The month of June included a teacher residency at the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA). The Poems For A Gentle Person residency was inspired by my father’s spoken word and poetry. A series of abstract animations and drawings were researched and created. Today the work continues finalizing details and perfecting the process.
The experience resulted in twelve pen and ink drawings. When arriving back home, I meticulously checked each piece: erased edges, removed smudges, and inspected line qualities. Next step was properly documenting the work. The goal is to have quality images for future artist proposals and presentations.
Drawing statement: My art practice investigates symbols of influence within diverse environments that impact perception. The pen and ink drawings document my father’s life through his spoken word and poetry. In 1981, I illustrated Mike Balisle’s Poems For A Gentle Person poetry book. The artworks morph the raw audio’s rhythmic patterns and context into pure line and form. Each verse and stanza translates into an abstract letter, character, or language.
Inspiration:
in moonlight
the tips of trees
drift
In quiet commotion
During the residency, I utilized raw audio for the animations. Using the best available tools, it was a challenge to limit background interference. The audio was an improvement but not perfect. When arriving back home, my father graciously had his spoken professionally recorded. Problem solved!
Animation statement: The yellow cedar, may the crows forget we are here, and say barkeep animations document my father’s life through his spoken word and poetry. In 1981, I illustrated Mike Balisle’s Poems For A Gentle Person poetry book. The artworks respond to the audio’s rhythmic patterns and context. The animations highlight the generational bond between inspiration, memory, and reality.
yellow cedar:
may the crows forget we are here:
say barkeep:
The residency allowed for focus and clarity. Also, the important realization that time is a precious commodity with an unknown expiration date. The memories will last longer than the art. The end is only a new beginning.
Links:
https://balisle.com/2019/06/30/cia-1/
https://balisle.com/2019/07/07/cia-2/
https://balisle.com/2019/07/14/cia-3/
https://balisle.com/2018/12/30/anew/
https://www.cia.edu/academics/for-teachers-counselors/summer-teacher-residency
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