Hosted by The Latent Print and Tin Can Alehouse, the show is free, all ages, and open to the public.

Michael Boshart’s painting, “Coy,” sets the title and aesthetic for an evening that beckons closer study. Mood-driven oil paintings explore moments, images, and emotions that drive every one of us.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet these artists and experience their provocative, figurative pieces.

Preview the making of “Coy” in a short by Tommy McAdams here: http://vimeo.com/32696803

If you are interested in a private viewing, contact: info@michaelboshart.com

Located in the Barrio Logan Arts District, please be sure to swing by The Roots Factory next door for a coinciding art event: http://on.fb.me/rIwmoV

AGE: Open to Public COVER: FREE

WHEN

WHERE

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Please join us on December 2 (6-10pm) to celebrate the release of Reflection, Refraction, Projection, a new (very) limited edition book by artist Ela Boyd!
*DJ Set with Jamuel Saxon!

The 80 pg. full color limited edition artist book features images of Boyd’s light installation work, full bleed images of the prism series and an accompanying text. The essay details theories of visual perception, spatialized imagery and the ontology of the decentralized object as mediated through consciousness and media. A limited edition of 25 numbered and signed books will be sold in deluxe packaging with a signed print included.

AGE: Open to Public COVER: FREE

WHEN

WHERE

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BEFORE YOU GO
therenotthere.com
elaboyd.com

The Latent Print and Autistically Speaking Films invite you to a special, first-take screening of Autistically Speaking No.1 on Friday, November 11 at 7:00PM. Light refreshments will be provided and admission is free.

Autistically Speaking No.1 is an experimental film research project directed by local filmmaker Anthony Pang. Q & A will follow the screening. Feedback is encouraged both during and after the event.

“Individuals with autism have a unique perspective and don’t watch films that you and I enjoy in the same way, in the way a film might engage an audience. Most films are not made for their way of perceiving the world,” Pang shared during a recent interview. “For my master’s thesis, I asked myself, ‘What kind of qualities would a film for an audience with autism possess? and, How does one go about designing a film specifically addressing this unique audience?’ ”

These queries evolved into Autistically Speaking No. 1, a unique visual and audio experience for individuals with autism.

Please note: This film may not be appropriate for those with hearing sensitivity. For a private viewing with adjusted audio, please contact us at info@thelatentprint.com. Lights will be left on low for the short screening.

This pre-screening is open to the public. We especially invite autism community members (i.e. those with autism as well as caregivers) to join us for this film experience.

Anthony Pang is a UCSD alum and a recent graduate of SDSU’s Masters Film program. He was one of the producers of Short Term 12, winner of a Sundance Award in 2009.

Located in 3RDSpace, a new co-working hub for entrepreneurs and creators, this event is an excellent opportunity to inspire new perspectives.

Please RSVP: rsvp@thelatentprint.com | Facebook Invite

AGE: Open to Public COVER: FREE

WHEN

WHERE

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Drawn out summer days

Original Source

Submit a photo of your own to submissions@thelatentprint.com

For more info on daily photo submissions, please visit OF THE DAY.

OUR TAKE
We stumbled upon samples of Nik Ewing’s work while browsing Longstay’s promo website That House Is Not A Home. Series of images, messages, and hidden links lead one through a maze that is seemingly simple, yet cryptic as the viewer goes forward. In the same fashion, Ewing works with an eclectic range of words and images – merging them into new contexts. To some viewers, the placement of words on nondescript backdrops may seem out of place, and even confusing. However, by borrowing old adages and foreign words (eg. Filbbertigibbet is Middle English), Nik directs our attention to typography, and how the design of words relates to its surroundings.

One of Nik Ewing’s pieces was also an ‘Of The Day’ pick on Feb 3, 2011.

BIO
After not getting into Rhode Island School of Design (due to not applying at all) Nik opted for the equally prestigious art institute of Cal State San Marcos (of which he is finally graduating from 6 years later). His gallery sales in La Jolla last year equaled $0 because none of them contacted him. He instead spends his artistic free time designing pictures on a computer amongst roaming Encinitas dogs, canned beers and desperation for a working vehicle. The balance of those factors and that he finds time to work with kids, play in multiple bands and freelance art and design should make you intrigued to check out his subtly vintage design edge and eye for minimalistic detail. If it doesn’t, please keep it to yourself.

WEBSITE
www.nikewing.com

Shooting off

Original Source

Submit a photo of your own to submissions@thelatentprint.com

For more info on daily photo submissions, please visit OF THE DAY.

Staying in the loop

Original Source

Submit a photo of your own to submissions@thelatentprint.com

For more info on daily photo submissions, please visit OF THE DAY.

Exit through the gift shop

Original Source

Submit a photo of your own to submissions@thelatentprint.com

For more info on daily photo submissions, please visit OF THE DAY.

Deep in thought

Original Source

Submit a photo of your own to submissions@thelatentprint.com

For more info on daily photo submissions, please visit OF THE DAY.

Tools of the trade

Original Source

Submit a photo of your own to submissions@thelatentprint.com

For more info on daily photo submissions, please visit OF THE DAY.

1. Grossmont Literary Arts Festival (April 25th – May 5th)

If you have never had the opportunity to see what the Grossmont Literary Arts Festival is all about, now is the time to attend part of the literature magic taking place in San Diego.

