Inspired by a poem penned by Sonoma State University professor Elizabeth Carothers Herron, sculptor Bruce Johnson has completed a major work of redwood and copper called "Poetry House" as an architectural sculpture in the form of a traditional Japanese teahouse. It is now on display at the Paradise Wood Sculpture Grove in Santa Rosa.
Herron, a professor of Arts and Humanities, composed a poem for installation within the sculpture. Herron's epic has been seamlessly blended into Johnson's sculpture, with lines of poetry transcribed onto all of the under-layers of the building, both inside and out, including the roof, walls, floors, and the paper of the central lantern. "The intention is to imbue this small quiet space with poetry," she says.
Johnson, an artist and sculptor with more than 35 years of experience, had already begun work on a meditative space, but after reading a poem Herron had composed in the guestbook of the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, it struck Johnson that what he had originally planned to call "Teahouse," might be better named "Poetry House." It would evoke the same elegance and humility, but without the restriction of architectural rules.
"Bruce created a space for reflection, for slowing down, for being more thoughtful," said Herron, "and poetry epitomizes that state of mind."
Poetry House began with an act of generosity, says Johnson. An old salvaged split log was offered as a gift from the local Flowers Vineyard in the hopes that it would be put to good use. "When I trimmed the huge old snag I was astounded to discover a wood so rich in color and dense in structure that I knew at once it should be the posts and beams for a sacred building."
"So what is a poetry house?" asks Johnson. "I have come to feel that it is the empty space where attention resides...like prayers in a prayer wheel the invisible text has resonance."
Herron's poem, currently available only in a limited edition, will eventually be published as a four-volume set entitled "The Poet's House." She will be reading selections from the work at the Quicksilver Mine Gallery in Forestville at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17. This event features five other performers, four of whom enact the chorus of The Four Winds.
The event, "Coyote Starts Talking," includes two stories told by the figure of Coyote, who represents the creative force. Traditional Coyote stories are told only during the darker months of the year.
For more information on this project, contact Jean Wasp, Media Relations Coordinator, at (707) 664-2057.
More information about the Poetry House can be found at http://www.formandenergy.com/inthestudio.htm.
NOTE: Digital photos of the Poetry House are available upon request.
