First Day of Spring

The first day of spring in New England is cold and grey. I made this image to remind us that sunshine and warmth will come.

Spirit Book CD

I have been pondering for some time a way to share the Spirit Books in addition to exhibiting them. I decided upon a CD and it is finally finished. Here is some information:

The Spirit Book Series CD is a comprehensive presentation of Susan's most significant body of work to date. In addition to striking photographs, it offers insight into Susan's seventeen-year journey from her first gathering of twigs and branches to the completion of the Spirit Book collection, her earlier work in calligraphy and the book form, articles on the Spirit Books, Resources, and a Spirit Book Workshop. Designed for easy navigation, the CD offerings may be viewed on a computer screen or projected in a class or lecture setting.

You can purchase a copy for $24.95 at susankapuscinskigaylord.com or from John Neal Bookseller.

John Bisbee at the Portland Museum of Art

Last week I saw a wonderful exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art in Maine. Bright Common Spikes features the work of sculptor John Bisbee who has been working exclusively with nails for the past twenty years. The work shown encompasses the entire period as he progressed from small brads to twelve inch spikes. Commentary by the artist was available on an ipod and I found it enhanced the experience as his words were both direct and profound. I particularly like this quote which was in the museum program entry about the family sculpture making session with the artist.

PoeTree

http://www.makingbooks.com/hotdog.shtml

   Last fall I made a "PoeTree" by hanging small books with a poem written in each on branches I placed in an empty can. I'm taking the idea of poems on trees out into the community with The PoeTree Project as part of the Newburyport Literary Festival at the end of April. Students at the Nock Middle School are writing short poems on strips of tyvek which will hang from trees in the downtown area and in front of the Festival venues. I was inspired by an image of Japanese folding screen from the Art Institute of Chicago.

This month's project is a PoeTree. Fun at any time, it is especially appropriate for National Poetry Month which is next month.

I made small books from used 8.5 x 11 copy paper that had writing on one side. If you use repurposed paper, the writing should be on the inside when you make the first (hot dog) fold. I chose short poems by some of my favorite poets but you may want to write your own.

To make the hanger, you'll need a piece of yarn about 24" and a bead.
1. Fold one piece of yarn in half and thread folded end through the bead. Leaving a loop for hanging, tie a knot with the bead inside the knot. If you don't have a bead, you can just tie a knot.

2. Place the bead on top of the book and separate the two ends of yarn. Place one along the outside spine of the book and the other inside along the center of the book.

3. Tie a double knot at the bottom of the book.


LINKS

Writing Poetry with Jack Prelutsky
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/poetry/jack_home.htm
A thorough and fun poetry lesson with Jack Prelutsky.

Giggle Poetry with Bruce Lansky
http://www.gigglepoetry.com/
Website of Bruce Lansky chock full of poetry and information: Poetry Class, Poetry Fun, Poetry Theater, and lots more.

The Poetry Zone
http://www.poetryzone.ndirect.co.uk/index2.htm
The Poetry Zone publishes poems by children online, has a section called Poets Talk with interviews of writers of children's poetry, and includes resources for teachers

Adapted from the March 2008 issue of Making Books Monthly
Free subscriptions available at makingbooks.com.