The annual festival, sponsored by Grossmont’s Creative Writing Program and English Department, presents award-winning authors as well as talent from the campus and the community. Past presenters include some of our favorites, such as The Taco Shop poets, Judy Reeves, Aimee Bender, and Sarah Shun-lien Bynum.

Q&A:
Sydney Brown

We connected with writer Sydney Brown, co-coordinator of the festival, to fill us in on the reading riches offered throughout the program this year, and how it impacts both the campus’ students and the local literary community.

The Latent Print

What are some of the components of this year’s festival that you feel especially contribute to the local literary community?

Sydney Brown

Bringing Dorothy Allison to our community provides readers and writers of all levels and aspirations the opportunity to meet the author of an American classic, Bastard Out of Carolina. It makes literature/art urgent and alive. The screening of the film adaptation gave us the opportunity to discuss adaptation, the difference between reading a book and watching a film, as well as the complexity and horrors of domestic violence–the discussion which followed the film was fascinating.

Performance poets, Patricia Allison and now, Roger Bonair-Agard, take literature off the page and screen and into physical space of our community. One of the most fulfilling experiences with art is reading and studying a work and then hearing the author read and discuss it. The opportunity to ask questions, to engage directly with the writer, is often overwhelming. Grossmont students and community members’ lives are enriched beyond words by this experience.

In addition, students have the opportunity to share their own work at the “New Voices Student Reading” and “At Rise! Dramatists Showcase.” When selected for this event in our festival, students begin to envision themselves in new ways, to own their words on another level. Family and community members enjoy the privilege of entering the lives and imaginations of these talented students. Quite simply, they are entertained.

TLP: What is the most important theme of this year’s event that you would like us to highlight?

Sydney Brown

This year we focused on American women writers, such as Allison, Smith, and the WriteOutLoud event which featured professional actors reading works by Patricia Smith; Dorothy Allison; Alice Walker; Aimee Bender; and local writer, Jincy Willet. We are exploring the relationship between the arts and sociopolitical issues such as domestic violence and the colossal failure of society on so many levels when it comes to the tragedy and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

TLP: Is there anything that you would like to share with those unfamiliar with this event?

Sydney Brown

Many of the events of our 15th Annual Literary Arts Festival are made possible through the fundraising efforts of our students and community. With so many of them coming from El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, La Mesa, they are hungry for the literary arts. In addition, faculty have money automatically deducted each month from their paychecks to support the literary arts for our college and community. We have an amazing President, Sunita Cook, whose commitment to culture is manifested in her continued funding of the World Arts and Cultures Committee, a major benefactor of our festival.

The Grossmont College Creative Writing Program believes the arts are as vital to a community as electricity. For a long time the East County (one could even say San Diego) was the “biggest small town in America” with regards to the arts. In the past few years though, there has been something in the air. A renaissance of sorts. We are so pleased to contribute to the emerging and thriving arts community of San Diego. And now we have our own Pulitzer Prize winner at UCSD; Rae Armantrout is fantastic.

Additional Notes & Mentions:

We thank Sydney for taking time this week to offer her insight and thoughts. To our readers, please show your support with the festival’s efforts and join us at one of the events over the next week.

For more information: http://www.grossmont.edu/english/festival/

2. LA Times Festival of Books (April 30th – May 1st)

Ever been to the South by Southwest for books? The 16th annual LA Times Festival of Books, described as the “nation’s largest public literary festival” takes place this weekend, April 30th-May 1st at USC. Event admission is free, but tickets are required for panel discussions & lectures due to limited seating.

Whatever kind of literary kick you’re in search of, there is an event for you here. The festival includes seven outdoor stages (surrounded by hundreds of exhibitors) as well as dozens of indoor venues hosting panels on everything from “Publishing in the 21st Century” to a Spanish spelling bee.

We love the idea of a “What Are You Reading?” graffiti wall where festival goers are invited to grab a marker and give a shout-out to their favorite books by posting book titles on a space facing the Time’s Pavilion area. To give you an idea of what we would go and graffiti:

Check out our favorites with a quick take below

(Full Program here)

SATURDAY 4/30

10:00AM

Taper 201 – Jennifer Egan, who recently won the Pulitzer for her book, Goon Squad, will be on the panel “Fiction: Breaking Boundaries”.

12:30PM

Bovard, Panel 1121 – Could it get any better? A conversation between Patti Smith (Just Kids) & Dave Eggers, king of literary scene? Yes, please. Moderated by David Ulin (LA Times Book Editor)

3:00PM

Andrus Center – Rebecca Solnit (named last year by Utne Reader as one of the “25 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World”) will be part of the panel, “Maps: Defining a City”. If you haven’t had the chance, check out her recent and intriguing, Infinite City: A San Francisco Atlas.

SUNDAY 5/1

3:00PM

Poetry Stage – Matthew Zapruder (yes, of that Zapruder fame, history buffs) reads from Come on All You Ghosts.

4:30PM

Poetry Stage – Les Figues Press will present Sound Poetry Performance by Vanessa Place, Mathew Timmons & Christine Wertheim.

7:00PM

The Mountain Bar (475 Gin Lang Way, Chinatown) – Writer Jim Ruland, will be sharing writing as part of the Vermin on the Mount reading series. He will also be moderating the 4/30 panel, “Fiction: Writing the Absurd” at 3:30pm at the Davidson Center.

For more information & Event info:
Site: latimesfestivalofbooks.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/latimesfob
Twitter stream: @latimesfob

Field Trip with San Diego Writers to LA Festival of Books

If you would like to commute/trainpool with fellow San Diego writers, check out San Diego Writer’s Ink field trip page here.

