I recently was sent a book, on Poetry, from an author called David Redfield, and for anyone familiar with The Isles of Scilly, he is a very well known figure, with his various poetry projects, that are inspired by these glorious islands.
His poetry collection within his book, "Utter" captivates the magic of these islands, using a unique method of writing, and writing is an art form. Look at examples of copywriting, from big brands and you will soon see that it is possible to use words and fonts as a method of artwork. Poetry is no different and as an art form, with festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival, Poetry plays a big part. Even to Literature festivals such as the Hay Festival. A much loved festival of books, readings and poetry, a truly unique experience within it's own rights.
Utter, is another collection of art, all be it within written form, and it is sheer magic is a prelude, not in music but in words to The Isles of Scilly. Utter Is a unique mixture of poetry that is Mystical, Celtic and New Age. It really is poetry that has been written in a calming and soothing way, it relaxes the mind and even via the reading of Utter, you are transferred to the islands. Even reading the book on the islands you end up on a beach, with the sound of the waves lapping against the shore of these magical islands.
The poetry within Utter, takes you on a journey around these mystical and stunning granite islands, and places the reader on an inter-island adventure in verse and within written words, sheer magic. The poetry reflects and encapsulates these islands perfectly, with the wide open heath lands and rugged beauty of each island. Including the mystical and magical island of St Agnes, with the fantastic poem, entitled "Spell at St. Warna's", which is a homage to the Celtic backbones of these five stunning islands.
Each poem, reflects the times gone by alongside with the ever changing and infamous Scillonian Landscapes, from past to future with the impacts of tourism to the wrecks that surround the islands, and the winter storms.
It really is a book for all seasons, and for each one of the islands. yet it is amazing how poetry, is an art form that we should be discovering more of.
Utter, though is a book of two halves. The first half, being dedicated to The Isles of Scilly, the place which has inspired David Redfield, On his various visits to the islands, a place which has captured his heart. The second half of his book, is observation based upon life and nature which really makes the poetry book, easy to read, and provides the reader with a way for pondering on the natural elements of life on the planet, such as life and the growth of mother earth.
One thing I have discovered whilst reading this book, is that it really is powerful, the way the poems are written is beautifully curated, and sing the song that a sky lark makes.
Pure magic, with Mystical, Celtic and New age feelings, of travel and self discovery, a complex poetry book, which is just truly magical, and I for one can recommend that for anyone on The Isles of Scilly, least not tourists who love the islands, that want to be transported to the islands. And yes it is also a fantastic poetry book, for Lockdown, an escape from reality and a journey of nature and the raw coastal atmosphere that the islands have.
And I urge anyone both on or off The Isles of Scilly, to go ahead and purchase this book, you really shall not be disappointed.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Utter-David-Redfield/dp/1526202727/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&qid=1589051230&refinements=p_27%3ADavid+Redfield&s=books&sr=1-3
Finally, David Redfield has been kind enough, to give an interview, about his Poetry and his love of the islands, including his latest project, The Lockdown Renga Project, for The Isles of Scilly, this is an exclusive interview, that is available to listen to, on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts. His interview, will also be on YouTube.
But if there is one thing, Poetry is one of those art forms, that connects us all together, which is something that we all need, to bind us together, through these strange times. And as an art form, poetry really needs to be discovered more, it is quite simply beauty within words.
And a quick reminder, David is still looking for people to compete in his Lockdown Renga Project, more details can be found below.
Such an interesting book, centred on the islands and showing their many different moods. The poems sound beautifully written and accessible, without talking down to people. It's always a joy to find someone who responds to the Islands so strongly.
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