Blog Archives
Recent books by Devon poets #3 – ‘Element’ by Rachel McCarthy
‘Western science began in poetry with the cosmology of the Greek presocratic poets; the Renaissance began with the re-discovery of De Rerum Natura, a Latin epic on atomic theory. Rachel McCarthy, a first-rate scientist and poet, takes these relationships further in exploring the periodic table, using it to look at human life through the elegant precision of both poetry and science.’
– Ruth Padel
‘Taut, intelligent, lyrical, Rachel McCarthy’s poems wear their scientific impulses as lightly as fine linen. Again and again McCarthy weaves idea, experience and feeling into works that remind us how rich and extraordinary life is in all of its intricate nuance.’
– Carrie Etter
‘The poems in Element are deftly assembled, easily erudite, wide-ranging, sincere. The reader learns from them by being taken pleasurably to science, the classics and personal observation.’
– Harry Guest
‘Here are brilliantly bold poems in a collection that is much more than the sum of its mesmerising parts.’
– Carol Ann Duffy
Exeter poet Rachel McCarthy to have pamphlet published in the ‘Laureate’s Choice’ series in June 2015
Exeter poet Rachel McCarthy is to have a pamphlet published in the ‘Laureate’s Choice’ series in June 2015.
Read all about it in today’s Express and Echo.
Sample some of the poems from ‘Element’ in the current issue of The North.
Contemporary women poets read from and respond to the women poets of World War One on Saturday 4th October at Exeter Central Library
Saturday 4th October – Daytime
THE FORGOTTEN OF WW1
Venue: Exeter Central Library
Time: 1pm – 5pm
The Untold story of Ivor Gurney
A special screening of Redcliffe Film’s widely praised biopic of Ivor Gurney, the WW1 soldier, poet and composer.
Women Poets of WW1
Some well known female writers based in Devon and Cornwall read and respond to poems written by women living and working during the Great War including Charlotte Mew and May Sinclair. With Ann Gray, Rachel McCarthy, Helen Evans and Chrissy Banks.
FREE EVENT – Voices and Memory
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
ExLibris launches a pamphlet of poems based on WW1 objects held in Exeter Library’s archive.
Fringe Sunday Part 1: Studio 36, 6th October from 10.30am, reading at 6.00pm
In the garden at Studio 36
Sunday 6th October 2013
A day of events in the enchanting cornucopia that is Studio 36 and all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Starting with an art poetry workshop with Marcus Wylie in the morning, to a tour of the studio space and a free special exhibition in the afternoon, to an evening reading with three of the region’s best known poets.
STUDIO 36 with Marcus Wylie (workshop), Rachel McCarthy and Alasdair Paterson
Gallery 36, Denmark Road, Exeter – £5 (workshop), £5 (reading), £8 (all day)
Pay on the door, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Reserve a space by calling Veronica Gosling on 01392 256206 or emailing her at gallery36exeter@aol.com
Marcus Wylie
ExCite Poetry presents Studio 36 with Marcus Wylie – Sunday 6th October 2013
Studio 36 is the gallery home of Veronica Gosling. It is open by request and is full of her pottery, paintings, drawings and assemblages plus garden sculpture.
ART POETRY WORKSHOP
Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support 10.30am-12.00, noon, at Studio 36 Tickets: £5.00 each or £8.00 all day.
Marcus Wylie’s workshop will explore the poetry of art, employing the visual as a springboard to written and spoken verse.
During the workshop participants will explore how poets have responded to art in the past and discuss their reactions to this work. Then writing exercises will examine art both in postcard form and throughout Studio 36. Many of Veronica Gosling’s artworks have phrases incorporated into them and this ‘found poetry’ may be used to create new poems, or first drafts of larger pieces. There will be chances to share work and poetic guidance will be provided.
IMAGES & WORDS forum
Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support 2pm-4pm at Studio 36 Free event
An open opportunity to see a display of Marcus Wylie’s poetical photographic images and to discuss both them and his commitment to helping combat veterans deal with their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through creative writing and poetry.
This time is also an opportunity to discover Studio 36’s delightful concoction of surreal art and to chat with the artist Veronica Gosling.
A TRIO OF POETS
Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support From 6pm at Studio 36 Tickets: £5.00 or £8.00 to include a morning workshop event.
Three poets will provide a reading. Please bring your own picnic for the interval.
Marcus Wylie works with various groups including combat veterans with PTSD. His work was exhibited in Salisbury as part of the John Creasey Museum’s ‘Other Worlds’ project and he was part of Exeter’s ‘War Art’ exhibition which reached an estimated audience of 175.000 people. Marcus Wylie’s poetry was recently included in an installation at the University of Exeter; he appeared on their ‘Wall of Miracles.’
Rachel McCarthy is a scientist, poet, essayist, interviewer and broadcaster, dividing her time between London and Exeter. She is Managing Director of ExCite Poetry, the Poetry Society Stanza for Devon. Her current elements poetry sequence is a brilliant combination of an enquiring mind and her unique lyrical dexterity.
Having directed the work of academic libraries in Britain and Ireland, Alasdair Paterson returned to the poetic fray in 2010 with his ‘On the Governing of Empires’ collection, swiftly followed by more releases. Alasdair Paterson won an Eric Gregory Award for his poetry in 1976. His work is clever and thought provoking; a storyteller whose narrative spans the ages, balancing poetic tensions with humour and a deep understanding of possibilities of language.
Numbers strictly limited and bookings/enquiries are to Veronica Gosling on 01392 256206 or email gallery36exeter@aol.com
Exeter Poetry Festival 