We work in the dark, We do what we can, We give what we have, Our doubt is our passion, And our passion is our task, The rest is the madness of art
Henry James

Sources: http://sydbrown.net/, flickr

The legend of San Diego’s burrito poetry, with a side of guacamole

We believe art can create both a temporal and physical space that brings people together. The Taco Shop Poets, a local spoken word collective, embodies the communal power of spoken word, visual images, and audible melodies. In their years of artistic development and exposure, they sought to remind artists and individuals that they have the right to exist, create and share. Influenced by their experiences growing up in immigrant families, they wanted to encourage people to live in the open and tell their stories, because every voice is a valuable part of social dialogue. Recently we had the pleasure of joining TSP member Adrian Arancibia at El Comal to celebrate his 40th birthday and witness the first performance of the Taco Shop Poets in 8 years.

Early beginnings and a new environment for spoken word

Chorizo Tonguefire

In 1994, the Taco Shop Poets began organically out of a friendship of 15 or so writers and literature students at a writer’s workshop at Centro Cultural de la Raza. They felt coffee shops as poetry venues had become too elitist. Taco shops, however, were an untapped stage where various people gathered for the same unpretentious purpose: burritos as sustenance. Utilizing beats, tunes and words, the Taco Shop Poets did not simply read poetry – they performed it. They spoke of cultural experiences as immigrants or children of immigrants, artists, students, and life on both sides of the border. Their readings were accessible to everyone, and the only stipulation to perform at the Saturday night taco shop readings was that you had to attend the Wednesday writer’s workshops.

We saw a lot of “Look as these crazy guys who read poetry in taco shops!” type of stories that minimized the seriousness of our intentions. But when people got it, they got it. – Tomás

The Taco Shop Poets Movement

Word of the Taco Shop Poets spread by mouth and the occasional flier scrawled on a tortilla shell left in a taco shop. Student events led to regional and then national tours, including an impromptu performance at the Alamo. TSP has produced books, recorded performances and has even been featured in documentaries about Latino life in the US. In 2002 they funded and organized Voz Alta, a performance gallery and art space in Barrio Logan that is still active today (although none of the original TSP members are presently involved). The legacy that the Taco Shop Poets hold closest is the change they made within the San Diego art community.

Tomás Riley, one of the four core members who performed at the recent El Comal event explains:

I think the TSP deserves its reputation for changing the whole game by removing the performance from traditional settings and reinstalling it in appropriate cultural sites. In searching the city’s class structure from the outside looking in, we were looking for something that lead towards the community’s points of intersection. We redefined San Diego as an important creative environment situated on the cultural crossroads (both literally and figuratively), which brought a lot of positive attention to the San Diego art scene.

Taco Shop Poets disbanded in 2004 to preserve the quality of their work. Its members were moving on both artistically and physically as it became harder to find time to come together and create. Today each member is still driven by the same ideals and passions that created Taco Shop Poets, which manifest through their individual work as artists, teachers, and community leaders. Adrian describes himself and his current art:

Like Juan Garcia Madero in Roberto Bolaño’s Savage Detectives, a young idealist of a writer. These beliefs and dreams are part and parcel of my writing classes at UCSD with writers like Quincy Troupe and professors like Rosaura Sanchez and Jaime Concha, and my experiences with the TSP.

Bringing poetry to life in public places

This video from Epinosa Productions shows the fluidity of TCP’s spoken word in cultural spaces. According to the Taco Shop Poets’ dedication to creative empowerment, minds can always meet in everyday places and inspiration is open 24 hours.

In every town they are there. They’re the artists the town never recognizes or buys art from. They are broke. Their bathrooms are utilitarian. They smell of pinaud powder. The powder they use at old school barbershops. They make living space out of old offices, warehouses and empty rooms.
Adrian Arancibia

Source: Burrito image by Alex Jackson, all rights reserved

Our field trip to the Huntington Library and our Charles Bukowski experience

If places were people, our field trip to the Huntington Library introduced us to the most cultured, well-rounded and charming of them all.

Places–like people–can be many things at once. Part research library, part science and art museum, part horticulture wonderland, the Huntington Library definitely fits the bill. The recent exhibit, “Poet on the Edge,” served as our inspiration destination as we went in search of all things Bukowski. What we came away with was a day steeped in art, history, literature, stunning landscapes and the sweet smell of magnolia trees.

We began our day in the library with Bukowski on the brain, and the exhibit did not disappoint. Organized in a themed timeline of his life, the display offered rare glimpses at personal artifacts, candid photos, fan letters, racetrack paraphernalia, illustrations, magazine articles and beautiful first editions of his books from Black Sparrow Press. Also on display was his beloved “typer” and his old radio, tuned to the only music he listened to while writing—classical.

The rest of the library was a fascinating journey through the history of science, medicine and technology to the study of the American West and the development of Southern California. In the main hall we saw a Gutenberg Bible, the Ellesmere manuscript of Canterbury Tales and a staggering array of books and letters from literature’s greatest contributors.

The main house serves as both an art gallery and a glimpse at the Huntington’s early-1900s lifestyle. The library and portrait gallery are highlights and not to be missed. The Thomas Gainsborough works (including the famous Blue Boy) are breathtaking. (On a side note, we highly recommend visiting The San Diego Museum of Art to see Gainsborough’s “Modern Woman” exhibit).

