by James Morehead (Poet Laureate – Dublin, California)
In his debut collection, James Morehead paints powerful images through the thoughtful selection and careful placement of words, complemented by the extraordinary art of Kari Byron and Alla Tsank.
“These memoir poems sing in a universal language.” – Regina Harris Baiocchi, Author of Indigo Sound, Urban Haiku, and Blues Haiku
“To read canvas is to be transported to a world infused with meaning and memory.” – Morgan Liphart, poet and author of Barefoot and Running
“These are poems to be savored, re-read, kept handy for those times when only poetry will do.” – W. J. T. Mitchell, Gaylord Donnelley Distinguished Service Professor, English and Art History, University of Chicago
Excerpts from “canvas: poems”
Author James Morehead recites the title poem “canvas” at the Splatter Festival: Poets Take the Mic:
Author James Morehead collaborated with director-animator Gaia Alari to turn tethered, from “canvas:poems“, into an award-winning animated short film:
Featuring original art by Kari Byron
The striking cover for “canvas: poems” was created by artist (and former MythBuster star) Kari Byron, using the explosive black powder technique. Kari’s black powder art also complements several poems in the collection.
Praise for “canvas: poems”
“James Morehead’s canvas opens itself to the poetry of everyday life, where stanzas are etched in sand, and poems end in sunset. Combining micro-narratives of Boston bullies cornering a young boy, with minute descriptions of time in quarantine, it draws us into moving tableaus of tenacious attention to what went down, what might come up, and where we might find ourselves. These are poems to be savored, re-read, kept handy for those times when only poetry will do.” – W. J. T. Mitchell, Senior Editor, Critical Inquiry and Gaylord Donnelley Distinguished Service Professor, English and Art History, University of Chicago
“Beauty breathes in these debut poems: from the elegant limano to strong silences. Poet, James Morehead is a world traveler who treats readers to excursions that harken back to his alluring title poem, canvas, and other portraits. These memoir poems sing in a universal language.” – Regina Harris Baiocchi, Author of Indigo Sound, Urban Haiku, and Blues Haiku
“James creates an enchanting melody of poetic sound for the reader page after page. He notices life’s details with a tender yet precise eye, down to the ‘streets glistening with midnight rain’ and ‘summer bursting outwards / fierce from its slumber.’ Using this keen observation, James breaks past life’s routines to uncover gems of beauty. To read canvas is to be transported to a world infused with meaning and memory.” – Morgan Liphart, poet and author of Barefoot and Running
About the author
copyright Kristin Cofer
James Morehead is Poet Laureate of Dublin, California. “canvas: poems” is his debut collection, and he hosts The Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast. James’ poem “tethered” was transformed into an award-winning hand drawn animated short film, and his poems have appeared in Wingless Dreamer and Prometheus Dreaming.
The Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast explores the art of poetry, and the business of publishing, through interviews with poets and artists, and special features. Season 1 features interviews with poets including Olivia Gatwood, artists including Kari Byron and animator/director Gaia Alari, and more.
“canvas: poems” is also available for purchase through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and independent booksellers.
