What a lovely crowd we had last night at the cafe at Barnes & Noble. I feel especially grateful for the opportunity to share some of my work in a coffee-house atmosphere filled with books, music, and of course, you.
A special thanks to Barb Darbutt for organizing the event. You helped me feel welcome and made it a joy to participate. The tea was great, and the arrangement with the cozy round tables in front of my easels, along with the stool and microphone, helped make it possible to speak about poetry and art in a meaningful way. Credit for the photo goes to Barb, too.
This was a First Friday event at Barnes & Noble, and I was not the only artist invited to participate. In the cafe with me were Jennie (we had a chance to talk before things got started) and her partner (who arrived later, and whose name escapes me). I love that you performed some original songs. You guys sound the way I wish I could, the way I've imagined I sound when I sing along with the radio!
I know that the crowd was gathered for the music and not for the poetry, so it meant a lot when my dear friend Barbara Sabol arrived with her fiance, Tom, not knowing there would be music, too.
A special thank you to the man who wanted to purchase the postcard with the bee on a coneflower. You made my day when you told me that you'd never heard poetry like this before, and that it moved you.
It was a joy to meet the woman who wanted to take a longer look at my poem that begins "Now the Sun," featured with a closeup of a red zinnia on my greeting cards, posters, and conservation quality matted prints. I'm glad that it spoke to you.
One of the paradoxes about haiku is that it appears simple because it is short. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
That poem was a long time in the making, as most of them are. I start with a feeling based on direct experience with nature. Then a lot of words pour out---too many---and most of them are the wrong words. Whittling those words down takes effort and time. You don't see the sweat or the struggle on paper, but believe me, it's there.
With the exception of a few poems written by the 17th century haiku master, Matsuo Basho (identified as such and not used in my art)---all the poems and all the art were my original work---and they fall under the category of intellectual property.
Please understand that I am trying to make a living, and honor my effort by NOT copying my words or images.
If you like what you see, mention my name to someone, or buy a piece of Ameriku art through my website (link above). As we approach the holiday season, I hope you'll keep Ameriku art in mind for your gift giving needs.
My name is Rae Hallstrom, and Ameriku is my art and my business and my brand.
Ameriku Ltd produces nature-oriented art prints, posters, greeting cards and other items, based on my original haiku and photography.
Ameriku® is the registered trademark of Ameriku Ltd. When you see the Ameriku trademark, you can be sure the work meets my high standards of quality.
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