‘Solitude in the time of strangeness’ Session during the Tears in the Fence Festival 2020 held during COVID19 Pandemic. Hosted by Andrew Henon featuring Rachael Clyne, Tina Goncalves, Jess Mookherjee and David Caddy. There will be a special conference on Saturday 8th May following on from last years event and leading towards the Autumn Tears in the Fence Festival 2021
Produced for Bridgewater Queyside virtual festival 2020
‘new levels’
Transcript
new levels
a 21 trunked tree
splays out across river flows
shaded under leaf dappled
sun lit grass, ruffled
lush green, banked ground
with centre crown
Sedgemoor seeds sow
grow a weeping willow
tears for the rivers going
flood drenched soak sponge
far away from plastic scourers
Sellotape and Cellophane
Breathe in the weeping willow
Hold a breath for beauty
in dark times
tomorrow all of this water
will have passed
leaves on an outgoing tide
drops sedimentary deposits
suspended particulars
yet on paper
fixed terms of reference
do not shift
remain in a state of property
trying to own seeds on the wind
chasers, chancres, mercenary
know nothing of spiritual gold
or spirit of silver
reflected back from a distanced stare
longing to share
that which makes us human
touch another’s heart
from 2 metres
there is no briefing
mediated answer
for what to do
our expectations
to be cared for, respected, valued, accepted
put to the test, yoke to bear
beasts of burden for privileged few
locked down
locked in
locked up
locked out
not for me, stayed free
delivering Dotcom, school meals and PPE
time to reflect, rethink, re-evaluate
roads, towns, beaches fill up
oceans now have gloves and masks
antibacterial water ways, poisoned source
take any moment to slow down
into an inner place
sanctuary space
a sacred home
buy nothing more
reject what was
sit a while by water flows
mind is fed outside your head
stillness find inside your mind
that creates the dream
extends beyond, made and scene
under trees with dappled leaves
where your hands have always been
here where the water
trickles down different life lines
and connections reformed again
in layers of the anthropocean
This poem is created as a response to the georgraphic and socio economic landscape of the Somerset Levels during the COVID19 period of ‘Lockdown’ It refers to change and refelcts on how the outside world influences us and we influence it through processes of change. It will be shown as part of the Bridgewater Quayside Festival alongside other work of The Fountain poetry group of which I am proud and pleased to be a member.
‘admiable red’
Transcript
admirable red
seemingly fragile life, appears delicate strength
Vanessa atalanta, from North Africa
in summer, increased number
over, recent years some overwinter
nymphalidae family of traveller
those who make it through
ride prevailing currents
with wings together camouflaged underneath
disappear at rest on tree or ground
‘We’re all in this together’
on arrival open winged solar gain bathed
red brown black white blue
anticipated arrival looked for, greeted with smiles
joy filled followers, wonder each year
when flowers return memories
imago, ovum, lava, pupa,
metamorphosis through changes
inspirational process, asks that fixed questions
become open source, free at the point of view
‘We’re all in this together’
key workers whose small actions become considerable
in effect amidst chaos, make adjustments
at a cursory glance, maintains a precarious balance
seen in different light, moves as a model
a Red Admiral, previously known
as ‘The Red Admirable’
on Verbena in disambiguation, acts as though aware
of observer, welcomed as an essential friend
yet distanced in air of confidence
‘We’re all in this together’
in the kindness of nettles left to flower
ivy blossom, thistles and brambles
individual reflections of what really matters
pruned buddleia spreads seeds that grow in walls
leaving grasses, docks vetches and corn flowers
blackthorn, sedum , michaelmas, hemp-agrimony and rue
the day of lawnmowers, round up and phosphates
through lens opening, glimpse complexities return
in multi coloured freedoms, spectrums of desire
this, translucent, transcultural, transient beauty
This poem refers to my earlier painings of butterflies my concerns about global environmental change and our part in the extinction of species. It speaks about the COVID19 pandemic experiences, Chaos theory and the oportunity to change.
Still photo
admirable red
‘summer solstice Black Lives Matter 2020’ Produced for Contempoaray International Online Festival Hello World
This is a short silent video poem created on the solstice of 2020 revisting the earlier peice created in 2018 and made with the Black Lives Matter campaign in mind. It is reseponce to being aware of how racist we may still be in our daily lives and how we all need to become more aware in order to change things.
‘summer solstice 2018’
Created in 2018 it is a short silent video poem created during a peotry workshop held at the bow warf in Langport with the ‘Fountain Poets of Wells, East Coker Group and frome stanza group.It was accepted for the Trans Cultural Exchange digital event Hello World in 2020.
Here is the interview with Deb Richardson about my work.
‘the art of memory’
A collaborative poem and poetry performance with David Caddy for the South West Poetry Tour. Delivered at Hauser & Wirth in 2016
‘swim lanes’
‘swim lanes’ This poem was created in collaboration with Christos Vasilakis CHi2 University of Bath for the Fringe Art Bath and Unversity of Bath Art Science initiative. It refers to computer systems modeling within the specific context of the NHS and blood suplies required during a critical event. It refers to the different and shared languages of Art & Science and the re-humanisation of machine, artificial and synthetic systems. It is produced using still images from the body of work created during the project and included in the FABSCI exhibition at the ‘Edge Gallery’ in 2016
Frnge Art Bath interview with myself and Christos Vasilakis about the work
Waterwoven performance at BRSLI Bath Literature FEstival Filmed by Andrew Henon
‘dynamic flow form’
‘dynamic flow form’ by Andrew Henon. This poem was created from fimed content produced from 2010 together with a poem written specifically to accompany the fims as a long poem in 2017. The poem makes the reference to the polution of water, water as a resource, global warming and the use of fosil fuels. It relates the lived experience to the wider issues and challenges of our times.
