MEDIA COVERAGE: TV / Newspapers / Radio
On-line Newspaper Articles:
The upcoming Lake Country Project Art Show and Poetry Reading at The Raven Gallery (Pewaukee, WI) is featured in The Lake Country Reporter, The Oconomowoc Focus and the Living Lake Country Website:
http://www.livinglakecountry.com/lakecountryreporter/news/62332932.html
Ten artists, ten poets - one vision
Lake Country project uncovers talent in our own backyard
This summer 10 poets and 10 visual artists from the Lake Country area put pen and image to paper in a collaborative effort to share their talents and create something new. Their inspirations have resulted in original works of art expressed through paint, photography and words.
The first Lake Country Project Art Show & Poetry Reading, "Ten Artists, Ten Poets - One Vision," will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Raven Gallery, 690 Westfield Way, Pewaukee. The reception will offer the community a chance to view original works of art, listen to poetry readings and engage in conversations with the artists and writers. Live music featuring the guitar and vocal talents of Nick Scholz and ShinoIshioka will round out the evening.
Last spring, writers Cristina M.R. Norcross and Liz Rhodebeck and artist and owner of The Raven Gallery, Troy Tatlock, asked Lake Country artists and poets to submit samples of their work. Chosen participants were then paired up to create ekphrastic works of art and poetry.
"Ekphrastic" refers to art or poetry created through the interpretation or personal reaction of other creative mediums. It was up to the pairs to decide whether the poet would write a poem in response to the artist's work, or vice versa.
"Because the skill level was so high from all of our applicants, it was difficult to choose," said Norcross. "Rather than pair artists and poets up who had similar styles, we randomly matched our pairs. This was half the fun … to put 10 pairs of talented artists together and see what happens."
The Lake Country artists are Barbara Reinhart, Toby Colton, Holly Kallie, Orel Rooney, Anne Raskopf, Heidi Hallett, Dint Sweitzer, Luke Wein, Troy Tatlock and Judith Reidy. The poets are Cristina Norcross, Liz Rhodebeck, Paula Anderson, Khristian Kay, Betty Rose, Susan Martell Huebner, Mike Lane, Fred Kreutz, Abby Lorenz and Kathleen Carlson.
Creating awareness
Co-sponsored by the Pewaukee Area Arts Council, The Lake Country Project hopes to create experiences and events that promote the creative works of visual artists and writers in Lake Country and also encourage the next generation to focus on their own creative callings.
Founders and supporters of the project seek to continue to offer more art shows and poetry readings over the next three to four years. A call for artists and poets to submit works for the next event is already under way.
"Everyone is just having a ball with this, and that was the point. It's so important to encourage and support our local artists and writers by providing them with an opportunity to stand up and present their work," said Norcross. "It's also a wonderful way to give back to the community by offering a free evening of art and poetry."
Inspiring each other
An excerpt from the poem, "The Trees Don't Care How Old You Are," by Susan Martell Huebner, reads, "The trees will take you as you are/hopelessly knotted/or dangerously loose-limbed/branches naked and bent/or fully leafed and shimmering."
The Mukwonago resident said the poem came to her one spring day as she sat at her kitchen table looking out her window at the line of trees along her backyard. She was awaiting a call from her physician with the results of a breast biopsy.
"I was terrified, and I thought, it's either cancer or it's not, and whatever he tells me is not going to change anything. The trees are still going to be there, and life will go on. That is so comforting to me; there is a constant in my own backyard. That's where the poem came from, and it's one of my absolute favorites," she said.
Huebner was paired with artist Anne Raskopf of Oconomowoc. The two met a couple of times to pore over each other's works and found it hard to decide which would come first, the poem or the painting.
"I gave Anne a variety of poems I had written, and I was so happy when she chose that one because it has so much meaning for me," said Huebner. "This was a very interesting, beautiful experience to be a part of. It has allowed me to look at the world with fresh eyes - not with my words, but with my feelings. I saw how Anne sees things through her paintings, and it has fed my own creative spirit."
Raskopf said the poem inspired her because of her own lifelong connection with nature. "I was drawn to the poem about the trees because I love being outside, and as a kid I was always riding horses, building forts and climbing trees," said Raskopf. "Susan's poem inspired me to create a big painting with oils. I love the rich, saturated color that oils provide, and this painting is very colorful and impressionist because it's raw and imperfect."
The Lake Country Project Art Show & Poetry Reading is relevant because it gives the community a way to appreciate the art of making something out of nothing through the written word and paint, said Raskopf. "It seems old-fashioned, but you don't want to lose these things in society. And when someone gets excited about something you do and you get excited about something they do, you just thrive off of that."
For more information about The Lake Country Project Art Show & Poetry Reading, visit the Pewaukee Area Arts Council Web site: www.pewaukeearts.org.