The rest of our day was spent wandering the grounds and the botanical garden. There are more than a dozen gardens on the 207-acre grounds, so we didn’t get to see them all, but the diversity of plant life—from succulents to herbs to roses to jungle plants—was truly impressive.

All in all, this field trip was such an enriching experience, and we highly recommend you follow suit. Our only regret is that there wasn’t enough time to get to know the place better.

UPCOMING EVENT

All Great Art is Horse Shit, Buy Tacos

Click for Details

Join Jett Gallery and over 20 San Diego artists on Friday, April 15th for an evening of Bukowski-inspired art pieces. See what these artists have been working on; sculpture, paintings, illustrations, and mixed-media will be on display. Taking a hint from the event title, do we as viewers or buyers take ‘great art’ too seriously? What is it about Bukowski’s writing that intrigues us as artists? Perhaps these are some questions to think about when you are taking your time with each visual piece.

When: Friday, April 15th 6:00 – 10:00PM
Where: 989 W. Kalmia, San Diego CA (Little Italy)
Curated By: Walker McCullough and Niko Burke
Additional Info:
Music by Tall ships
Food catered by Super El Camino
Wine and beer – must RSVP for entry.
More Info: Facebook Event

Note: To prepare yourself for a Bukowski event, we suggest late night musings of words at some of San Diego’s bars, with a good whiskey in hand, naturally. Browse our previous posts for ideas:
Barfly rundown on whiskey: Road to Revelry / Step 2
After-hours spots: Road to Revelry / Steps 3-5

I don’t like jail, they got the wrong kind of bars in there.
Charles Bukowski

Photos: Lily Rogers, all rights reserved

Poetry is the rhythmic creation of the beauty of words.
- Edgar Allen Poe

Welcome in the spring season with poetry and prose

The Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month in 1996 to encourage the visibility and appreciation of prose and lyricism. Participation and celebrations include library events, book displays, readings, and contests. One poetry event worth mentioning is the academy’s 10 Cities/10 Days Reading Series , hosted in collaboration with literary partners from across the country. (More Info)

All creation or passage of non-being into being is poetry.
- Plato Symposium

Ten Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

Here are some of the many ways to delve into writing and reading poetry:

1. Download the Poem a Day App – click here
2. Write a poem in chalk on the pavement, take a photo and send it to our Of The Day.
3. Write a poem on a napkin and leave it for someone to find.
4. Peruse through our Poetry Archive.
5. Attend a poetry reading:
   April 25th 7pm-9pm – OBCentric will host Drunken Poets Society. Open mic and poetry reading. Bring Your Own Beverage! (event info)
6. Check out a book of poems from the library:
   Good Poems for Hard Times – An anthology of poems compiled by Garrison Keillor for their “wit, their simplicity, their passion, and their utter clarity in the face of everything else a person has to deal with”.
7. April 14th – Participate in Poem in your Pocket Day
8. Take a poetry class:
   April 9th 1-4PM – One of our featured poets James Meetze will be teaching Poetics of Place through San Diego Writers Ink. (More Info)
9. Memorize a poem:
   The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll. Memorize it with a friend and recite it while strolling arm in arm through the woods. (Source)
   
   View The Walrus and the Carpenter - Lewis Carroll

   The Walrus and The Carpenter

   Lewis Carroll

   (from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, 1872)

   The sun was shining on the sea,
   Shining with all his might:
   He did his very best to make
   The billows smooth and bright–
   And this was odd, because it was
   The middle of the night.

   The moon was shining sulkily,
   Because she thought the sun
   Had got no business to be there
   After the day was done–
   “It’s very rude of him,” she said,
   “To come and spoil the fun!”

   The sea was wet as wet could be,
   The sands were dry as dry.
   You could not see a cloud, because
   No cloud was in the sky:
   No birds were flying overhead–
   There were no birds to fly.

   The Walrus and the Carpenter
   Were walking close at hand;
   They wept like anything to see
   Such quantities of sand:
   “If this were only cleared away,”
   They said, “it would be grand!”

   “If seven maids with seven mops
   Swept it for half a year.
   Do you suppose,” the Walrus said,
   “That they could get it clear?”
   “I doubt it,” said the Carpenter,
   And shed a bitter tear.

   “O Oysters, come and walk with us!”
   The Walrus did beseech.
   “A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
   Along the briny beach:
   We cannot do with more than four,
   To give a hand to each.”

   The eldest Oyster looked at him,
   But never a word he said:
   The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
   And shook his heavy head–
   Meaning to say he did not choose
   To leave the oyster-bed.

   But four young Oysters hurried up,
   All eager for the treat:
   Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
   Their shoes were clean and neat–
   And this was odd, because, you know,
   They hadn’t any feet.

   Four other Oysters followed them,
   And yet another four;
   And thick and fast they came at last,
   And more, and more, and more–
   All hopping through the frothy waves,
   And scrambling to the shore.

   The Walrus and the Carpenter
   Walked on a mile or so,
   And then they rested on a rock
   Conveniently low:
   And all the little Oysters stood
   And waited in a row.

   “The time has come,” the Walrus said,
   “To talk of many things:
   Of shoes–and ships–and sealing-wax–
   Of cabbages–and kings–
   And why the sea is boiling hot–
   And whether pigs have wings.”

   “But wait a bit,” the Oysters cried,
   “Before we have our chat;
   For some of us are out of breath,
   And all of us are fat!”
   “No hurry!” said the Carpenter.
   They thanked him much for that.

