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The PoArtMo Anthology Series: Focus on Cendrine Marrouat

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On July 18, 2024

In Inspirational Artist Series

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our PoArtMo Anthology Series, which celebrates the artists whose work appears in The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5.

Today’s guest is Cendrine Marrouat, co-founder of Auroras & Blossoms, who has contributed a very unique set of poems. She explains what inspired her pieces.

Those who know me are aware that I love challenging myself as an artist. I believe that it is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of writer’s block.

Over the years, I have created several poetry forms, which are all inspired by the Haiku: the Hemingku, Kindku, Pareiku, Sixku, Sepigram, and Vardhaku. (Three of them have also involved David Ellis.) I invented my own type of flash fiction, called the Flashku, too. So, I wanted to share a few examples of those in this year’s volume, as well as a short story that reinvents the myth behind sunsets and sunrises.

I have been passionate about the Haiku for two decades. Its minimalistic approach makes it a very challenging form to master. I also consider it one of the greatest poetry forms ever created. To be impactful, the Haiku requires a deep dive into the exploration of one’s emotions. It is not something I have experienced with other forms—at least not as strongly.

That is exactly what the forms I (co-)created are all about.

Whenever I start working on a piece, I want to do more than just entertain readers. My biggest goal is to inspire them to sit and think about the world around them, and (re-)learn to enjoy the little things.

Of course, not everyone will relate to my message. But writing from a place of self-worth and self-understanding has helped me remain grounded. I would not be the artist and person I am today without it.

Bio:

Cendrine Marrouat is a French-born Canadian photographer, writer, poet, painter, digital artist, podcaster, and the multi-genre author of 50 books. In 2019, she co-founded Auroras & Blossoms and PoArtMo with David Ellis. She is also the (co-)creator of several poetry forms and a type of digital image.

Cendrine writes both in French and English and has worked in many different fields in her 21-year career, including translation, language instruction, journalism, art reviews, and social media.

Website: https://creativeramblings.com

Cendrine, thank you for supporting Auroras & Blossoms! We know that people will love your work as much as we all do!

That’s it for this year’s series! See you in 2025 for the next volume of our PoArtMo Anthology. In the meantime, don’t forget to purchase your copy of Volume 5! See below for more information.

The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5 is available! Click here to purchase your copy.

The PoArtMo Anthology Series: Focus on David Ellis

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On July 11, 2024

In Inspirational Artist Series

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our PoArtMo Anthology Series, which celebrates the artists whose work appears in The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5.

Today’s guest is David Ellis, co-founder of Auroras & Blossoms, who has contributed a very unique set of poems. He explains what has inspired his creative journey for the pieces he has included in the anthology.

For this anthology, I wanted to provide a variety of found poetry creations that showcase all of the different places that you can find deep insight when looking for ways to motivate your muse. In this case, I have been influenced by catchy songs, other incredible poems, non-fiction literature and sumptuous photography/paintings.

Found poetry is a very rich passion of mine, I seem to be able to unearth endless permutations when playing around with the format. It is truly fascinating how it helps me to craft poetry in such a way that I would not have originally thought of, if I had written freeform poetry. There is something about being restricted with word choice and word placement that stimulates my brain, it generates a puzzle that must be solved! Having to think of innovative ways to phrase something that uses the resources available, along with it sounding nothing like the source material and having it make sense too is truly thrilling to me when I manage to finish the piece.

When it comes to subject matter, this is uncovered to me a bit like I am an archeologist. I start off trying to find the corners, along with the beginning, middle and end. Sometimes the pieces can be back to front or in the wrong place/order, so I gently fiddle with them until they fit better as a whole. Then the rest reveals itself piece by piece until I am completely satisfied that I have uncovered all of its secrets buried within.

My two longest poetry pieces in the anthology originally started out as attempts at “Cadralore” poetry (for more information on this wonderful and intricate form, check out GLEAM: Journal of the Cadralor). I mention this because although I was not successful this time in writing Cadralore poems (the plural of Cadralor), it still resulted in poems that to me feel extremely unique in the way they were crafted and I think the sentiment in them still shines through to the reader.

I would encourage fellow writers to be fearless when trying new ways to write/create because you never know what you will end up with, even if it does not come out exactly as you originally planned, you too could end up with something special for your audience!

Bio:

David Ellis lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent in the UK. He is an award-winning poet, author of poetry, marketing workbooks/journals, humorous fiction and music lyrics. He is also the co-founder of Auroras & Blossoms, and the co-creator of PoArtMo (Positive Actions Rally Thoughts & Momentum) and the Kindku.

David’s debut poetry collection (Life, Sex & Death) won an International Award in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards 2016 for Inspirational Poetry Books.

David is extremely fond of tea, classic and contemporary poetry, cats, and dogs but not snakes. Indiana Jones is his spirit animal.

Website: https://toofulltowrite.com

David, thank you for supporting Auroras & Blossoms! We know that people will love your work as much as we all do!

The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5 is available! Click here to purchase your copy.

The PoArtMo Anthology Series: Focus on Azelle Elric

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On July 4, 2024

In Inspirational Artist Series

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our PoArtMo Anthology Series, which celebrates the artists whose work appears in The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5.

Today’s guest is Azelle Elric, who, as always, sent us a very unique set of drawings. She explains what has inspired her creative journey as a drawing artist.

