching, stencil and pronto lithography on BFK Reeves (1/3) 10"x22" / 2020 ...
Karina Kalvaitis & Emily Olsen
Karina KalvaitisCelestial LambWool, epoxy clay, kunzite gemstones, mixed media8.25" H, 4.75" W x 10.25 L / 2019 Birth of a Lamb ...
Kim Leslie & Yvonne Blomer
Kimberly LeslieConnectivity Cloakwearable wool sculpture2' x 4' x 1' / 2019 Kimberley Leslie works as a painter and fibre artist. She graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from Vancouver Island School of Art and lives in Chemainus, BC. Her...
Markus Drassl & Michelle Poirier Brown
Markus DrasslUntitled (from Rendering Intent series)ink on paper60" x 48" / 2020 what it is like to be this extreme and appear normal Markus Drassl holds a BFA from the...
Laura Feeleus & John Barton
Laura FeeleusNew Tulipsacrylic on canvas 24" x 32" / 2018 Laura Feeleus works primarily as a painter and textile artist. She graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from the Vancouver Island School...