Bow Valley poet Terri Meyer has soft blue eyes, a quiet voice and an insatiable need for paper – lots of paper.
Whether scrap, full-sized or found in a journal, the sheets beckon. She can’t help herself. Reaching for a pen, often an exquisite quill from Germany, the words spill into her journal, falling exactly where they should.
“It just comes to me,” Meyer says. “I can’t explain it.”
Best of all, she doesn’t have to.
During the month of January, Meyer lets the words do the talking as she presents, Talking Frames, a display of original poetry at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery.
The 21-piece show of framed original poetry features mountain-themed verses, various professions and an assortment of sports. Some of the most entertaining and engaging pieces include Alberta, Tailor, Optometrist Assistant and Baker:
A baker is hot
With croissants that are knot
With sticky fingers of flour
Being watched by the oven hour
Meyer says the writing process comes “quickly and easily to her.” But transferring the words to the computer is something that isn’t as comfortable.
“I can’t stand computers,” Meyer smiles. “They’re cold and sterile. They don’t feel personal or insightful. I have to see the poems in my writing first.”
Meyer takes away any hint of the impersonal by carefully selecting fonts to go with each piece. The end result is enchanting and illustrates her keen eye for attention.
Rarely has she found words intimidating.
“Everything inspires me,” Meyer shares. “I like to get my writing out there. I would write for anyone, anywhere – as long as it’s not technical.”
Meyer says she’s always gravitated to pens and never thought much about it until others pointed out that she had something special.
“Teachers kept encouraging me,” she explains. “I just thought they were being nice. Writing is something I’ve always done.
“Who knows what it means (for me) down the road?”
Meyer says poetry can be visual as well as auditory. On a desk, hanging from the wall or perched in a small nook, poetry is meant to be enjoyed and shared.
For more information or commission enquiries, please visit www.renaissancequill.ca
Talking Frames is on display at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery until the end of January.
