blackout poetry

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blackout poetry 〰️

Black Out Poetry

Recycled Vintage Book Page Art

Blackout Poetry Process

Step by Step Directions for Creating a Blackout Poem on Recycled Book Pages

Because I write poetry and create art, I gravitate toward the poetry form called blackout poems. Blackout poetry, often called found poetry, uses everyday recycled pages from vintage books or photocopied pages from literature, magazines, articles, and newsletters.

For the example below, I used a page from one of my favorite creativity books by author and speaker, Mary Potter Kenyon in Iowa. I met Mary at a local writer’s conference in 2020 just as the world was realizing the virus outbreak around the world. During my time at home, I read several of Mary’s books, began researching fiction and nonfiction tools, and read copious how to books on writing. I learned how to create digital art and yet I found coloring quite therapeutic.

Since my architectural studio days at Iowa State University, I’ve used Prismacolor brand markers and colored pencils in mixed media and recycled book art. If you have never tried Prismacolor colored pencils or blenders, take a look at my Amazon affiliate links here for Prismacolor Pencils.

Tag me at @PatriciaTiffanyMorris or @pattiffanyinks on social media with your blackout poetry pages!

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1

STEP 1: Choose a Page in an old book and look for patterns to form a poem. Use pencil to select words until your poem forms.

STEP 2

STEP 2: Use Prismacolor colored pencils or other colored pencils, markers, and crayons. Draw a box around the final word choice. Pray, asking God to direct your hands and heart to what he wants you to say through your art.