The upcoming Paintings & Poetry event at The Lakes Gallery of Fine Art is featured in the Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009 issue of Living Lake Country in the Milwaukee Sentinel/Journal. Available both in print form and on-line. Click on the the story's title below or read the full article here:
Kindred spirits mix mediums to celebrate life by Page Smaga
FULL ARTICLE:
How do you pay tribute to life’s journeys? Do you capture them in photos? Write them down in a journal? Do you keep them all up in your head and are reminded of them when something familiar catches your eye?
For Oconomowoc artists and sister-in-laws, Cristina Norcross and Anne Raskopf, life is recorded and celebrated through verse and imagery. And a recent inspiration that touches the hearts of both is the subject of an upcoming event featuring their artistic works. An evening of art and poetry at The Lakes Gallery of Fine Art Jan. 17, will center on “Sacred Heart,” a poem Norcross wrote about her brother and Raskopf’s husband, Eric, a criminal defense attorney in Avenue Square Mall. Eric recently underwent heart surgery, and Norcross used a painting of his sailboat Raskopf had done for inspiration.
“It was just a few days after my brother had heart surgery and the imagery is about the boat but the poem is about his sacred heart and how he was able to regain his health so quickly after his surgery,” Norcross said. “I remember how thankful I was for his recovery and wanted to offer up a poem of gratitude.”
Putting her reaction to paintings in words is something Norcross has been doing for the past six years; the style of writing is called Ekphrastic poetry. According to Norcross’ Web site, Ekphrastic is the conversation between two pieces of art. The writer interprets the work of a visual art and then creates a narrative in verse form that represents their reaction.
“I try to paint a picture with words through imagery and narrative bringing the hidden story within the painting to life,” Norcross explained.
And Raskopf has even brought Norcross’ words to life on the walls of her sons’ room. “Anne painted a mural in my sons’ (Christopher, 5, and James, 2 ½), room that incorporates scenes from all the places we used to live,” said Norcross.
The scenes of Canada, Paris, London, New Hampshire and Venice come to life every night for the boys through bedtime stories told by Norcross and her husband, John.
“Every night before my son goes to bed, he says ‘God bless Annie’s paintings,’” Norcross said.
Raskopf does murals professionally through her home-based business, Michelangelo Murals. On her Web site, she wrote, “I find inspiration in daily activities, and those things that often become my subject matter. Painting images that surround me, I try to expose the beauty that everyday life provides us – a road, a sky, or an animal.” She has painted murals around the area, one at the Albanese’s Roadhouse in Waukesha but most of them are done in area homes.
The dynamic the two share gave them the idea to host an event to present their jointly-inspired works. Norcross and Raskopf approached Lakes Gallery owner, Terri Peterson and pitched it to her.
Norcross said she will share about five poems she has based on Raskopf’s art and will also share some poetry from her first book, Land and Sea: Poetry Inspired by Art. She’s also invited other poets to read at the event, “the more the merrier,” she quipped. They will collect donations for the American Heart Association in honor of Eric and also for the 100-year-old Merton Town Hall Library undergoing renovations.
“That poem (‘Sacred Heart’) for me is very powerful and special and that led to making donations to the American Heart Association and to the library that they’re adding on to,” said Norcross. “We wanted to give back to the community,” said Raskopf.
Future project
Norcross and Raskopf are jointly leading another artistic effort called Lake Country Project for Artists and Poets which is co-sponsored by the Pewaukee Area Arts Council, (PAC). The project’s aim is to promote creative works of visual artists and writers in Lake Country. Liz Rhodebeck will co-edit an anthology of the artists and poets with a 2010 pub date. The project is looking for submissions, for more information, visit, pewaukeearts.org/project.htm.
For your info
What: Paintings & Poetry
When: matinee, 2:30 to 4 p.m. and main performance, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17
Where: The Lakes Gallery of Fine Art, N76 W31428 Highway V V, Hartland
Cost: Donations accepted for the American Heart Association and the Merton Town Hall Library
RSVP: Limited seating, call (262) 966-1804 to reserve seating
Artist info:
Cristina Norcross’ books are available at amazon.com and other Web sites, for more information visit her Web site at www.firkinfiction.com.
For more information on Anne Raskopf’s paintings, visit www.anneraskopf.com
A mention of my poetry featured at a photography exhibit is included in the article, "Melding Photos and Verse" by The Lookout, Sonya Vartabedian, in The Daily News Online, Newburyport, MA.
See full article below:
Melding photos and verse in 'Gems and Passions'
Patricia Bashford of Newburyport and Robert Pyle of Reading are pairing their photographs with prose and poetry in "Gems and Passions," opening today in the Newburyport Art Association's Laura Coombs Hills Gallery, 65 Water St., Newburyport.
