Summer by Cynthia Yatchman
Depression Isn’t Something That Should Be Kept Secret (But It Often Is)
What I gave to the grass
and space was never
sundown shadows
curving and high
upon the canopy
No but I loitered there enjoying
this grass quietly
Life and all so lonesome
Space and its Time
I understood the buzz in the breeze
I understood its rattle
I saw it was true
The light of the
lifted gauze the
grass still growing
No doubt I have
Darkest dark to itself
Patient candle
About the author:
James Blevins‘ poetry has been published in Pretty Owl Poetry, Stoneboat Journal, Mud Season Review, AZURE, Alexandria Quarterly, concīs, THAT Literary Review and Salt Hill Journal. His first chapbook, What Nature Keeps Secret, was published by Bitterzoet Press in 2018.
In the artist’s words:
Cynthia Yatchman is a Seattle based artist and art instructor. With an M.A. in child development and a B. A. in education, she has a strong interest in art education and teaches art to adults, children and families. A former ceramicist, she studied with J.T. Abernathy in Ann Arbor, MI. After receiving her B.F.A. in painting from the University of Washington she changed to 2D work and has stayed there since, working primarily on paintings, prints and collages. Her art is housed in numerous public and private collections and has been shown nationally in California, Connecticut, New York, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon and Wyoming.
She has exhibited extensively in the Northwest, including shows at Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Shoreline Community College, the Tacoma and Seattle Convention Centers and the Pacific Science Center.
Artist’s statement:
In my 2D work, I work primarily with acrylic and latex paints, inks, papers and charcoal. My images contain many diverse layers of meaning from the universal to the specific and personal. My works are often abstract. I am frequently interested in pattern and/or creating a rich sensual surface by making layer upon layer of marks. There is often an unseen history within these layers as images are obscured and revealed. My work frequently gives reference to my experience with nature and I usually have an ongoing series that is more representational focusing on flowers, birds and animals and the human figure. At times my work speaks to issues of social justice, revelation and connection.