Parentheses International Literary Arts Journal, Issue #3

The most recent issue of Parentheses International Literary Arts Journal has been published, both digitally and in print.  While I was at the Vermont Studio Center in December 2017, I wrote a poem titled "Ages" which traces family generations.  I am fortunate that this poem is featured in the current issue of Parentheses.

For more information on Parentheses International Literary Arts Journal, a publication that features poetry, fiction, art and photography, please visit the website.

To read and/or purchase a copy of issue #3 or past issues, please visit this page.

I offer my sincere gratitude to the editors of Parentheses Harshal Desai and Sneha Subramanian Kanta. 

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.

Poetry Reading, Black Cat Books

On Sunday, January 14th, I had the pleasure of participating in a poetry reading at the Black Cat Bookstore in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.  Almost twenty local poets treated us to some of their recent work which encompassed life in New Mexico, spirituality, illness, and coping with loss of a loved one.  The poems were powerful in their sincerity, and it was an honor to be in the company of such wonderful poets!

Photo credits: artists Souheir Rawlings , Caz Love and Meagan Thompson. 

Publication -- Geocommunetrics HOME : : KEEP

I am honored that Geocommunetrics, a publication dedicated to engagement in identity and culture, has recently published some of my poetry, photography and video work in their most recent issue of HOME : : KEEP, RE: DIS//MIS.  My work may be viewed here. 

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.