In 2007 & 2008, I and many other Perth poets were invited to participate in a project called Creative Connections.
We were asked to write in response to artworks by some amazing but profoundly disabled artists.
We were sent photos of the artworks and a short bio of each artist. For my own poems, I wrote in the imagined voice of the artist. The chapbooks were launched a couple of months ago.
I believe this inspiring and worthwile project has been nominated for an award. So, good luck and congratulations to all involved in this unique and special exercise, but especially Maureen Sexton who fascilitates the project.
My favourite 'Coral Bay', appears with others by many talented Perth poets, next to the artworks on the Creative Connections website.
59 Artist: Vivienne Sharp
Coral Bay
Snorkelling with rainbows
just past the breaking surf,
I see the red rocky shores
of the North West Cape.
Shimmering white sands where
Coastal Daisies, Starflowers
and Sturt Peas grope to grip
harsh hot terrain in fighting wind.
At Easter, a hundred yards off
the bay, coral triggers upside down
snowstorms to invite gentle giants
from the depths of Tantabiddi to feed
whilst in my imagination, I squeeze
the fish colours through my fingers
to paint pictures and feel myself
swimming with whale sharks.
Frances Macaulay Forde © 2008
If you'd like to enjoy a good read and find out more, go to: http://www.maureensexton.com.au/Pages/creativeconnections2008.html
