The Poetry Portal Net

Graffiti has had a mixed press in the last few years. On the plus side, graffiti artists like Banksy have made graffiti an artform that is pleasing on the eye, applying stencils to produce technically challenging graphics with political messages attached. This type of graffiti was likely to become trendy with both the public and the artworld : attractive to both eye and intellect. This sort of graffiti is even purchased as prints on canvas, and placed on the walls of middleclass homes and office reception areas.

However, when it comes to your down and dirty graffiti - the scally, the tagger, the gangbanger variety - this is just seen as antisocial, a crime committed by the untalented. However misinterprets graffiti as strictly an art form. To many individuals, it’s not just an artform, but a method to mark a district, or even two fingers up at society : anti-art, anti-social, anti-establishment.

Graffiti has always been an underground activity, even though the effects are very much public facing. The intended audience is often unbeknown. Is it for a rival gang? A communication to a single person? To the public at large? Or….maybe it’s merely gratuitous and out of boredom.

Whatever the reasons may be, there seems to be some kind of continuous need to spray graffiti. Some towns have conceded that graffiti isn’t a short-term craze, so they’ve designated zones where graffiti is permitted - normally uninhabited areas, but occasionally more civic areas like boarding that surrounds inner city construction sites.

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To do is to know
If you do not know
And do not know
That you do not know
You may live
Never to know
If live
Never to know
You should know
Never to live
If you live
You must know!
“Black Ideas”

Please, note that “Black Ideas” is my poetic pen name; therefore, any poem you see with that name beneath it is my original composition.

Thanks

2 BE USEFUL

If you cannot be the sun
To cast light,
You can be the moon
To reflect light;

If you cannot be the sea
To float a ship,
You can be a river
To carry a cannoe;

If you cannot be a forest
To produce timber,
You can be a bush
To provide herbs;

If you cannot be the grass
To feed a cow,
You can be a worm
To nourish a sparrow;

No matter your station in life,
You can always be useful
So, be USEFUL!
(Black Ideas)

3) IF I WERE A BRIDEGROOM

If I were a bridegroom
I will take my brige to Eden.
When we land in the garden,
I would protect my lover
From the danger that’s hidden.
I would warn my bride
Of all that’s never to be taken
The fruit that is forbidden
Is never to be eaten
So that my lover
Is never to be beaten.

However, if by mistake,
My lover is fallen,
I will endeavour
To pray for her pardon

Whenever, her error is ever forgiven,
We shall move to the kingdom on the moon.
There shall I count some days up to seven,
Then shall I invite some angels of heaven;
For, they and only they shall
Witness our wedding.

Now, as an ordained bridegroom,
I shall lead my blessed bride to a room.
There shall I present my rose
From the garden,
Then shall my lover offer
Her honey from Eden!
(Black Ideas)

My full names are Mawutodzi Kodzo Abissath
I am a Ghanaian journalist, writer and poet. I am a graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. I was born over 40 years ago , Accra, Ghana. I am currently working with Information Services Department of the Ministry of Information in Accra. I am the Information Manager of the Government of Ghana Website http://www.ghana.gov.gh

In April 2002 I underwent a training course in International Relations at l’ENA (Ecole nationale d’Administration in Paris, France. My area of specialty was “Communication Diplomacy”

In July 2004 I participated in a short training course in “E-Government Strategy” at the Nayang Polytechnic in Singapore.

I am the author of a book titled: “Friends of Tomorrow-Poems for Young children” published in 1994 in Ghana.

I am also a co-author of a book titled: “Traditional Wisdom in African Proverbs”published in 2004 in Ghana.

I am a freelance journalist as well and I have published over 400 articles in both local and foreign media in French and English

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I have found many decorative collectibles at art auctions over the years. I have a display cabinet filled with all of my finds. My favorite of all of the decorative collectibles are Pendelfin rabbits.

Pendelfin rabbits captivated my interest when I was a young girl. My dad was stationed in England and my mother bought me my first of many decorative collectibles at an art auction. The bookends that she bought for me are extremely rare and I recently had them appraised at more than fifteen hundred dollars.

