SPEAKING OF IMAGES

8 March 2014 by Walter J. Wojtanik 2 Comments

So expanding into other areas of poetics I finally read my poems live before an audience of art patrons. I had performed before audiences in my Ed Sullivan days (working with local Buffalo Beatles tribute band, Beatlemagic), but this was me speaking in my voice… in my own words, written in interpretation of extraordinary photographic images by Paula Sciuk.

Pausa Art House
19 Wadsworth St.
Buffalo, NY

The venue was a quaint art house in the Allentown (famous for its Art Festival) neighborhood, in the shadow of Kleinhan’s Music Hall. Pausa Art House hosted Paula’s collection and I was honored with an invitation to “perform” my works based on selected images.

I had butterflies for sure, but being presented with the last set which featured my work, I had time to find my composure and focus on the task at hand. My intent was to shine a light on Paula’s vision without detracting from it. From her reaction, I believe I did exactly that. When my last words left my mouth and I heard the patrons applaud, I felt validated. People who came to see wonderful works of art, hear fine musical interludes and fits of poetic madness (not to mention the wine and cheese) were treated to a sensory feast.

I certainly had a long overdue experience in presenting my words to people who had not heard them before. They didn’t know me from a baggett, but they enjoyed (or appeared to) the merger of sight and sound in the cause of celebrating Paula Sciuk’s artistic endeavors. Hopefully, after having a taste of public exposure (I kept my shirt on – not THAT public exposure) I get another chance share my poems.  

For a further glimpse at my night and the image and poems combinations, see SPEAKING ABOUT IMAGES at Through the Eyes of a Poets Heart