   “A loaf of bread,” the Walrus said,
   “Is what we chiefly need:
   Pepper and vinegar besides
   Are very good indeed–
   Now if you’re ready, Oysters dear,
   We can begin to feed.”

   “But not on us!” the Oysters cried,
   Turning a little blue.
   “After such kindness, that would be
   A dismal thing to do!”
   “The night is fine,” the Walrus said.
   “Do you admire the view?

   “It was so kind of you to come!
   And you are very nice!”
   The Carpenter said nothing but
   “Cut us another slice:
   I wish you were not quite so deaf–
   I’ve had to ask you twice!”

   “It seems a shame,” the Walrus said,
   “To play them such a trick,
   After we’ve brought them out so far,
   And made them trot so quick!”
   The Carpenter said nothing but
   “The butter’s spread too thick!”

   “I weep for you,” the Walrus said:
   “I deeply sympathize.”
   With sobs and tears he sorted out
   Those of the largest size,
   Holding his pocket-handkerchief
   Before his streaming eyes.

   “O Oysters,” said the Carpenter,
   “You’ve had a pleasant run!
   Shall we be trotting home again?’
   But answer came there none–
   And this was scarcely odd, because
   They’d eaten every one.
   

   For shorter poems, try reading Emily Dickinson, whose writing gained attention for its uncanny and strange appeal.

   View an Emily Dickinson poem

   Emily Dickinson

   Tell all the Truth but tell it slant -
   Success in Circuit lies
   Too bright for our infirm Delight
   The Truth’s superb surprise

   As Lightning to the Children eased
   With explanation kind
   The Truth must dazzle gradually
   Or every man be blind -
   

10. Start your own poetry anthology:
    Buy a blank pocket sized notebook and start recording your favorite poems

Enjoy, read, and share your words

Take time to write lines of poetry this month and leave it for someone else to discover. Go to lunch with a good friend and both bring a short piece to start and end the date with. Send us what you conjure up to info@thelatentprint.com and we’ll post it on our Facebook Page throughout April!

Find out how to get your poetry featured on our site by visiting our Submission Guidelines.

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.
Carl Sandburg

Sources: Spanish Moss Vintage Literature Society, silvercliffparkcity.com

As Japan is met with unparalleled challenges, the art community offers its support.

Over the past week and a half, we have all witnessed second-hand the tragedy that hit Japan, via the Internet, news sources, and various social networks. Throughout all of the heartbreak and heroism, we are seeing creative communities respond with their full support. Artists are reaching out by organizing fundraising events and selling their work to donate proceeds. As artists who seek to connect with our community in meaningful ways, we should always be looking for creative ways to help others.

A Letter from the Editor

As a designer, I look at my collection of Japanese knick knacks and prints, and I am reminded of how much the Japanese people are suffering. I’m sure this sentiment is matched by many artists who are accustomed to using Japanese tools for their work. We are all connected in some way, and we hope this post connects and inspires you to join in on just a few of the many opportunities supporting Japan. We welcome any additional information of relief efforts in the comments section or please feel to email us on other happenings you discover.

Sophia Pang
Visual Arts Editor/Creative Director

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thumbrint Gallery: Relief Fundraiser & Silent Auction

When: Saturday, March 26th 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: 2637 University Avenue, San Diego, CA
Relief Program: Global Giving
More Info: Facebook Event

Rise Again: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fundraiser

For our readers up north, over 100 artists will be donating their work
When: Saturday April 2nd 7:00pm – 12:00am
Two Locations:
Gallery Heist – 679 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA
Kokoro Studio – 682 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA
Relief Program: Partnered with Artists Help Japan and Give2Asia
More Info: Click Here

BUY ART ONLINE

ART FOR JAPAN

Artists: Brent Sandor and Casey Bevington
Medium: screen printed, hand painted posters
Price Range: $30 each, $60 for both
Relief Program: Japanese Red Cross Society
Store Link: Click Here

A ROSE FOR JAPAN

Artist: Justin Greensmith
Medium: Painting reprint, signed and numbered
Price Range: Limited Edition, $10 each
Relief Program: Donations will be matched, for more info please contact him
More Info: Facebook Event
Store Link: Click Here

WE PERSIST TOGETHER

Artist: Ben Phen
Medium: Print posters and t-shirts
Price Range:
T-shirt: $40
11×17 Poster: $30
18×24 Poster: $60
Various relief programs
Store Link: Click Here

As an artist- I wanted to create something that people could have to remind them of the events in Japan, as memory, a symbol and a commemoration. I am donating half of sales to charities and organizations helping in Japan
- Ben Phen

MADE WITH JAPAN

Artists: Read Bios
Medium: hand printed t-shirts
Price Range: $35
Relief Program: Japanese Red Cross Society
More Info: Read updated feed
Store Link: Click Here

REBUILD NIPPON

Artists: SLICK x DISSIZIT x SILENT STAGE
Medium: print t-shirt and hand embellished, signed and numbered poster
Price Range:
T-shirt: $30
15×22: $40
24×36: $220
Various relief programs
More Info: Upper Playground or DISSIZIT
Store Link: Click Here

DARK WAVE / RISING SUN

Artists: Shepard Fairey
Medium: screen printed poster, signed and numbered
Price Range: 18×24 $60
Various relief programs
More Info: Click Here
Store Link: Click Here
Available 3/24/2011 at a random time. Limit 1 per person / household.