I’ve been searching at art auctions in my area every time that decorative collectibles are advertised as being up for sale. My greatest hope is that I can find a Pendelfin item named The Shoe. I’ve been looking for this particular piece for about five years.

The larger pieces of decorative collectibles seem to get really expensive really fast at an art auction. I’ve seen three people at once bidding up the Pendelfin rabbits to a point where the price is just out of my reach. I love these rabbits, but I have to stay on budget when I attend an art auction.

There is one Pendelfin item that I found at an art auction early in my collection that I spend a lot more money than I wanted to. I just had no idea how much a love of decorative collectibles could end up costing. The item I bought was a three inch by four inch little plaque with Robert the rabbit depicted.

I sell decorative collectibles with online art auctions. I find the items at art auctions and sales that I attend in person. I have never resold a piece of Pendelfin. I keep them in my own private collection. My husband bought me a Pendelfin figurine named Auctioneer. I love it.

Almost all of the rabbits produced by Pendelfin are small. These decorative collectibles have retained their value for a long time. Art auctions are a great place to hunt for really cool pieces that are larger and rare. I’ve been looking for one named Aunt Ruby for a couple of years, now.

Aunt Ruby is one of the large size rabbits. I already have Uncle Soames and Mother. These were actually some of the first pieces of decorative collectibles. I found them at an art auction I attended with my husband before we married.

There was an anniversary piece put out by Pendelfin. I don’t think that it is worth what I keep seeing it for new and in stores that sell decorative collectibles. I’ll just keep looking for it at a reasonable price at the art auctions I attend.

I was so excited when I found two big pieces of Pendelfin decorative collectibles at the last art auction I attended. I bought both the one named Toy Shop and the one named The Castle Tavern. They look great with all of the others that I’ve bought and won at auctions over the years.

My sister called me from an art auction last year to tell me that she had found a treasure trove of decorative collectibles. She said that there was one lot that contained nine Pendelfin pieces. I authorized her to pay up to four hundred dollars for the lot because some of the pieces were chipped. I was shocked when the lot went for eighty dollars, the opening bid.

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Beyond any reasonable doubt, the colonial times were one of the most fascinating and important in American history. Colonial arts and crafts serve as a creative reminder of this exciting time. Many antique and art enthusiasts enjoy collecting colonial arts and crafts, or at least reproductions of them. If you’re a parent, it’s likely your child has or will bring home some of their own artistic reproductions of creative work done during this historical time period. Whether you’re a serious antiques collector or just want a little something to accent your home, colonial style pieces are a perfect choice.

There are a variety of crafts from which you can choose. Silver smithing, needlepoint, wood carving and glass making are examples of commonly practiced artistic trades during colonial times. Colonial silversmiths created gorgeous vases, bowls, utensils and coins, while wood carvers and furniture makers crafted everything from tables to bed frames to childrens’ toys. Needlepoint and embroidery were feminine pursuits. The women of colonial times created wall hangings, clothing, quilts and more using their talents.

Glassmaking was an important trade in colonial Jamestown. To this day, you can travel to this historic location to see glassmakers recreating the work done by the original colonists. Today, glass is blown into amazingly creative and colorful pieces. Placing a few colorful glass pieces around your home can make quite an impact. In colonial times, glassmakers focused more on practical pieces like window panes, bottles and vials, vases and basic drinking glasses than on objects d’art. These days, glass is often fashioned into items that are not only functional but beautiful as well.

If you’re a parent looking for a creative activity for your child, teach them how to make a colonial craft. Fragrant pomanders are easy to make and were commonly presented as Christmas gifts during colonial times. An orange pomander, for example, is simply an orange with fragrant cloves inserted into the skin in a decorative way and hung on a braided cord. Silhouettes are also an easy-to-do craft that was popular during colonial times. Try checking out an arts and crafts book from the library or bookstore for more ideas. One good title is The Heritage Sampler: A Book of Colonial Arts and Crafts by Cheryl G. Hoople and Richard Cuffari.

