Arcana Reading this Friday at Origo Books
I recently sat down with Patrick Connors over a pint to discuss Arcana and my upcoming event at Origo Books this Friday, October 28th. Here is the interview:
http://newz4u.net/archives/21428
As mentioned in the article, I’ll be giving a talk on tarot, reading from Arcana and giving short tarot readings free to anyone who buys a copy of the chapbook. Below is the link with all the details.
Arcana available at Origo Books
I’m happy to announce that my chapbook of tarot-inspired poems “Arcana” is available for sale at Origo Books. Origo is an alternative and metaphysical bookstore filling the gap left behind by the Omega Centre. It’s a great place to visit if you’re in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood.
The Secret Handshake Gallery
It’s been a long while since my last poetry feature. Tonight I’m reading at an art, poetry and music event at the Secret Handshake Gallery: 189 Mutual Street (upstairs). 6 pm. I’m not familiar with the space, but I like the masonic-sounding gallery name. In planning my reading I picked out a number of tarot poems including “The Hierophant” since I envisioned the inside of a masonic temple when writing it.
V. The Hierophant
He inhabits a secret
beyond the black and white
checkered floor,
between two grey pillars.
Around him are the masks
of misrule, the faces
of benediction.
Lion, bull, man, eagle –
he knows them all.
Friend of the blue Venus,
this hushed speaker
halts the unprepared
with one hand held in symbol.
To the seeker
he grants two golden keys,
but will not tell
what they unlock.
Copyright © Clara Blackwood 2011
C&S Supernatural issue/ Book list
There seems to be a zeitgeist around submission calls for supernatural-themed poetry. I hope the trend continues as I love reading and writing poetry with this dimension. Recently I had three poems accepted to the online journal Cyclamens and Swords (based in Israel). Two were written while I was in Scotland earlier this year.
http://www.cyclamensandswords.com/poetry_december_2010_3.php
Also this month, I was happy to see my book Subway Medusa on a recommended reading list “The 31 Books of December.”
5 Questions interview on Open Book Toronto
My 5 Questions interview for The Toronto Quarterly blog is now posted on Open Book Toronto. Darryl Salach asks some good questions.
http://www.openbooktoronto.com/news/ttqs_toronto_poets_5_questions_series_clara_blackwood
Climate of Collaboration
Ekphrastic poetry is in vogue these days (who knew?). For a few years my poetry workshop — The Long Dash group — has been meeting up with the artists at the Women’s Art Association of Canada. This has resulted in the creation of many poems inspired by visual art. Tomorrow afternoon is our annual reading at the WAAC: 23 Prince Arthur Ave., 2-4 pm.
Tarot dates: March 12 + March 13
I’ll be available for tarot readings today (4-6 pm) and tomorrow (3-5 pm) at Zoots Cafe. After this week, I won’t be back at Zoots until April. Happily, the readings have been fairly steady. See the poster below for more details.
Three readings and then a long break
I have three readings this month — one in Hamilton and two in Toronto. After this I’m taking a long break from doing readings. Really need to finish my next book . . . in addition to many other resolutions. Wasn’t very successful with last years resolution of “be more of a hermit.” We’ll see how I do this year.
Here are my three readings:
Sunday, January 3rd @ The Sky Dragon Centre: 27 King William Street, Hamilton. 7:30 pm. Lit Live Reading Series.
Sunday, January 10th @ The Free Times Cafe: 320 College Street, Toronto. 7:30 pm. WordJam Reading Series — the second last one! Series ends in February.
Sunday, January 17th @ The Central: 603 Markham Street, Toronto. 6 pm. Plasticine Poetry Series.
