Introducing Myself, Keith R Wahl the Photopoet
Who is Keith R Wahl? What is Photopoetry?
Who is Keith R Wahl? I am a photographer who wanted to find more meaning in his photos. Consequently, after much research, toil, and questioning, I stumbled into the concept of “Photopoetry”. I have been exploring this topic on my Photography site, Made From RI Gallery, and am now maturing the topic here as well as preparing to present a book utilizing the concept.
So, it is best to introduce myself in verse. Long ago, I started calling myself an “educated wharf rat” and a “cultured beach bum.” This is me owning the identification. I was born and live in the smallest state, Rhode Island (although I have had the privilege of traveling the world). I learned the art of photography as a youngster at my grandfather’s feet (my grandfather was an artist). I earned a captain’s license because I was the son of a captain and marine surveyor. I earned a Physics degree and more because I chose to exercise and challenge my intellect.
This is my statement of who I am and what I explore in verse:
Artistic Statement, Keith R Wahl, 2023 I am an Ocean State lensman, with a camera in my hand I capture the beauty of the sea, the waves, the rocks, the sand I am an educated wharf rat, with diplomas on my wall I know the secrets of the docks, the ships, the fish, the haul I am a coastal versifier, with a pen and paper near I write the stories of the shore, the breeze, the sun, the pier I am a cultured beach bum, with a book and hat to read I enjoy the leisure of the coast, the surf, the fun, the mead I am all these things and more, a lover of the ocean's roar
Now as to Photopoetry as a topic, let me present this synopsis from others:
Photopoetry is an art form in which poetry and photography are equally important and often directly related. The term “photopoetry” and its various alternatives such as photopoème, photoetry, photoverse, photo-graffiti etc. are used to describe this art form1 2. It is an art form that relies on the reader/viewer to make connections between and draw meaning from both the text and image3.
1. photopedagogy.com 2. thephotographersgallery.org.uk 3. readpoetry.com
This is where this new adventure begins. We will talk more about the concept of Photopoetry in greater depth as we take this journey together. I will be exploring and presenting these concepts and examples for you, my readers. And in the process, my hope is that we both may be enlightened and encouraged.
I see a hand raised in the back of the room. You want a sample of my “Photopoetry” you say? But of course. That is what we are here for, isn't it?
Original Reference Photo: Snug Harbor Lighthouse in Heavy Fog
Revealed in the Fog. Photopoetry by Keith R Wahl We walked along the marinas My son and I, in summer's haze He's growing up, he's almost there A young man in his ways We saw the boats in silence The fog was thick and still We felt the peace of morning The lighthouse on the hill We talked of life and choices Of dreams and hopes and fears He listened well, he asked me questions He showed me he was near I felt a bond between us A father and a son We walked along the marinas And watched the shrouded sun
Original Reference Photos: Gothic Beach Afternoon & Foggy Matunuck Afternoon
Cottage in Sun, Sand, and Fog. Photopoetry by Keith R Wahl I see the cottage standing Among the dunes of sand The sun is slowly fading The surf is gently lapping I feel a chill of wonder As fog rolls in from sea The cottage looks so lonely But it speaks to me It tells me of its history Of people who have stayed Of dreams and hopes and sorrows Of love and life and fate It makes me think of my own path Of where I've been and where I'll go Of what I've lost and what I've gained Of who I am and what I know I thank the cottage for its words And walk away with a smile I know I'll always remember This moment for a while
Original Reference Photos: Sweet Small Pink Roses, Inspiring Small Pink Roses, Budding Pink Roses in Profile, Charming Small Pink Roses & Gently Whispering Pink Roses
Small Pink Roses. Photopoetry by Keith R Wahl How sweet are the small pink roses That bloom with morning dew upon them They fill the air with their fragrance And charm the eye with their beauty They are like the tender kisses That lovers share in the dawn of day They are like the gentle whispers That soothe the heart in the hour of pain They are the symbols of life and love That grace the earth with their presence They are the gifts of nature and art That inspire the soul with their essence
All photos and poetry previously appeared on the Made From RI Gallery Blog
© Keith R Wahl, Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Keith R Wahl and Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery with appropriate and specific direction to the original.