AMITY SMURF

Artists: Alex Pardee
Medium: print poster
Price Range: 17×22 $50
Relief Program: Japanese Red Cross Society
Store Link: Click Here

POSTER CAUSE PROJECT

Various artists
Medium: print posters
Price Range: $15 each
Relief Program: %75 of proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders
Store Link: Click Here

RELIEF & EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS

The reality of Japan’s situation is that there are shortages of supplies and resources, and weather conditions make it difficult for everyone to receive attention. An example is the elderly, who make up a large portion of northern Japan’s population, and who have been cut off from their prescriptions and are more susceptible to the harsh elements. Continue to support, think of, and pray for the Japanese people.

Here is a short list of reputable, on-site organizations:

Global Giving

Glit City of New York has pledged to match all contributors via their link: Click Here

American Red Cross

http://www.redross.org

International Medical Corps

http://www.internationalmedicalcorps.org/

World Vision

http://www.worldvision.org

ShelterBox

http://shelterboxusa.org/

World Food Programme

https://www.wfp.org

For a comprehensive list of organizations and descriptions Click Here

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It is a huge danger to pretend that awful things do not happen. But you need enough hope to keep going. I am trying to make hope. Flowers grow out of darkness.
Sister Corita Kent

A gathering of our Irish favorites including: story, street art, soda bread & more!

MUSIC

Have some “water of life” with your Joyce, courtesy of the Clancy Brothers & Robbie O’Connell before “Finnegan’s Wake”. Be sure to get your Pogues & Dubliners fix today too!

Fun fact: Celtic rock group the Pogues were originally called “Pogue Mahone,” which translates into “kiss my a**” in Gaelic.  For other Gaelic sayings, check out this site

POLITICS & POETRY

An excerpt from one of our favorite speeches considering the role of the artist, by America’s first Irish president, JFK, in a speech at Amherst College, (26 October 1963)

When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.

The artist, however faithful to his personal vision of reality, becomes the last champion of the individual mind and sensibility against an intrusive society and an officious state. The great artist is thus a solitary figure. He has, as Frost said, a lover’s quarrel with the world. In pursuing his perceptions of reality, he must often sail against the currents of his time. This is not a popular role. If Robert Frost was much honored in his lifetime, it was because a good many preferred to ignore his darker truths. Yet in retrospect, we see how the artist’s fidelity has strengthened the fibre of our national life.

If sometimes our great artists have been the most critical of our society, it is because their sensitivity and their concern for justice, which must motivate any true artist, makes him aware that our Nation falls short of its highest potential. I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.

If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.

For full transcript click here

ART

We’ve got graffiti on our radar, be sure to stay posted on the latest pulse of Irish urban art. Ireland’s most recognized graffiti writers are out to put the Irish on Europe’s graffiti map.

Photo credit: Irish Street Art

Crossing Lines

This short film produced by Andy Telling documents Irish street artist Conor Harrington’s rendezvous to Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Israel, and Palestine.

My work deals with conflict and tension so I thought this would be an interesting place to go to.

STORY

Claire Keegan will knock your green socks off. Do what you can to get a hold of her short stories (start with Antarctica) In an interview with the Guardian she shares,

I have to write a story to make an image go away. It’s like an elbow nudging you into examining something you don’t quite understand, but need to. For me, writing is a way of understanding something and, as such, a journey into the unknown. (Source)

The site “Island Ireland” has a fantastic resources page on Irish writing of all kinds, including Irish poetry, photos of famous literary graves, and the mecca of our favorite, Oscar Wilde.  Two other literary hotspots we dig, the Irish pages and a new journal publishing LGBTQ writers.

HISTORY BITS

Good ‘ol Saint Patrick:

St. Patrick had a very limited education, and is said to have been self-conscious about his weak writing skills. And yet, he introduced the Roman alphabet and Latin literature into Ireland. After his death, Irish monasteries became Europe’s leading intellectual centers. Not bad for a guy who worried about his writing being up to par! He also inspired this worthy tradition that we would like to resurface today (or really, any day):

It was once popular in Ireland to pin sprigs of shamrocks on your coat on Saint Patrick’s day in remembrance of his using shamrock leaves to illustrate the idea of the holy trinity. At the end of the day, one would “drown the shamrock” by putting a few shamrocks into a glass and covering them with whiskey.

Queen of the Sea

Treasure! Check out the story behind Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s Queen of Pirates: “Granuaile” by Anne Chambers

TRADITION

Last, but not least, Nana’s soda bread recipe!

Claire Giblin’s Irish Soda Bread

• 2 cups of flour
• ½ c sugar
• 1tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ salt
• 2 eggs
• ¼ stick of butter
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 cup of buttermilk (and this makes a difference she told me)
• 1-2 handfuls of caraway seeds
  (or if you were like me and pressed for measurements, about 1 ½ tbsp.)

No mixer needed, all by hand, “you just throw in everything, you don’t have to do that separate dry or wet ingredients thing, but you can whisk the eggs a bit or melt the butter if you like…”

Preheat the oven to 325 and throw mixture in either an 8 or 9 inch cast iron frying pan-(“like the ones they used to put in the fireplace”) or, whatever 9 inch circular baking dish you have! Just be sure to grease & flour the pan first.

This last part isn’t necessary, but if you want the true original, you have to put the cross in the middle-“a deep cross”-t

Then it bakes at 325 for 1 ½ hours (or until done)

Enjoy!

