Upcoming Publication: Parentheses Journal, Spring 2018

Not quite two years ago, I began an accident journey into poetry.  Writing, reading and drawing were the activities that comprised most of my time as a child.  But, as I grew older, my school curriculum provided no support for creative writing.  We studied literature and poems but were only given latitude to write analytical essays about them.  Under this method of instruction, poetry -- as a discipline to study along very strict parameters -- became something I grew to detest.

Two years ago, in my Studio MFA program at SAIC, I had the good fortune to begin developing a poetic voice under the tutelage of the incredible Pamela Sneed.  In the span of one semester, she cracked that voice -- which I didn't even know existed -- wide open, and by the summer, I found some of my earliest poems in the process of publication.

It is with heartfelt gratitude and excitement that I announce another upcoming publication.  The Spring 2018 issue of Parentheses Journal will feature a new poem that I wrote in December during my residency at the Vermont Studio Center.  The poem is titled "Ages" and reflects on a thirteen-year-old family photograph, recently unearthed in my garage.

VSC Writing for Artists Workshop

While I am writing this post in retrospect, I would like to note a writing workshop I recently taught at the Vermont Studio Center.  The entire project was the brainchild of NYC-based poet Rangi McNeil, author of The Missing (2003).  Many visual arts VSC residents were in the middle of applications for graduate school, professorships, fellowships and new residencies.  Many of these applicants needed help with artist statements, research statements and personal essays.  McNeil orchestrated the entire event and asked me to lead and teach, given that I straddle both visual arts and writing.  Our Writing Art Workshop was held Wednesday, December 20th at VSC's Mason House Library, and proved to be a beneficial experience for all participants.

Many thanks to Rangi McNeil, VSC and the many workshop attendees for your participation and support of the project!

Greetings from VSC!

I am writing from beautiful Johnson, Vermont at the Vermont Studio Center (VSC) residency for artists and writers.  I will be present at this residency until just before Christmas. 

I am currently a resident on the basis of my poetry, so I am spending each day heavily engaged in the Maverick Studios.

I recently read a book which described the process of giving photos as a gift and in the spirit of gratitude, rather than the commonly spoken phrase "taking photos."  The following are images of the Vermont landscape and the VSC campus for your enjoyment.

I wish each of you a wonderful holiday season!

Vermont Studio Art Center - Writer-in-Residence

I am incredibly excited to accept and announce my participation in the Vermont Studio Center Artist in Residency program at the end of this year.  I have been admitted into the residency for my poetry.  I will spend a month in Johnson, Vermont deeply engaged in poetic and literary writing, as well as artistic and academic dialogue among other resident artists.

Throughout the residency's duration of the residency, I will maintain a series of blog entries detailing major events including visiting artists, performances, readings and presentations, etc.

For more information about the Vermont Studio Art Center, as well as upcoming residency and fellowship opportunities, please visit its website at http://vermontstudiocenter.org.