High Desert Blush by Lanna Keller. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By Kirsten Laskey
The dancer is constructed out of old records painted in a kaleidoscope pattern. A slight touch to her circular hips sets her dancing. As the sculpture sways to a rhythm all of its own, the theme of the Fuller Lodge Art Center’s newest show, “Rhythm and Rhyme” also seems to spring to life.
The whole show, Art Center Director Ken Nebel said, “is inspired by poetry, in one way, shape or form.”
Artists produced work inspired from poetry in writing, music or life experience.
“It’s a huge variety in where they’re coming from and the types of work entered,” Nebel said.
Local poet David Mutschlecner and fellow poet and UNM-Los Alamos professor Jane Lin, served as jurors for the show.
Lin said it was interesting to see how rhythm and rhyme were manifested in the different works.
She added, seeing “movement or something dynamic in something static was really interesting.”
There were challenges, too, however; “in thinking about different ways the artists interpret the (theme). Some (were) overt and others more subtle,” Lin said.
Mutschlecner said he was interested in the artworks’ metaphors, principles in creation.
“I’m really interested in the ideas of metaphors … not just literary (but) to see a metaphor at work in a painting or photograph. Metaphors can be used in any form of art, not just the literary arts but all the arts,” he said.
By exploring poetry in other ways besides the written word, people can see the art form in a whole new light.
“There are a lot of people who are afraid of poetry,” Lin said.
The pieces in the show are a visualization of poetry, which might help people be more comfortable with approaching poetry, she said.
Participating as a juror in the show, Mutschlecner said, “I thought two things. It was really nice to work with two other people and have understandings that complimented each other. (Also,) I was impressed by how much good stuff there was.”
It is no coincidence that the Art Center is hosting this show in April. April is National Poetry Month, Nebel said.
Following the “Rhythm and Rhyme” opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, the center will host a poetry reading beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Six poets, including Lin and Mutschlecner will read their work.
The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting the reception.
Corinna Stoeffl will exhibit “Mystical Images-Photographic Mandalas,” in the Portal Gallery.
Where Fairies Play by Kerri Thurston. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Where Fairies Play
In the Glens of Antrim
Among the bluebells fairies play
from fern to fern frolicking
on bluebell tops the fairies sway
in the Glens of Antrim.
-Kerri Thurston
The Happy Place by Bhasweti Gewhas. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
The Happy Place
As your fluffy white clouds float
In your clear blue sky,
The fall leaves turn colorful hues.
As your wind blows from the hills,
All your fruits and flowers
Bring fresh aroma so rare,
Your singing birds and butterflies
Make my life so meaningful
I know, you are giving so much
Just to make my heart dance
To the tune of your nature,
So that I can freely share
All my love to all your stars,
To your moon and the sun
And make your entire Earth
Truly a happy place for all of us.
-Bhasweti Gewhas
