Encountering Georgia O'Keeffe
Helen Parsons
In these poems, Helen Parsons reflects on the life of Georgia O'Keeffe: her art, her relationship with the photographer Alfred Stieglitz, and her love for the big spaces of New Mexico.
Praise for The Feeling of Bigness
'This is at once a very earthed and a very aerial and expansive collection of poetry. The authenticity of the poet’s voice, the care, integrity and passion evident throughout, have delivered a work of grace and distinction.' - Diane Fahey
'These luminous meditations honour Georgia O’Keeffe’s vision with sensitivity and elegance. As Helen Parsons summons a narrative from significant moments of the artist’s life, she reflects on her own memories and impressions and so brings two lives into a shared focus. The meeting of poet and artist is pervaded by music recalled, and by actual musicality in the subtle cadences of the lines and the interplay of precise words and silences. As a tribute, The Feeling of Bigness is a work of warmth and empathy, and as a poetic achievement it is a shining forth.' - Jan Owen
Helen Parsons grew up in Adelaide and studied history and English literature at the University of Adelaide, where she completed an Honours Degree. After university she spent time in Europe, including a year of study in Italy and a year of work in London. Back in Adelaide she worked as a teacher of English as a second language, and later in the Australian office of New Internationalist magazine. Her poems have been published in Australian and overseas journals.
Praise for The Feeling of Bigness
'This is at once a very earthed and a very aerial and expansive collection of poetry. The authenticity of the poet’s voice, the care, integrity and passion evident throughout, have delivered a work of grace and distinction.' - Diane Fahey
'These luminous meditations honour Georgia O’Keeffe’s vision with sensitivity and elegance. As Helen Parsons summons a narrative from significant moments of the artist’s life, she reflects on her own memories and impressions and so brings two lives into a shared focus. The meeting of poet and artist is pervaded by music recalled, and by actual musicality in the subtle cadences of the lines and the interplay of precise words and silences. As a tribute, The Feeling of Bigness is a work of warmth and empathy, and as a poetic achievement it is a shining forth.' - Jan Owen
Helen Parsons grew up in Adelaide and studied history and English literature at the University of Adelaide, where she completed an Honours Degree. After university she spent time in Europe, including a year of study in Italy and a year of work in London. Back in Adelaide she worked as a teacher of English as a second language, and later in the Australian office of New Internationalist magazine. Her poems have been published in Australian and overseas journals.