Book author Brona Keogh. PHOTO/EMMA BROWN
EMMA BROWN
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Traveling Irish songwriter and poet Brona Keogh has stitched together her poetry with some responses from all around the world to create independently released book, How to make a paper quilt.
Printed in Greytown, the book was inspired by a group of people she met doing crafts at the Heart of Arts Gallery in Carterton, which is celebrating the collaboration with a launch party today.
A window display will be filled, and Keogh will talk about the book and play some songs to celebrate the release.
Keogh is from Dublin and is staying in Martinborough during a working holiday.
She wanted to do something with the gallery group, which celebrated community and ‘generation integration’ – working across generations — which she is passionate about and feels is very important.
“How can I do that in my home community while joining a new community,” she thought.
The idea of stitching responses together with her poems was the result.
Collaborating with people from her community, here and abroad, she sent out poems with recipients choosing a favourite to go in the book.
Everyone who chose a poem also sent in their own response, be it a painting, drawing, collage or a poem of their own.
Keogh wanted “to encourage all sorts of people to be creative and be creative for creative’s sake”.
The book is filled with 12 pieces of poetry and 12 responses from people all over the world, including the Heart of Arts group.
It is an insight into what Wairarapa looks like from an outside observer’s point of view and how times have changed for a travelling stranger who can remain a member of her community while also becoming part of one in New Zealand.
All are welcome to the opening and are asked to bring a plate of food to share.
The launch will take place from 6.30-8pm tonight, at the Heart of Arts Gallery, 47 High St North, Carterton.
How to make a paper quilt will be available for sale at the gallery.