The photographers are both devotees of poetry, and each has found a poet to compliment their images.
Bashford is teaming with poet Cristina Norcross, who recently published a book of her poems inspired by the work of a watercolorist. They are presently working on a similar publication using Bashford's images and Norcross' poems. Three of the poems are featured in the art association exhibit.
The poet laureate Gertrude Halstead of Worcester, meanwhile, was inspired by Pyle's New England Light exhibit at the Copley Society of Boston.
Pyle uses classic black-and-white photographs that concentrate on light and form in architectural settings as well as in his carefully composed family portraits. Bashford primarily works with colorful, digitally produced images that focus on the natural world and people and their habitats.
The exhibit runs through April 30 and features commentary from both artists about their work. The show coincides with next weekend's Newburyport Literary Festival. An opening reception is planned for tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m., and a gallery talk will take place Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.
For details, call the art association at 978-465-8769 or visit www.newburyportart.org.
Book Reviews in the Harvest Plain
Link to Press Release for Land & Sea
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TRIPPING THE LIGHT EKPHRASTIC!
After making a splash on Amazon.com, Land & Sea has aspirations of being an artistic and literary hit.
What on earth does ekphrastic mean, you might ask? Ekphrasis is the genre of poetry that involves poetic verse being directly inspired by a visual art form such as photography, painting, sculpture, music or even multimedia. Infused with vivid images, ekphrastic poetry creates a narrative for art, inspired by the beauty of an artist’s vision as well as the literary muse. In keeping with the tradition of William Wordsworth and William Carlos Williams, who both wrote ekphrastic poetry, Land & Sea carries on the torch.
Local author Cristina M. R. Norcross of Dover, NH and NY artist Irene Ruddock (www.ireneruddock.com) collaborated on the beautiful book, Land & Sea: Poetry Inspired by Art. This unique collection of ekphrastic poetry and watercolor paintings is available to order through Revolution Booksellers. It is currently being sold at local, independent bookstores, as well as at select Borders and Barnes & Noble stores. A full list of retail outlets can be found on the author’s website at www.firkinfiction.com.
An upcoming book tour includes book-signing events at the following Barnes & Noble college bookstores: Tufts University (Nov. 10th), The Harvard Coop (Dec. 9th), Fordham University at Lincoln Center (Dec. 15th) and Johnson & Wales University (Jan. 16th).
Ms. Norcross will be a featured guest at an upcoming multi-author event on Nov. 17th, 11-2, at the Whipple Free Library in New Boston, NH.
Readers will gaze at the peaceful images and words contained within the pages of Land & Sea and be transported to another world. From romantic ocean scenes to narratives woven around tall buildings overlooking Central Park, Land & Sea has stories and themes that every reader will be able to identify with and enjoy as a welcome escape.
Here are some of the enthusiastic responses to Land & Sea by noteworthy readers:
“The book is beautiful.”
-Nancy Aronie, Author of Writing from the Heart
“Poems and pictures beautifully melded!”
-Ken Browne, Documentary filmmaker and director of Mondays at Skimmilk: 30 Years of Writers at Work
“… I think that Cristina Norcross has done an admirable job of taking inspiration from Ms. Ruddock’s agreeable images.”
-Gregory Maguire, Bestselling author of the novel Wicked.
There is a magical interplay between the written word and visual art. It is a creative synthesis like no other, guaranteed to open the mind and soothe the soul. Open up Land & Sea and walk into the pages of landscape and story. This is a land of respite you will return to again and again. Land & Sea provides a world of enchantment for readers. Let the journey begin!
ISBN: 978-0-9796733-0-6
Firkin Fiction
Hardcover, 67 pages, illustrated
$34.95 retail
To place orders for this book, please contact:
Revolution Booksellers
Carol McCarthy
60 Winter Street
Exeter, NH 03833
Toll-Free: 800.738.6603
Phone: 603.772.7200
Fax: 603.772.1980
E-mail: carol@revolutionbooksellers.com
URL: www.revolutionbooksellers.com
To arrange a book signing or interview, please contact Cristina M. R. Norcross at author@firkinfiction.com.
PRINT NEWSPAPERS:
Portsmouth Herald: "Painting and Poetry Team up"
Nashua Telegraph article: "Poet, Painter Team up for 'Land & Sea'"
*These book reviews were also published in print form in the Sunday August 12, 2007 editions of each newspaper as well as The Concord Monitor.
Sample Article: Poet, painter team for ‘Land & Sea’
“Land & Sea,” paintings by Irene Ruddock, poetry by Cristina M.R. Norcross; Firkinfiction; cloth; 54 pages; $34.95.
