By Chiara Pieri and Aimee Robinson
Editor’s note: We’re thrilled to post the first in a series of pieces from The Art of Words 2022 exhibit, which is on view in the gallery of Follow Your Art Community Studios through September. For this collaborative exhibit, FYACS writers and artists exchanged words and art, prompting each other to respond with something new.
Prompt
“Maikus”
by Aimee Robinson
Brown and peach married
Blended together to make
Cinnamon babies
The day you were born
You were destined for greatness
Lyrical Justice
Response
“Maikus”
by Chiara Pieri
Prompt
“Offering”
by Chiara Pieri
Response
“Indigenuity”
by Aimee Robinson
Indigenuity: /in.dig.e.nu.ity/
(Noun: The clever and imaginative ideas that the indigenous people originated but that others take credit for)
To the Indigenous people who have yet to be acknowledged, this is for you. To the Indigenous people who have yet to hear an apology this is for you. To the Indigenous people who have yet to be treated equally this is for you. I bow before you to honor you and those who have come before you. May the flowers that you wear on your head honor your mind. May the flowers you wear around your chest honor your heart. May the flowers that are held in your hand honor your soul and may the flowers that surround your feet honor your strength.
I acknowledge you for all the suffering you endured for so long. I apologize on behalf of those too ignorant to do so. I support you and I am grateful for the privileges that you have bestowed upon me and my ancestors however without permission. With sincere humility, for those who have yet to, I ask for forgiveness.
Chiara Pieri is a printmaker and illustrator who is influenced by the natural world and the stories we tell. Her work features bold colors and line work, often with painted details. Each piece is carved from blocks of linoleum and then hand-pressed with acrylic inks to create individual layers of color. Chiara also enjoys working with printed black lines and incorporates watercolor to add a three dimensional quality to her work. Find her at www.chiarapieri.com
Aimee Robinson is a Writer in Residence at Follow Your Art Community Studios.
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