Happy book birthday to PARTS! You can now order your copy of Amy's colorful found poetry collection, crafted on a hard copy of Thomas Wolfe's "The Party at Jack's" with a mix of acrylics and collage.
192 pages, full premium color on photo weight paper
192 pages, full premium color PDF with live links
Found poetry has never been more colorful
Full of collage, acrylics, and ink, PARTS redefines the art of found poetry while simultaneously subverting the ennui and angst of Thomas Wolfe's "The Party at Jack's," carving out the many rays of hope and beauty. Themed by searches for identity and appreciation of familial comfort, this collection pops off the page, photographed with visual depth and scrappy edges to highlight the raw process and immerse the reader in the tactile art experience.
Amy Marques grew up between languages and places and learned, from an early age, the multiplicity of narratives. She penned children’s books, barely read medical papers, and numerous letters before turning to creative writing and visual poetry. Her work has been nominated for awards and published in various journals and anthologies, while she manages the role of editor and visual artist for the Duets anthology.
Given the unique nature of this project's process, we wanted to ask Amy more about her writing style, her inspiration, and her favorite themes to explore.
E: You tend to express so many varieties of creativity that I'm sure it's difficult to nail down your specific "writing style." What would you say are the most identifiable qualities of your work?
My writing style tends to play with hybrids and the margins between genres. I enjoy writing things that don't fit neat definitions: flash, prose poetry, micro, experimentals, found poetry... I find that, more often than not, deleting and trimming is my favorite form of editing. Found poetry is an expansion of that. It's an editing of other people's work, either to find the core of the work's meaning or to subvert it. I consumed flowery, long-winded, introspective 19th century literature in my youth, and while I'm less attracted to doorstoppers than I once was, I am still smitten with the subtle humor and reflection of writers like Austen and Eliot. I love bringing new little twists and perspectives to age-old stories.
E: I'm curious, given that you mention Austen and Eliot, who [or what] inspires you or ignites that creative spark?
EVERYTHING inspires me. Especially little things. I am more likely to consume and produce quiet stories of small, everyday moments that add up to a life, or to larger meanings in a life, than I am to write big dramatic scenes or action. It's the tiny things: a crack on the sidewalk, the way someone walks, an image that could be a metaphor, the different ways a same idea could be perceived...
E: "Life" is such a huge spectrum, I can imagine zooming into the little things helps ground you in terms of theme or cohesive subject matter. Do you find yourself gravitating toward particular conclusions?
My favorite themes are belonging, home, and the process of "becoming." I think life is full of cocoon and butterfly moments. Becoming aware of identity through childhood and adolescence, becoming a professional -- sometimes multiple times in different careers, becoming a parent, a caregiver, a lover, a spouse, a friend. But also becoming what society might perceive of as "less than." Becoming sick (temporarily or ongoing), becoming limited, becoming wiser, becoming old.
And death is a recurring theme, not only regarding grief and loss of loved ones, but even more importantly, awareness of death as a way of learning how to live. These themes matter to me because I believe in awareness of loss, grief, and transformation, we can become more aware of life and ability and possibilities. There is a power in being grateful for where and who we are and making the most of it. I currently have a favorite character, Nan, who is teaching me much about growing older.
E: Ooo, sounds like a fun hint for possible works in progress! Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate how you so carefully consider the whole of human experience as you zero in on the details of daily living. Where/how can people find you and keep your work on their radar?
All published titles and pieces can be found on my site. And announcements are routinely made on my socials, so be sure to stay tuned in there as well! X | IG | Facebook
Don't forget your copy of PARTS!
192 pages, full premium color on photo weight paper
192 pages, full premium color PDF with live links
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