Words from the Heart

A bit back, I introduced Amy Souza , an amazing woman who encourages collaboration between artists and writers through a project she developed called SPARK.  SPARK came into being in 2008.  Since then, Amy has been bringing artists and writers together four times a year with results that are just inspirational, to say the least! Personally, I have participated in several such collaborations.  This session, though, I took up the challenge to work as an artist, rather than a writer.  The results have been wonderful!  Today I will share with you the work that Heidi Mordhorst and I have done together.  She sent me a poem she wrote for inspiration and I sent her a photo I had taken and digitally enhanced.  The results, I think, were wonderful! Here are our mutual shares:  First, Heidi's inspirational poem with my response picture: Side by Side in the Outhouse One night late I’m brushing my teeth when my dad says, “You know, son, we’re poor. ...

One of the most productive forms of creativity is project collaboration.  Working with another artist, writer, actor, etc. enhances the creative efforts of a project.     Lori and I  (2000) In the past, I have collaborated with some amazing and gifted artists. Lori Gundlah, a dear friend and concert pianist, accompanied me on piano as I read my poetry.  I also collaborated with Trish Harms , a dance educator.  We did tag team workshops in a middle school where I taught a poetry lesson within the subject matter, then she came into the class to teach some form of movement. An example would be in math class, I taught the students to make diamante poems.  Trish taught them to make shapes with their bodies.   Trish and I (2000) Project collaboration can be fruitful, but it can also be problematic.  These tips are good to keep in mind. Keep it small.  Project collaboration with too many people gets confusing. Be willing to compromise....