May the luck of the Irish,
Lead to happiest heights
And the highway you travel
Be lined with green lights.

Kiss us, we’re Irish! Share with us your favorites below.

Source: Ireland images, fields/bookstore by Caitlin Tallon

Long live salsa and the spoken word!

Tonight in North Park, head with us over to El Comal to experience The Taco Shop Poets’ first performance in 8 years. The Taco Shop Poets are a spoken word collective that build community and explore poetic and social divides via live beats, performance, and local taco shops. They will be accompanied by an acoustic set of the LA punk band Los Illegals. Join teachers, students, hip hop heads, punks, artists, and poets as we celebrate the 40th birthday of Taco Shop Poet, Adrian Arancibia with poetry, punk rock, and asada burritos! For more information on the event, check out the Facebook Invite.

Check out the fantastic interview with Adrian by Voice of San Diego arts reporter, Kelly Bennett: Interview with Adrian.

SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2011
SEMINAL LOS ANGELES PUNK GROUP
LOS ILLEGALS TO PERFORM AT NORTH PARK’S OWN, EL COMAL

EVENT INFORMATION:
Un reventón cuarentón: a gift to the community with
Musical Performance by Los Illegals
Poetry Reading by San Diego’s Taco Shop Poets

When:
March 12, 2011 8pm

Where:
3946 Illinois Street
San Diego, CA 92104-3007

For more information contact:
Adrian Arancibia
(619) 894-0225
atacamapoems@gmail.com

Step 9. San Diego Lit Crawl

What’s the best way to enjoy Greg Gerding’s poetry in San Diego? With bar regulars? With the Casbah bouncer? The Latent Print staff visited a few of Gerding’s usual haunts and shared words and drinks with San Diego barflies and literati.

Step 10. Greg Gerding Playlist

We’re always finding reasons to make a good mix. (road trip! songs that mention blue. I’m in love! ) Greg’s book release definitely deserved a soundtrack, so we asked him to gather songs that echo perfect pitch with his writings.

I was first exposed to the album “13 Songs” and Bad Brains’ album “I Against I” by my girlfriend at the time while living in DC. Such a gift. The edge, energy, and politics of Fugazi continue to guide me.

Another gift from that same girlfriend in DC. I didn’t understand the cassette “Liar” when I first heard it, but it all made sense when I saw them live. You MUST experience them live.

This is poetry to me. This song has charmed me. It was later beautifully covered by R.E.M.

“This is the education I didn’t ask for.” Amen. Dave Sardy is the man. I love his work and want to be as productive as him with my own career.

From the opening when Elliott clears his throat through the closing line, “I’m in love with the world through the eyes of a girl who’s still around the morning after.” The whole song is so delicate and perfect.

This song is an anthem, not a question.

So short, so awesome, like many GBV songs.

More piano please. Heavy and dark. Heartache never sounded so good.

Pure ecstasy. You don’t have to do anything except hang on.

Men, take note. If she matters, please take note.

So tragic to me that this American band only got praise and attention in France. It makes me envy those countries that cherish and support their artists more than we should with our own.

This is like comfort food. Plus, I love “experiencing” rain. Have you ever experienced rain?

“Pinkerton” is the best Weezer album that should be on any good bar’s jukebox.

Life’s about just having fun, girl.

INCH – For Duty and Humanity

Know this song. Know these lyrics. And understand that the lines “I’ve been thinking of a new way of ripping myself to pieces” and “I’ve been thinking of a new way of getting my life together” IS THE SAME THING.

Step 11. Reviews & Revelry

Our Take: Poetry in Hell

It’s easy to get lost in the thick forest of a poet’s prose. The journey of following their voice can be a surreal experience, but there is respect to be had for the anchoring and abrupt honesty of Greg Gerding’s poetry. A very raw monologue, “Piss Artist” is a rapid-fire insight into his life from 1995 to 1999. He moves to follow his love, loses her, and returns home reeling. Living in a state of brutal discontent, he splays his innards to his reader, sharing his sexual conquests, moments of intimacy, and life as a barfly.

Gerding does not paint the world as though it exudes the fresh, sweet smell of spring rain, nor does he waste time with flowery adjectives. Even he acknowledges this, criticizing those who think the world is “all sugar and spice”, and those who hate the world for its sugar and spice. He claims to be in restless pursuit of something better, a “really cool middle”. Bound by the deep awareness of his head, heart, and physical anatomy, Gerding uses his pen and his vices to purge himself of work, women, and himself.

Full of rants and inner dialogue, there is little formality in Gerding’s voice. Even when the reader wants to look away, they can’t. He speaks in a language that resonates sharply because everyone has heard it within himself or herself at one point. Whether you have moved on in reflection of it, or you are at that place in your own mind, at some point Gerding’s words will have a hold on you.

Reviews by Greg Gerding’s Unofficial “Fan Club”

Greg’s been holding out on us. Fans are close to his heart but live as far away as Australia and Norway. What they have to say about his work could be a worthy stand alone collection.

Reader 1:
gday mate

On the weekend i got given a copy of your book and i started reading it on the sunday and its now monday nite and i already finished it which aint like me i dont like reading normally because i get bored easy but your book was easy to read and interesting and so i just thought i would drop you a note and say it was good and shit.

Lates – mark

Reader 2:
Greg’s poems will make you want to kill your self (or make out with him). He’s effective, affective, diverse and has the best laugh ever.