Copyright 2008 by M. Attendorn - All Rights Reserved

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My friends and I have been collecting Enesco for several years. We actively attend art auctions and bid on everything Enesco! We have a lot of fun finding pieces we don’t already have and winning them.

I think collecting Enesco is fun. I really like the Mary Moo Moo plates. They came in a collection of eight plates from a series called Home is Where the Herd is. I’ve had a hard time finding a complete set at an art auction, but I have found several single plates.

I started collecting Enesco right after I was married. I went to an art auction with my sister-in-law and she pointed out some items that she was collecting. The experience I had with her that day really made an impression on me.

I went to an art auction several months after the first one I attended and bought my first piece of Enesco. I got my start collecting Enesco with just one plate. I bought an Enesco plate that said Cookies are for Sharing. I have displayed it in my kitchen ever since.

I am still lacking an Enesco plate that says Cream of the Crop. It is hard to believe that I’ve been actively collecting Enesco for so long and have been unable to locate this plate. I have duplicates and triplicates of several of the plates. Each art auction I attend, I am hopeful that I will find the plate I need to complete that set.

My best friend has been collecting Enesco ever since she had a baby a few years ago. She decided on a teddy bear design for the nursery and I gave her a shower gift of several Cherished Teddies figurines for decorating with. She found more of the figurines at an art auction she went to with me and has been unstoppable ever since.

Precious Moments figurines have never been something that I particularly liked. My friend’s daughter loves them. She started collecting Enesco Precious Moments figurines after we took her with us to an art auction that had a small lot of them. She spends significantly less on her collection than the rest of us do, but I think she’ll catch up.

My husband’s birthday is on Halloween. He has started collecting Enesco Halloween statues. I bought him one statue at an art auction several years for his birthday and he totally fell in love with the work of Jim Shore.

The first Enesco statue that my husband found for himself was at an art auction we attended together while on vacation. He found the statue called Grim Reaper absolutely irresistible. I have to agree, the detail work is positively spooky! He has been searching for other pieces, but does not pursue collecting Enesco very actively.

My husband went golfing last weekend while I attended an art auction. Collecting Enesco is my passion and I rarely pass up items that I really like. I found a piece for me that added to my Moo Moo plate collection and I found a Headless Horseman for my husband’s collection.

The next piece that my husband has indicated that he wants to find at an art auction is the Jim Shore piece called Witch on a Pumpkin. I know that collecting Enesco can be addictive and it is nice that he has decided which pieces he really wants. I agree with my husband and really like the folk art that Jim Shore does.

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When I was growing up, I didn’t put much emphasis on clothing designers. This is probably because my mother never did, and I just put on my clothes and walked out the door. I always wanted to look nice, but buying clothes because of a designer label was never that important to me. Now, however, I do take more notice of who makes the clothes I like because I want to look for that same line again. Most designers have a theme, of sorts, and that means if you like one thing, they probably have more that you would like just as much.

You will never catch me buying designer labels just to have them or because they are popular. That to me is a waste of money. However, if you like the clothes, this is a great reason to be sporting that label. Clothing designers all differ, but many leave their mark on many of the things they make. This is not only something they like to do, it is something they do for advertising purposes. They hope their name will become hip, and everyone will buy it. It is pretty much the same as with any product on the market. The difference with clothing, however, is that everyone needs it.

If you have clothing designers that you love, you can usually rely on them to come up with something else that you will love to own. They may make many different styles and designs of clothing, but each one is within their own unique personality. This means that if you like one things, the others will appeal to you as well. The clothing in the lines will all be related. For instance, if you like Old Navy, you may notice that all of their clothes have the same feel, even though they are all different. Not everyone likes the look, but those that do go back time and time again for more.

When you want to find clothing by your favorite clothing designers, you may not always have to pay full price. Some are more expensive than others, and if you love one that costs quite a bit, you had better be ready to invest if you want those clothes. However, you can find discounted clothes on places like eBay (check to see if they are new or not) and even in some stores that specialize in discounts like TJMaxx or Gabriel Brothers. Some of these clothes are just fine, but might have a minor flaw no one can see, and others are disasters. Take your time when searching for your favorite clothing designer this way so you know what you are buying.

