Maps

redacted text poem by Anna Cull
redacted text poem by Anna Cull
Blackout poem #16

The maps in our heads

Grow

Through

Trial and error.

We look 

And we look,

We are not satisfied 

Even when it makes sense.


I’m out of practice. It’s been months since my last blog post and years since my last blackout poem. No time like the present to change all that… And if you’re interested in learning more about the art form that is blackout poetry, here is a link with more info.

Experiment time

Time, detail – mixed media on canvas, 200 x 200 mm, 2017

Time has its own unique sound.
I’ve heard the talking hours.

I have been experimenting with transferring printed poetry on to canvas. I printed the poem on paper using a standard inkjet printer and transferred it to the canvas using acrylic gel medium. It’s a technique that works surprisingly well. Once dry, the paper is removed by dampening it with water and rubbing it off very carefully. This is the tricky part because there is always a danger of removing the printed image along with the paper. I then painted around the words to create a sort of arty version of the original blackout poem.

I added touches of yellow ochre and some light blue and gave it a slightly mad but subtle texture. It’s still mostly black though. In fact it’s so black that I had to take the canvas outside to get a decent photograph. I think the leafy autumn backdrop rather suits the poem (below).

My next experiment is going to be a ‘fridge poetry’ painting. And whatever image that sentence just conjured up for you… it’s not going to look anything like that.

Time – mixed media on canvas, 200 x 200 mm, 2017

Tidying

Blackout poem #14
Blackout poem #14

“If things bring you joy, keep them.
‘What? You still have that?’
Yes. I keep them because they are treasure.”

I’ve been reading (and finding blackout poetry in) Marie Kondo’s book ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’ and don’t let the poem fool you… I am preparing to embark on an epic journey. The book — and the KonMari Method — are intriguing and, yes, potentially life-changing. I’ll keep you posted.