Publishing your own book takes guts – especially when it’s an art and poetry book. The poetry’s no problem, but those full-color paintings on every other page mean a lot of money out of pocket. And who knows if the book will sell, or if you’ll be stuck with boxes of them moldering in your basement.
Dover poet Cristina Norcross and painter Irene Ruddock teamed up to produce “Land & Sea: Poetry Inspired by Art.”
Disclaimer: I don’t know much about paintings. Some I like; some not so much. (Actually, my criteria for judging poetry are pretty much the same.) Ruddock’s paintings soothe me – gardens and garden gates, window boxes, sweet little old farmhouses set among rolling fields and hills, empty beaches, dunes and the sea. She works in oil, pastels and watercolors, but despite different mediums, there’s a consistent impressionistic softness to her work. Ruddock’s world seems pleasant. Even her paintings of Central Park emphasize the water and trees rather than the background skyscrapers, which in her vision appear natural, like rectangular hills or cliffs with many windows.
“I try to capture an essence of light, happiness and serenity in my paintings,” she writes. “The name Irene means peace, so I attempt to impart my love for the beauty of nature in a peaceful and serene way.”
These paintings inspire Norcross’s work.
“Ekphrastic poetry,” she writes, “is the outcome of an author responding to a piece of artwork through the medium of writing.”
The paintings are the chicken; poetry, the egg. And the chicken came first. And ekphrastic is my new favorite word. Readers can study the painting, then read what Norcross read into it. We see where the painting led her. We see the relationship between words and image.
Ruddock’s painting of sand fence, dunes, beach and surf triggered Norcross’s poem “Ocean Breeze,” which begins with her memory of a similar place and a person associated with it.
There is a hollow of brush and sand,
not far from our beach house,
that reminds me of my lover’s neck.
Later, she recalls a moment.
It is on that beach that we first met.
That summer when life began
. . .
He walked towards me,
and even the soft strands of beach grass stood still
to witness our first, sun-kissed meeting.
Nothing like a beach for romance, that’s for sure. And sometimes infatuation transforms into a lasting relationship. Norcross calls it “seasoned love.”
Thirty years later
we still walk this beach,
with its sand dune cups and curves,
mimicking the white-capped waves in the distance.
. . .
There is a melody
of seasoned love in the breeze,
as the ocean sings a sweet song
of our memories.
The poems are soft and soothing, just like the paintings. It’s a sweet, sentimental and, yes, soothing match-up. And, by golly, readers like it. The first printing sold out, warranting a second, as well as an East Coast tour. I asked Norcross about her choice to publish the book independently. She said when she sought advice about getting a publisher or agent, “Most people (in the industry) told me that it is very difficult to submit poetry collections, because it is not popular commercially.”
This news didn’t dissuade her: “I believe in our book and still truly feel that we have an unusual, hybrid art form of images and words woven together. ‘Land & Sea’ appeals to both poetry and art lovers. . . . We sold out our first print run of 150 books within about four months and the rest is quickly becoming an exciting tidal wave of success.”
This fall, Barnes & Noble will host 14 book signings at university bookstores, including the Harvard Coop, Yale and Dartmouth. (The complete schedule is available at www.firkinfiction.com.) Norcross says the advantages of self-publishing compensate for the disadvantages.
“It is a lot of hard work on the part of the authors,” she says. “Instead of having an entire department at a publishing house devoted to sorting out the copyright information, you must do this yourself. I think I spent three hours one night applying for the ISBN number. A manual could be written just about this process. It made my eyes hurt after a while!”
However, “It is very rewarding though to know that you have earned whatever small success your book (achieves).”
Between writing, designing, printing and binding, “Land & Sea” took about 2½ years to produce.
“It was a labor of love. . . . Irene was at the printing house every day for weeks to make sure that the color matching was true to her original watercolor paintings. We are a great team, and we are both devoted to this book. I feel very blessed that people want to buy and read it!”
Rebecca Rule, a writer who lives in Northwood, writes this column weekly except the last Sunday of the month. Her e-mail address is rebeccarule@metrocast.net.
Radio Shows: "Writers in the Round"
WITR (Writers in the Round)- Radio Program - WSCA 106.1 FM Portsmouth, NH radio station
October 3rd, 2007, Wed., 7-8pm
I will be reading a sampling of my poems from the book Land & Sea, co-authored with the artist Irene Ruddock, live on the air. The program can be heard live that night at the radio's website. Please visit the site at 7pm on Oct. 3rd! The show is hosted by singer/songwriter/poet Deidre Randall who also runs the firm Blueline Publicity. Writers should visit both of her sites for useful information. WITR sponsors the Star Island Retreat in NH for songwriters and poets to write, attend workshops and share their creative process together. Check it out!