There is something magical when two arts collide--they might be shy at first, sneaking glances at each other, not sure if they belong together. Then one art inches closer and closer until she is touches the other art and---sparks! The most common art pairings are music and dance, but other pairings are hitting the scene. One in particular I've seen a lot of lately is poetry and painting. In Columbia, the Artist's Gallery hosts a Poets and Painters exhibit where they invite poets to submit a complimentary poem and then show them together. This exhibit is young but widely popular and will celebrate its third year in March. I hope you'll check it out!
Another pairing is poetry and typography. Taylor Mali is a nationally acclaimed spoken word poet and the host of Page Meets Stage, a poetry showcase which pairs slam poets with traditional poets. Mali taught junior high students for many years, and his experiences as a teacher inform many of his poems, such as "What Teachers Make" and "Like Lily, Like Wilson." Ronnie Bruce, a film student at Temple University, put type to Mali's voice. Powerful stuff.
Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.
I like how typography video's always add depth and layers to the words, especially when they make patterns. You can always tell the heirachy and importance of each words by their size. This is a great video. Thanks
ReplyDeleteAn early favorite poet of mine was e.e. cummings. I always loved his placement of words. One poem in particular about a dancing girl with the text creating a dance of its own. Maybe because of his play with words he seemed so accessible to a young reader. And on the topic of poetry: I have been meaning to pass along a couple of names to you. H.D (HIlda Doolittle) She has an interesting history...'Oread' is a favorite of mine. And Nick Flynn - 'Bag of Mice' - a fantastic poem.
ReplyDeletee.e. cummings was my first love--goat-footed balloon men is an image that will stay with me forever. I agree that he is a master of using word placement to enhance his poems. I will have to check out the two poets you recommend, as I am unfamiliar with them. Thanks for sharing!
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