Acceptance: UMVA Magazine May 2014

VISIT UMVA ONLINE


The Union of Maine Visual Artists recently published an Ekphrastic issue, and I am most pleased that my poem “Capitol Shirt” is included, along with its inspiration: an acrylic on postcard by Natasha Mayers. This postcard (also named “Capitol Shirt”) draws from the World Bankster postcard exhibit at Space Gallery in Portland, Maine. I love Mayer's artist statement:

The banksters are the predators, profiteers, the money men, the global banking cartel that I insert into each postcard scene, in every possible situation, where you least expect them. They are anonymous, faceless, often headless, trapped in a suit and tie, which is like a costume/uniform, straitjacket, a mask, like armor. Sometimes they are a dominating, looming presence, usually unexpected and inappropriate (what the f—is going on??!!!!). Postcards share a moment, a quick connection from far away, tell little stories, serve as a travelogue. They are often from exotic places. These little paintings are my comment on capitalism, post-colonialism, globalization, cultural appropriation, cultural authenticity and differences, sexism, etc.

http://natashamayers.wordpress.com/

Part of the genius of Mayers is her prolific creativity. I don’t know how many ‘postcards’ she has painted, but it could be thousands. Her mind seems constantly streaming with fresh ideas. For quite a while, until she decided to refocus her energy, she was the main artist for commondreams.org, supplying them with a new piece of art every day. As far as I can tell, her flourishing expression goes back decades. She has also supervised the construction of over 500 murals (!) and is a true leader in Maine’s art and counter-political scene.

I can’t begin to do justice to her many accomplishments and brilliancies here. I recommend googling “Natasha Mayers artist” for a much better glimpse than what I supply, though still only a glimpse.

To see my poem and Natasha’s postcard, click on the following link and scroll down:

CAPITOL SHIRT

If you are at all drawn to the realm of visual art, as a connoiseur, dilettante, or just an observer on the zesty edge of the bohemian scene, I strongly recommend UMVA Online Magazine. It takes about 30 seconds for my browser to load, so packed and profuse are the contents with art and aesthetics, all intriguingly formatted. You'll also find a down-to-earth groove, and engaging essays that ring with joi d'arte.

UMVA recently launched a major effort to reach every artist in Maine (and anyone interested beyond) and recently christened a new chapter. Such enthusiasm, a collective radiance of elan, buoys this organization!

Go see what some of the greatest artistic minds in the Northeastern corner of the US are up to.

Owl