I love the journal alice blue, with its crisp images and simple, streamlined look. I also love that alice blue has featured poets and poet friends I admire, like Val Witte and and Ed Smallfield. You can find three of my new poems here in Issue 17, with thanks to Amber Nelson and the alice blue staff. For those who are curious, “Eros” was written with two constraints (Petrarchan sonnet and an exercise given to me by Carolyn Forche). Camus’ L’estranger first inspired “The Day Before the Burial,” and “Reconstruction” is based loosely off of engineering notes my partner took during his site visit to Christchurch (after their big earthquake).
Check out poet Arianne Zwartjes!
I recently reviewed poet Arianne Zwartjes’ first book of poetry, The Surfacing of Excess, winner of the 2009 Blue Lynx Prize. Zwartjes writes with only the most gorgeous excess. You can read my review here, thanks to Issue 19 of Word for Word. I really loved this book!
Lindsey Anthony’s “Tuesday Treats” — An Interview!
I had the pleasure of speaking at length with Lindsey Tony Anthony on Sunday morning while the rain pummeled San Francisco. Lindsey interviewed me about poetry, art, and teaching, and she was kind enough to make some sense out of my answers to her daunting (but important) questions. Thanks again for the support, Lindsey! Lindsey writes a fun and smart little blog called “Rewind Revise.” Each Tuesday, she features a different artist that she’s interested in. Scroll down to read about our conversation re: the muse, fear, MFA programs, and my inspirations: “Tuesday Treats with Lindsey Anthony”
Finalist for the 1913 Press first book prize
I am very excited to receive encouragement from 1913 Press. Fanny Howe selected my first manuscript, honest as any treeless place, as a finalist for their 2011 first book competition. I adore the whimsical and “modernist” flare of 1913. They’ve already published several poets whom I admire (such as Andrew Zawacki). Check out the journal and the blog if you haven’t already:
A poem in Brooklyn’s BWAC art gallery this summer!
If you happen to be in the New York area, come check out the Black & White Summer Art Show at BWAC (Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition). While this show primarily features mixed media art including paintings and sculptures, BWAC will also host my poem, “Inside the Construction: The Brain.” Find my work as you enter the gallery and in the show’s catalog. It’s a beautiful, pre-Civil War era space right on the water. The show’s abstract posits a fascinating view of our primal, unconscious perceptions:
Alexandra Mattraw 