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Truly, creativity is a wonderful thing for both adults and children to explore. Childrens arts and crafts can keep your child busy and stimulate their mind. The important thing is that you choose crafts for your child that are age appropriate and interesting for them. Even very young children can enjoy creating artistic works. If your child is five or under, stock up on the basics like fingerpaint, large poster boards, safety scissors, crayons, washable markers, non-toxic school glue and of course, modeling dough. Before you give your little artist free reign, however, there are a few preparations you’ll need to take.

Dress your child in old clothes, even if the paint or markers are washable. An old button up shirt of Mom or Dad’s makes the perfect smock. Cover the art area with newspaper or an old sheet. In nice weather, the outdoors makes a perfect studio for your child. Have plenty of paper towels and wet wipes on hand to take care of any messes or spills. Let your child explore the materials you’ve set out for him or her without offering too much guidance. When your child creates something, offer lots of encouragement and praise.

Older children enjoy more structured arts and crafts. For them, kits are ideal. A creative kit teaches a child to follow directions while being creative at the same time. There are embroidery kits, paint by number kits, pottery kits, model car and boat kits, jewelry making kits, and more. No matter what your child is interested in, there’s probably a kit out there to accommodate them. If your older child shows interest or aptitude in a particular area of art, encourage them to further develop and challenge their abilities.

There are likely childrens arts and crafts classes in your area that may be a great idea for your child. Not only will your child learn artistic techniques and skills, he or she will get the benefit of social interaction with other children. When your child creates a piece of artwork they are proud of, display it in your home. Even colorful fingerpaint on posterboard can be matted and framed to make a beautiful accent to any room. Designate a special area of your home to display your child’s art work. This is great for their self-esteem and will encourage them to keep creating.

Copyright 2008 by M. Attendorn - All Rights Reserved

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Children’s art paintings are fun to look at. They bring me good feelings. I have had a lot of jobs the last couple of years buying children’s art to hang in various places. I have enjoyed every single job.

I bought two children’s art posters for the children’s hospital to hang in one of their waiting area. They were both from Maurice Sendak’s book Where the Wild Things Are. I loved that book when I was a kid and this art brought back some good memories.

I found a Jim Daly children’s art print to frame and put in the physical therapy lounge at a local rehabilitation center. They wanted to put together a friendly feeling place that would help keep kids entertained. I put the painting where parents can read.

I was asked to hang children’s art along a long hallway in a home I was decorating. I thought that this was an odd request because there weren’t any kids living there and the home had a very stark and cold feel to it. It was definitely the minimalist style this homeowner had that left me puzzled.

The children’s art paintings that I ended up choosing for the hallway were all from the same artist. The artist specialized in mini paintings and they were all so simple and beautiful. They actually fit with the owner’s style. I had each painting put into a simple frame with no matting and hung them all along the long hallway.

I actually liked this artist so much that I purchased twice as many children’s art paintings than I needed to complete the hallway job. I plan to give these paintings as gifts to people that I know with either a child or a whimsical spirit. I even liked the artist’s name, Lollipop Art.

I was asked to add some decorations to a family’s daughter’s room. The family was extremely active and bicycling seemed to be the primary family exercise. I thought it would be fun to find some children’s art painting that depicting cycling in a fun way. I found an acrylic signed by the artist of a woman on a bike with a child and a yellow balloon.

I had a client call me asking about buying a children’s art painting by artist Stephanie Bauer. The painting was called Dragonfly. I did find the painting and also found that it was not for sale. Fortunately, there is a fine art print made from this painting. My client was more than happy to purchase the print and have it framed in an extremely nice frame. It hangs in her daughter’s room now. She loves it because it is pink!

I was hired to find a painting for the waiting room at a local dance studio. I found that all of the classes were for children, so I looked for a children’s art painting to hang there. I found one called Little Girl Ballerinas. It was very colorful and whimsical. The owner of the studio loved it.

