By Craig Spence
What do you get when you bring the visions of artists and writers together? Convergence: Images + Words, an enriching, synergistic interpretation of world views. That energizing mix was given voice March 2 when the responsive poetry and prose of local and Mid-Island writers was shared in a series of readings at the Rainforest Arts Gallery in Chemainus.
The Convergence show ‘paired’ artists with writers, who composed responsive poetry and prose inspired by the art. About 40 artists and writers came to hear the readings. Since opening in early February, the Convergence show has drawn accolades, but this was the first opportunity for participants to meet face-to-face. It was a moving experience.
Artist Diana Durrand, whose mixed media piece, There was no need to wait alone, was responded to with a poem entitled Anticipation by Vicki Mcleod, said she was ‘completely overwhelmed.’
“It’s so nice to know that the work you do is shared with somebody at that depth,” Durrand said after hearing a reading of Mcleod’s poem by fellow poet Nadine McInnis.
Rainforest Arts Gallery Manager Stephanie Allesia, who emceed the event, thanked the organizers: Daphne and Art Carlyle, Diana Durrand, and Craig Spence.
The readings, which are displayed next to the works that inspired them, were recorded and the audio files will be posted to the RainforestArts.ca/images-plus-words page. They will also be shared on facebook.com/RainforestArts.
Contributors to the show each received five art cards with their Convergence image on the cover, and the words inside. The cards are also available for purchase at the gallery at 9781 Willow Street in Chemainus.
Ben Melnyk wrote a responsive poem Pathway, inspired by artist Astrid Notte’s Early in the Morn during the Convergence: Images + Words celebration at the Rainforest Arts gallery March 2.
Daphne Carlyle distributed art cards celebrating their works to artists and writers who participated in the Convergence: Images + Words event at the Rainforest Arts gallery March 2.
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