Flowers I Have Known and the Secrets They Have Shared with Me
by Vicki Milewski
Creator
Vicki Milewski
Typefaces: Palatino, Times New Roman, Arial
poet: Vicki Milewski
nationality:
born: United States
active: Internationally
Publication Information
publisher: Vicki Milewski
dates:
poems written: 1992—2015
Artworks created: 1990--2015
production: 2014-2015
publication: 4.23.2015
publication history: A one of a kind artist book
Aesthetic Profile
subject: Produced in honor of William Shakespeare's death 500 years ago (1616) and following his ideas in his Sonnet 99 I followed the experiences I had with love through the flowers given to me by men I have loved.
materials: Organic cotton dyed with roses, embrodery thread, handmade and recycled paper, adhesives, sheet music
themes: Poems about trying to understand love through the flowers men I have loved gave to me
content form: Traditional Poetry Artist's Chapbook Form 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
includes:
poetry
songs
poem flowers
Shakespeare Ladies
Fiber Art
publication tradition:
artists' book
inspiration: Shakespeare’s Sonnets and Plays along with the men I have known
related works: Flowers… has a similar structure as many of my poetry chap books except for the introduction of actual artworks within the pages and fiber art pieces. The inclusion of the artworks became necessary when it was clear that the struggles I have had in finding a full time lover was tied inextricably with my artistic practice. Once I saw the balance between having lost really fine men because of my constant work as an artist I saw that this book should have the same balance. Does this mean I have not learned? Maybe but I know there is someone out there for me and I for him. From this book I began to produce what I call my Shakespeare Ladies, one for each flower mentioned in Shakespeare’s Sonnet
other influences: Family, steadfast, continuous love from family
community: After having done larger Shakespeare Ladies many women spoke with me about their loves and this is now a book I am working on.
Exhibitions:
2016 “Shakespeare Now” Book Art Exhibition Liverpool, England
2016 Artist Books and Shakespeare Exhibit Sarno, Italy
Related Documents
Type of Manuscript: Sewn Binding, Text and Sculptural Illustration
location: Artist’s Studio when not being exhibited
note: A Saks Fifth Avenue Gift Box has worked for shipping this book along with the tissue paper and ribbon that came with the gift.