I was hired to redecorate three girls’ bedroom. The family had three daughters that all wanted children’s art paintings on their walls. Each had a distinct personality and interests that didn’t overlap with the other two. The first girl received an acrylic painting called Sports Girls. This sister is the one that is very athletic.

The next sister is very interested in entomology. She is very shy and quiet. I found a children’s art painting for her that she really liked. I could buy the actual watercolor from Pily Torres, so I bought a reproduction that looked great after it was framed.

The third sister was completely immersed into dancing. I found a gorgeous children’s art painting of a folk art ballerina that had several different pinks in it. It looked great without a frame and she was really happy with it.

The most recent job I had wanted something really unique. They wanted a children’s art painting, but they were more interested in an extremely large mural. I found one that the family really liked that depicted a fantasy scene. It looks like there is a castle in the background and a unicorn in the foreground is leaping. I liked what it added to the room, it was the perfect choice.

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When I decided to go to drama school, my family thought I was crazy. Although I have done some high school acting, I had never had a serious involvement in any kind of drama program. Acting school is so far beyond my experience that my parents thought that I should really get a little bit more involved in something like community theatre before making such a decision. Nonetheless, I was set on it.

Although I hadn’t told anyone, drama school has been my fantasy for years. You see, I had always wanted to be a star. Most kids, I suppose, at some point want to be a star. They might want to be like their favorite action hero or their favorite rock and roller. For me, it was different. It was all I could think about. It was like an obsession, and dated from my earliest years. I knew that if I wanted to realize the dream, I would have to go to drama school. That was all there was to it.

Of course, dreaming of going to drama school and actually going there are two different things. The audition process was grueling. They say that anyone who has the talent can make it, but it is less about talent than it is about self-confidence. I was lacking, and it showed at first. The first two drama schools that I interviewed with rejected me outright. I tried to be confident about it, but I could tell that I was not making a great impression. Then I pulled it together. I knew that I had to give an outstanding audition, and I did just that. I got in finally! I was overjoyed.

Once I got in to drama school, however, the pressure did not drop off. A lot of people think that acting college is really easy, but it isn’t. You have to remember that, whether you are going for the role of the lead, the best friends, the villain, or what have you, there is always only one part that you want. Drama schools are fiercely competitive places, as they have to be. As an actor, director, or playwright, you have to be a fiercely competitive person. Half of what you learn in drama school is the skill to act, but the other half is the skill to compete. Without both, there is no way that you can succeed in show business.

By: Maxine Attendorn

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When I decided to go to drama school, my family thought I was crazy. Although I have done some high school acting, I had never had a serious involvement in any kind of drama program. Acting school is so far beyond my experience that my parents thought that I should really get a little bit more involved in something like community theatre before making such a decision. Nonetheless, I was set on it.

Although I hadn’t told anyone, drama school has been my fantasy for years. You see, I had always wanted to be a star. Most kids, I suppose, at some point want to be a star. They might want to be like their favorite action hero or their favorite rock and roller. For me, it was different. It was all I could think about. It was like an obsession, and dated from my earliest years. I knew that if I wanted to realize the dream, I would have to go to drama school. That was all there was to it.

Of course, dreaming of going to drama school and actually going there are two different things. The audition process was grueling. They say that anyone who has the talent can make it, but it is less about talent than it is about self-confidence. I was lacking, and it showed at first. The first two drama schools that I interviewed with rejected me outright. I tried to be confident about it, but I could tell that I was not making a great impression. Then I pulled it together. I knew that I had to give an outstanding audition, and I did just that. I got in finally! I was overjoyed.

Once I got in to drama school, however, the pressure did not drop off. A lot of people think that acting college is really easy, but it isn’t. You have to remember that, whether you are going for the role of the lead, the best friends, the villain, or what have you, there is always only one part that you want. Drama schools are fiercely competitive places, as they have to be. As an actor, director, or playwright, you have to be a fiercely competitive person. Half of what you learn in drama school is the skill to act, but the other half is the skill to compete. Without both, there is no way that you can succeed in show business.

By: Maxine Attendorn

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