Young Carers Performance 2014
For Arts Council England artist in residence 2014. In collaboration with Bath Philamonia and Jason Thornton. I created and produced the visual backdrop together with input from young carers at the Carers Centre Bath & North East Somerset.
The next Video is Jay Ramsay reading Tears in The Fence Festival 2014 Great to see and hear dear friend Jay again.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next Video is Rosie Jackson
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next Video is David Caddy Reading ‘Lapping At The Door at Tears in The Fence Festival 2014 really great to view David again.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is David Caddy presenting his speech and talk about what really matters being the subject of poetry, the lived experience that which touches our hearts, minds and spirits in becoming. Thank you David for all the work you do.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Charles Hadfield reading Tears in the Fence Festival 2014 great to see and hear Charles reading again a joy and a pleasure, meaning with purpose.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Michael Scott a very moving and profound set of what really matters to us all as human beings. How we the living cope with loss and sadness makes us part of who we are.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next Video is Morag Kiziewicz a very sensitive and profoundly moving reading an account of the lived experience and informed from the heart.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next Video is Catherine McNamara
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is David Andrew a very moving reading
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Colin Sutherill A heartfelt reading selection of the relevant lived experience
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Lesley Burt a sensitive and insightfull reading full of relevance and meaning
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Ric Hool a reading to consider and read again thoughtfull and challenging with great humour
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Alison Lock a very real insightfull reading of combined lived experience and the imagined
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Aidan Semmens A thoughtful and meaningful piece with deep layers of content heart felt and very real, ‘Mark making in the land of their living” and ours.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Val Bridge reading at Tears in the Fence 2014. On the theme of the exiled or outsider, refugee a very poignant and profoundly current, touching and movingly relevant reading. Poetry from the very real lived experience and in praise of diversity overcoming and acceptance of the trials of life
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Richard Makin reading at Tears in the Fence 2014. An introduction to his new book MOURNING.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Linda Black reading at Tears in the Fence 2014. A very visual and as a Dyslexic appealing take on life. Humour with depth and fun.
The next video is the Round Table Discussion at Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. A very dynamic and stimulating debate and interesting juxtaposition of work and perspectives on the lived experience.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Louise Buchler Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. An insight into South Africa and apartheid together with the lived experience of growing up and adolescence, heart felt and powerful expresssion.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video I want to share is Norman Jope Norman reminds me of some great music and a some brilliant times from the past. Norman has great insight and true passion for his subject it comes over very well and it is a pleasure to view again.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is Cora Greenhill reading at Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. A well observed insight into the lived experience a moment for reflective thinking about other.
The next video from the Tears in the Fence Festival 2014 is Ian Brinton’s talk on John Riley a fascinating and informative account that illuminates our understandings and provides us with an insight into his life and work.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video in the Tears in the Fence series is Mandy Pannett a very sensitive and genuine insight into the lived experience. What really matters and an offering from the heart, I found it profoundly moving.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video in the Tears in the Fence series is of Anthony Barnetts Talk. An insightful view of translation and it opens up a rich and rewarding canon of work. A masterpiece of detailed exploration.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video in the Tears in the Fence series of readings is Featured poet Pansy Maurer-Alvarez. A real joy to hear Pansy’s authentic voice as ever a treat.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
Here is the reading of ‘Waterwoven’ Claire Diprose Jo Waterworth, Ewan MacPhearson, Ama Bolton, Morag Kiziewicz and Sarah Butler. Video of the performance during Bath Literature Festival 2015 at Bath Royal Science Literature Institute (BRSLI) It received a standing ovation and it is a pleasure to now make this video available form my blog pages.
The next video is available. Lucy Hamilton reading as a featured poet during the Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. Lucy gives us a very insightful, sensitive and informed view of the lived experience. A pleasure to listen to her very genuine meaningful voice again.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is available. Jeff Hilson reading as a featured poet during the Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. I find this reading is absolutely brilliant. It was fantastic to experience live and it is still mesmerizing watching it as a video. It is an extraordinary performance and leaves me still thinking about the content months after.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is available. Dorothy Lehane reading as a featured poet during the Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. Combining the very personal with the common and shared lived experience.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is available. Peter Hughes reading as a featured poet during the Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. A great balance of mirth, humour and sensitivity and always a treat to hear peter read.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next video is of Jennifer K Dick reading at the Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. A great combination of Science meets Art and Human Spirit through the lived and shared experience. Some great humour with purpose and meaning, a pleasure to hear again and again.
The next video is of Chris McCabe reading on Friday evening at the Tears in the Fence Festival 2014. An authentic voice with humour and serious intent. All though his last poem is missing from this set it is clear that the lived experience and social justice are important to Chris. A real treat to watch and listen to.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
The next reading is from Sarah Crewe a fantastic reading that challenges our prejudices and brings us to consider important feminist perspectives. A dynamic experience repeated here for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
Last year my self and Morag helped and supported David Caddy in the development of the ‘Tears in the Fence’ poetry festival. Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor recorded sound and video footage of readings. With special thanks for the loan of equipment to Somerset Film
Here is the first one edited by me to go live on YouTube.
Ian Brinton introduces John Freeman. I like the way John moves from environmental to human issues in a very sensitive reading, humorous and poignant
Tears in The Fence Festival Videos Filmed by Tom Kiziewicz and Georgie McGregor, Produced by Andrew Henon with thanks to Somerset Film
