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Voices Beyond the Canvas

"Enter into this wild garden of a book through the gate left open. Meander along the paths of creative birth and blossoming as these two artists, painter and poet, explore and personalize the time-honored tradition of ekphrastic art. Pick it up often to share in their eclectic expressions of joy, intellect and openness to life."

Aleta George, columnist for Bay Nature magazine

"With their first book, Voices Beyond the Canvas, Suzanne Bruce and Janet Manalo combine creative forces, producing a powerful and moving tribute to the human spirit. Always open and revealing, the authors' words and art chronicle their evolution as Ekphrastic artists. Readers will be stirred by the evocative images and, as designed, find it difficult to separate the poetry from the art pieces. The authors successfully demonstrate the beauty of Ekphrastic art, and enhance the work by including glossaries and a brief history of the Ekphrastic art movement."

Teresa L. Jacobsen, Librarian, Solano County Library, CA

"This is poetry and art which springs out of an uncommon vision of nature. There is an energy that informs in these poems and paintings; a questioning and discovery, about what is observable and what persists. With clarity and craftsmanship, the artist and the poet lead the reader to see and understand the beauty they find in the world."

George Stratton, Instructor, Napa Valley Community College, CA

Suzanne Bruce and Janet Manalo have collaborated to create this book, honoring the ancient form of ekphrasis. Their innovative approach to poetry inspired by art is an ongoing process. In addition to this publication, the women exhibit their combined works in libraries and other public venues, reviving awareness to ekphrastic expressions. The 90-paged book features their poetry and art, includes a brief history of ekphrasis, as well as a guide to poetry forms and art mediums used throughout the book.

Contact: Poet Suzanne Bruce  and  Artist Janet Manalo

$17.50

View Collaborative Works

My Poetry Voice - Suzanne's Blog

February 9, 2008
An Evening of Art, Poetry & Music

Art, poetry and music became the inspirational elements for creativity during this interactive event held on Saturday, February 9th in the Lakeview Suites at the Fairfield Community Center in Fairfield, California.

It was hosted by local poet Suzanne Bruce and artist Janet Manalo, authors of "Voices Beyond the Canvas," and included poetry by Sherry Sheehan and art by Robert Chapla, authors of "Across Currents." Music was provided by the Ray Zak Trio, local jazz musicians.

The four featured artists shared the creative processes that have led them in their collaborative efforts. Rekindling interest in ekphrasis (poetry inspired by art) with their unique and varying styles of art and poetry, they demonstrated the richness of combining the verbal with the visual. The audience viewed artwork, listened to poetry, enjoyed music, and shared their own expressions during an open-mic session.

This free event was funded in part by a grant from the City of Fairfield Cultural Arts Award Program and supported by the Fairfield Host Lions and Ledgewood Creek Winery.

Comments made that evening:
"WOW - what a great way to display art and a fun way to get the audience actively involved." Greg

"This is a wonderful event...it is a fresh way to exhibit art and poetry together." Lenice

"I didn't know what to expect, but I love what you all have done. The atmosphere is so comfortable." Lena

"I've never seen anything like this in Fairfield;when are you going to do this type of event again?" Teresa

Comments later via email:
"...a lovely, warm inviting exhibit and reading. The use of music with your poems was inspiring." Maria

"What a wonderful evening-thank you both for your amazing creativity and your generosity in sharing it with the community and sharing the stage with so many other talented people. The bright underbelly of Solano County." Pam

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The event was well attended, with people ranging in ages from 10 to 70. Poets were inspired to write spontaneously, young poets were encouraged to share their poetry, artists and musicians sought out new opportunities to work together, new ekphrastic experiences arose, and new poets discovered their voices for the first time.

Another event, in the future, with more artists and poets and musicians is being contemplated. If you have questions, please contact either Suzanne or Janet.

Poet Suzanne Bruce  and  Artist Janet Manalo