Reader 3:
wow… Gregory…wow… I am speechless… he is the boy that takes my breath away… he can write you an entire poem with the first letter of your name.. and than he will f**k the shit out of you in your car… (so I’ve been told)… he has to be one of the most incredible boys I have ever meet..yet I never see him (an I could spit on his house from mine)… hmmm.. could it be because I am a train wreck…maybe… or … maybe he knows the minute we have sex… he won’t be able to tear himself away from me..haha….ya.. that’s right I said it…

Reader 4:
To think I’ll be in a bookstore someday in front of a big rack of books that he authored. I’ll be able to say to folks passing by; “Hey, I knew Greg when blah, blah, blah….. Hey wait! That bastard still owes me a tip!” I met Greg in Hell. No truly. It was the bar I worked, and he came in and started Poetry In Hell. It inspired a book. I have a SIGNED copy of said book. We have known each other about and pretty much kept in touch. Greg always thought I only liked him for his hottie girlfriend at the time. See she is loooooooooooonnnngggg gone and we are still buds.

Talent and imagination are two words that describe Greg. Better than that he is great to have Mickey’s Wide Mouth with. Do the latter and you will most certainly discover the former.

Hey Greg, BTW, do you have her number?

Step 12. Congratulations!

You have kept up the pace through each of road’s indulgent steps (no easy feat following whiskey laden escapades). The last part is up to you. Reach 2837 University Avenue when the clock strikes seven and the key to revelry is yours. You may even walk away with 3 perfect guidebooks to forever recall this journey, signed by the poet himself.

For details on the event check out our Facebook event.

Spread word and see you tonight!

Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with, it is a toy and an amusement; then it becomes a mistress, and then it becomes a master, and then a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster, and fling him out to the public.
Winston Churchill

Athenaeum Exhibits Visual Poetry/Poesía Visual by Alberto Blanco

On maps no travel ever takes place
In poetry nothing is written

On the archway of the music room in the Athenaeum, you will find the quote “Music breathes what Poet cannot write” carved on a wooden beam. It reminds us that when one discipline reaches a limit, another picks up with its unique attributes.

Writers, especially poets, aim towards lyrical heights with their choice and arrangement of word. How does this approach affect visual creation?

A literal dreamer of words, Alberto Blanco’s multifaceted expanse of work is a true extension of himself. Blanco is one of Mexico’s most famous poets, and is also a sculptor, painter, illustrator, and translator. He has studied chemistry, philosophy, and Asian studies. On February 22nd, Blanco presented a pamphlet that is for sale at the Athenaeum of his work that traverses his multiple artistic ventures, both verbal and visual.

Never afraid to embrace and reinvent, he presented such works as scientific poetry and Chinese style poems, as well as paintings captured by phrases of poetry he literally dreamt into existence.

Woven from the same cloth as the Surrealists, experiencing Blanco’s work, as well as his overall presence, is akin to studying a surrealist painting. The imagery is dreamlike, yet tangible with his flights of fancy completely grounded. His work is on display until March 26th, and includes a series of collages created as tribute to Max Ernst, a German artist and poet considered a pioneer of Surrealism.

Athenaeum’s A-List in La Jolla Serves Up Alphabet Soup on Thursday March 3rd

Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, La Jolla
March 3rd @ 7:30PM

You may have missed the opening and lecture, but this Thursday, the Athenaeum is hosting their next A-list event, “Alphabet Soup,” which will be based on Blanco’s Visual Poetry/Poesía Visual exhibit, as well as Defragmentation; or How To Get Rid Of My Memory Voids by Omar Pimienta which is being exhibited in their rotunda. For an excellent review of Pimienta’s work, check out our friend Drew Syder’s write-up. Acclaimed American Country/Folk singer John Meeks will also be performing that night.

Tickets in advance are $10 by calling (858) 454-5872 or $12 at the door.
Do some good by bringing a can of soup and get in for $10!

For more info visit The A-List

Keep following our “12 Steps to Revelry” posts, each in anticipation of Greg Gerding’s Book Release event happening on Saturday, March 5th @ the Agitprop Space. For details on the event check out our Facebook event.

Music breathes what Poet cannot write
- quote carved in music room, Athenaeum

Photo credit: Athenaeum, La Jolla, Alphabet Logo by Shelley Crutz

Here’s to looking forward to a new season of reading and writing

We’re halfway into our self-prescribed 12 Step program and as a segue into Greg Gerding’s book launch, we present a writing challenge to our readers, and excerpts selected from both of Gerding’s books.

STEP 6. MARCH NOVEL WRITING

You may have heard of November as the National Novel Writing month. You may have even been one of the brave who attempted the 50,000 words in 31 days. Regardless, spring is upon us and that means new beginnings and second chances. Those that were bogged down by approaching finals, looming holidays, and cold weather now have a second chance at being the novelist that you always wanted to be but would never admit to be. The site offers an online community of supporters to toil through 50,000 words of fiction together. It doesn’t have to be quality work, we can name April as National Editors Month; just start writing and don’t stop!

Think of it as a marathon of words, and the only training you need is the X amount of years you have been in existence, with a dash of inspiration.

For more info visit http://marnowrimo.webs.com/

STEP 7. GREG GERDING PREVIEW

Keep following our “12 Steps to Revelry” posts, each in anticipation of Greg Gerding’s Book Release event happening on Saturday, March 5th @ the Agitprop Space. For details on the event check out our Facebook event.

What is life without literature?
What is literature without life?

Photo credit: flickr