Robin Yuran’s poems come alive at Norfolk Library

By Joel Howard

Poet Robin Yuran does not simply live on forested land in north Norfolk, rather she and her family live “in a nut-brown house at the edge of the woods.” It is through such vivid selection and placement of words that her poems seem infused with a lilting grace that uses every syllable to maximum effect.

Her poetic skills have led to a unique art exhibit that aims to bring her words to life via the works of various local artists. “How Do You Come to Norfolk”, an eight stanza poem, will serve as the linchpin of Norfolk Library’s April exhibition, which opens with a reception on April 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. The poem is being visually recreated by eight local artists, each of whom has been assigned one stanza to interpret via the artist’s chosen medium.

Wielding her pen much as a sculptor does a chisel, Yuran’s “Norfolk” poem casts words into an array of scenes that come alive in startling clarity. The piece depicts the town in ways that reach into the heart of the reader, morphing old perceptions into enhanced recollections.

As is her way, Yuran finds amusement in the date chosen for the exhibit’s opening reception. With dry wit and self-deprecation, she laughs, saying “Thanks, universe. Of course it’s April Fool’s Day.”

While her poem is set for release at the library reception, a preview of her work reveals a treasure of rich detail in the sparsest of words. Early in the poem is found “on a butterfly of breeze,” a line indicative of the verbal tucks and folds to follow.

Having been chosen by Yuran, the artists are free to create as their mind weaves among the words of their assigned stanza. From painters to sculptors, they each get to be a part of this new and unique idea for a reception.

Among the media  to be on display, Karen Rossi, a local artisan who fittingly describes herself as a narrative artist, will present her own unique take on Yuran’s poem.

“The stanza that Robin assigned me immediately painted a picture in my mind. What I saw is what I cut from mild steel,” said Rossi. “It has been rusting in my yard for the last month and I can’t wait to put the finishing touches of metallic paints and sparkles onto it.”

Other artists involved in the project include Castle Yuran, Rosemary Gill, John Thew, Margot Trout, Ann Getsinger, Bridget Starr Taylor and Cynthia Atwood. As with all art receptions, everyone is welcome to partake of the event.

The artists’ works will also be offered for sale. More information, as well as the poem itself, can be found at www.norfolklibrary.org