Family of Artists at Kraftbomb 27 May 2012

This weekend is Kraftbomb at Grey Lynn Community Centre, I'll have some new Tiny Title books made from ephemera collected on my poetic journey to America recently.  They're called Yoo Ess Aye Tiny Titles and contain poetry written when I was on the trip or soon afterward.

The blog about my travels is here, http://poeticjourneytoamerica.blogspot.co.nz/ including a certificate to show I bought trees to cover the carbon cost of my enjoyment, seeing friends and discovering the stunning U S A. I went to Hawaii, San Francisco, Seattle, Iowa, Chicago and New York, after cruising to Tahiti from Auckland, Aotearoa, NZ.  A boat uses less carbon per person than a plane.  I took mainly trains across the mainland for the same reason, also, it's great to see the country you're travelling through by rail.

Also, some of the Family of Artist books with CDs which brightspark books published just before I left are in my crafty suitcase to bring to the market.


http://kraftbomb.blogspot.co.nz/        http://www.kraftbomb.com/

Always such a pleasant occasion and some excellent craft available.

Kraftbomb
Grey lynn Community Centre (a recent building with a Maori archway carved as two figures)
510 Richmond Road
Grey Lynn
Auckland

11am - 2pm

Sunday 27 May 2012

Thanks to everyone who made this such a success. Family of Artists book and CD is available at Poetry Live, Auckland NZ this evening and also, at Lopdell House, Titirangi when we perform there 1 March 2012, from 7pm.

Please email raewynalexander [at] hotmail [dot] com for more details.

The photo shows Genevieve McClean reading from, Eye Street Book also launched at UPJ along with, Family of Artists CD and book, and Jarrad Godman's art and jewellery exhibition.

Much of the garden and art installations are finished now, trees and plants to give away to those who appear early are ready, (plant more trees is our slogan) months of effort.... Major finishing touches like the Crumpled Great White Cloud of Drafts - all clean found scrap paper - does not go up until Saturday. Anyone who would be able to assist us is most welcome, delicious food and drink for all helpers. From 10am is fine. People who just want to sit around and talk about helping are also welcome.

Art has been freshly created and some jewellery too, by Jarrad Godman. The books are here, thanks to everyone involved with the Eye Street Book, The Family of Artists book and CD and the other works which shall be available.

Many people are dropping hints about their costumes, can't wait to see what everyone's wearing. Fun, that's what we need, good old-fashioned good times. See you there, Blue Haven, Happy Tea House (my place), Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 - if you have not yet RSVPed then do let us know by phone, facebook message or email. We are here to take your call *smiles* UPJ only three days away, launch and exhibition. Jarrad Godman, Jack Ross, Genevieve McClean, Jacqueline Crompton Ottaway, Alice Hooton, Rosetta Allan, Ila Selwyn, Peter McClennan's bringing some sounds, Minnie Prickle could also play some music, Raewyn Alexander may appear or will she be someone else? Dress up as your favourite writer, artist or entertainer, there are six prizes. Cash or cheque only for merchandise. Have a drink with us and share some delish. See fb event for UPJ for more info.

The week ahead will be busy, we have a few more things to do with our installation in the garden for Uncanny Puzzle Jaunt which includes the launch of this CD, also Eye Street Book and Jarrad Godman's art exhibition.

Prizes will also be given for some people who dress as a writer, artists or entertainer.

We take cash or cheque and there'll be wine, tea, OJ, nibbles and cakes cooked by poets who know their pastry. RSVP to raewynalexander at hotmail.com or try this facebook group -

https://www.facebook.com/events/364418186906938/

bon chance and haere mai

Bain Duigan of Brightspark Books publishes this CD with book, Family of Artists by Kat S. Idea and Transformer Davis Jnr, using the words of Raewyn Alexander, her vocal performance and poetry. Cover artwork shown above is by the same and is contemporary ink drawing over a Victorian photograph.

ISBN 978-0-473-20757-1

Or kindly order from Brightspark Books, 45 Ivanhoe Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, NZ

The launch price is $20- NZ and then after the launch it is $25- NZ
Postage and packaging overseas is extra according to where you are, yes.

The launch is by invitation from the publisher, Brightspark Books ph (09) 846 1757 and it is on 26 February 2012 from midday to 6.30pm

The family of artists live in a castle in the middle of nowhere, which they make into whatever they wish, according to what suits the day, evening, or other dimension.

Fourteen poems and various images make up this collection, inspired by items from the internet on social networking. It's more apparent now that there is a world-wide family of artists, perhaps, with so much information appearing in our lives from many places using various media, writing, sound, images....

A poem from the FoA collection -

Family of Artists

in a samey flat town
limited in exurbia and surrounded with cows
she followed a river in a story
lived inside books
breathed easier each brushstroke
poured her identity into shapes
the black and white truth of photos
swam through music to the sky

songs and dance for muscle
a journey between lights
questions are her map
adopted herself into a family
shared a certain attitude
believed ability built bridges

writing gives birth to more writing
artists grow closer through work
as if once related in another life
congregate, discuss, debate and puzzle
a skippity hop dazzle
but alarmed and bemused
how can arts help?
between extremes a variety of landscapes
these journeys of words

into her circle and she into theirs
again thoughts turn to an artist family
overlapping spheres of influence
a pattern like gift wrapping
these mysteries our companions
the work always there to be discussed
found our lost and painted it

thanks thanks thanks
gratitude beads of jewellery
at home amongst fortunate reputations
solitary communication with the unknown
related by ability and a desire to learn
the inheritance of fine practices
Picasso said every artist has a mother and father
[who were artists]
brain aid poetry from online travesties
preserve the sanity of social angels


* Please note the phrase social angels was invented by Genevieve McClean during our GLPO action.

To be launched 26 February 2012 at The Happy Tea House - Grey Lynn.

Poetry with guitar and accordion, a CD and book.

ISBN number will appear here soon.