Portrait Poetry is a personal collection of poetry, prose, and photography that reflects my journey through what I call “Contemporary Expressionism.”  In this book, I share my thoughts, emotions, and life experiences honestly and reflectively. The book is a journey through journaling, about some of the people I know, places I have been, things I have seen, and especially about myself. Readers have described Portrait Poetry as a scrapbook-style blend of poetry and memoir. The photographs throughout the book, taken by me, offer personal glimpses into my life and help deepen the storytelling behind each piece.

As a poet and spoken-word artist, I believe Contemporary Expressionism has grown out of the isolation and self-reflection many of us experienced after the pandemic and has continued to this day, amid these uncertain political times. Some people have gravitated toward poetry as a form of activism or self-healing. We can all only gain from writing authentically, making a connection with self and others; it simultaneously builds empathy when we share our voices in community. I applaud anyone who has come to poetry through those means.

I, for one, have always encouraged others to explore and express their own stories through poetry as a tool for self-awareness.  I hope this is how you see this collection as well, and that you, too, will embark on your own portrait-poetry journey.

The publication of Portrait Poetry was supported by the New York State Council on the Arts Statewide Community Regrant Program through the Huntington Arts Council. This collection is both a personal artistic statement and a reflection of the creative poetry and spoken-word community on Long Island.

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Cover art by Kiki Calafell