In my previous blog post Burning Love I introduced the idea that poems don’t have to be limited to paper and talked about pyrography as one example of this. Well in keeping with this theme of “paperless poetry” this blog is going to focus on another surface – concrete!
Yes I hear you. Concrete is grey, dull and ugly. Why would you want to use it for anything other than construction? Well I had these exact same thoughts. That was until I met Gemma from Concrete Gems.
Just over a year ago I wrote a bespoke poem all about Gemma’s business. She sent me a few paragraphs about what she made along with some photographs of her work. Well I had to eat my words at that point. Gemma’s creations were simply stunning and they were made out of concrete!
So I asked Gemma why concrete? “I enjoy the process of taking the same stuff that the ugliest buildings are made of. Then making it into something comforting, stylish and modern. Concrete is so much more versatile than people think. I am constantly amazed at what I can make with it. My products are mainly small pieces, clocks, candles, coasters etc., which will look great in any home. The industrial texture and look of my work complements the modern urban home. Conversely, it also provides a stylish feature to more traditional houses as well.”
After being introduced to Gemma’s work I just knew I had to have a piece of my own. So after finishing her poem, I challenged Gemma to recreate my Rhymes To Remember logo in concrete. And here was the result:
How does she make such beautiful pieces? “A lot of care and attention goes into the finish of each item. I use silicone moulds to cast the majority of my concrete, which I have made myself using my own prototypes. This means the pieces are truly individual. Each piece is hand finished: some are sanded to reveal the stone effect underneath, whilst others are finished with wax or other painted decorations. Some of my pieces also include resin, which I am only just starting to really experiment with.”
When I started with this idea of paperless poetry for my blogs I just knew that I had to get Gemma involved somehow. So I challenged her once again. Can you add a poem to concrete? I wrote a short verse to send to her and this is what she came up with:
Gemma varnished the concrete then added the words in black vinyl. I definitely feel this is a concept that could be taken forwards. What do you think? We would love to hear your thoughts about it.
And so there you have it. Another example of paperless poetry! If you have any suggestions for other surfaces or would like to feature in a blog yourself then please get in touch.
The words in the poems above are my own and are protected under Copyright ©️ Sally R. Wilkes 2016-2020. They may not be reproduced in any form without my written permission.
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