First of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be published in this wonderful anthology! It’s so great for me to share my artistic journey with you!

The beginning of my artistic expression was for sure triggered by Japanese animation and Alphonse Mucha. Then about ten years ago, a co-worker of mine challenged me to draw a picture a day for one year. At the time, the easiest thing to draw was human faces.

It’s so easy and quick, so relaxing to draw a feminine face! Especially after a long and stressful day at work! And most of all, I find it extremely enjoyable to draw the same subject, with in mind, the desire to progress and try a new approach.

A friend of mine once told me that I always drew the same thing but that it looked different each time. In fact, I had never thought about it before she told me so. And maybe I could do something about it. It’s just quick and simple to add or subtract elements to modify a face : pearls, flowers, jewelry, eyes, nose, mouth, hairstyles, and so on!

I recently found a new way to express my creativity while consulting books about Zentangles and mandalas, and experimenting with black-ink water and white ink. The results are actually very rewarding!

Needless to say that I’m still learning, but that’s the main reason why I love art so much.

Bio:

Azelle Elric is a French-born artist with a soft spot for takoyaki and Japanese pastries. She loves cats, Japanese animation and drawing.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/elric_azelle

Azelle, thank you for supporting Auroras & Blossoms! We know that people will love your work as much as we do!

The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5 is available! Click here to purchase your copy.

The PoArtMo Anthology Series: Focus on Elena Anufriyeva

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On June 27, 2024

In Inspirational Artist Series

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our PoArtMo Anthology Series, which celebrates the artists whose work appears in The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5.

Today’s guest is Elena Anufriyeva. Elena sent us delightful paintings and in this post, she explains what has inspired her creative journey as a painter.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – I can’t agree more with these timeless words by Saint Augustine.

My inquisitive mind has always been a tapestry woven with threads of curiosity, creativity, and an unspoken longing for something that might be somewhere over there, beyond the beckoning horizon. It was surely the
two things that have become my main inspiration for eventually
expressing myself through painting, and in general for stepping on the
never-ending road that leads to becoming a better version of the own self
– traveling and reading. I am confident that nothing expands one‘s
personal horizons and enriches one’s soul in a more beautiful and
effective way.

From a young age, I found myself drawn to the teachings of the Mount
Athos monks, their wisdom echoing through the corridors of my mind like
a whispered secret from a distant past. Beside the golden nuggets of the holy knowledge, these books often contained depictions of the awe-
inspiring beauty of Greece, the everyday life and cultural traditions of its inhabitants, Greeks’ sparkling humor, hospitality and unquenchable thirst
for life. Still, when years ago I visited the ancient land of gods, I did not
suspect that this trip would change a lot about the way I saw the world
and myself… But the first time I set foot on the Greek soil, it felt as if I had
come home after a lifetime of wandering. As the plane descended
towards the azure sea, I felt a surge of joy course through my veins, as if
I suddenly recognized the place I had never been to but somehow knew
intimately.

Long story short, there was an unexplainable harmony in everything I
saw, heard, felt and absorbed while traveling through Greece. I immediately fell in love (and still keep doing this!) with its breathtaking
views, vibrant colors, gentle sea, unique architecture, kind-hearted
people, deep spirituality, and of course, the ever-present gatoules—cats.
To me, as an ardent cat enthusiast, they are more than just animals—
but kindred spirits and silent but extremely smart companions.

I love to include these cute gracious creatures, the unofficial symbol of
the country’s resilience, independence, and free spirit, into my artworks
in different forms, shapes and sizes. Another important symbol of
Greece, the impressive Eastern Orthodox churches—the places of
worship and repositories of timeless knowledge, which guide the faithful
on their spiritual journeys—are also often present in my paintings.

All in all, discovering Greece first via books and then by traveling and
personally immersing myself in its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, has profoundly shaped my journey as a painter. Once I was told that my
name Elena means “shining light” in the Greek language. It is an immense
joy and a big honor for me to share this light with others, hoping to
inspire and bring a sense of wonder and connection to everyone whose
soul strings are touched by my art.

Bio:

A professional translator and psychologist, and an avid traveler, Elena Anufriyeva has always been fascinated by what is beyond the horizon. Her passion and an endless source of creative inspiration have long been Greece, with its breathtaking views and vibrant colors. A self-taught painter with a strong calling, Elena appreciates the transformative power of art.

Elena has participated in a number of international exhibitions and won prizes. In 2023, she became the Featured Artist of Aedra Fine Arts Gallery (New Jersey, USA). Her painted works adorn the homes of art connoisseurs in Germany, Greece, Switzerland and Canada.

Website: https://lassssie.wixsite.com/gatoulart

Elena, thank you for supporting Auroras & Blossoms! We know that people will love your work as much as we do!

The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5 is available! Click here to purchase your copy.

The PoArtMo Anthology Series: Focus on Marjolein Rotsteeg

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On June 18, 2024

In Inspirational Artist Series

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our PoArtMo Anthology Series, which celebrates the artists whose work appears in The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5.

Today’s guest is Marjolein Rotsteeg, one of our favorite contributors. She sent us another batch of lovely stories and poetry, including haiku. In this post, she tells us about her most inspiring moment.

School was just a stone’s throw away from where I lived. Literally. It was across the street, right opposite our house. From our living-room window, I could observe what was happening in the downstairs classrooms, like watching a silent movie. And I did. Every day. I can’t have been any older than three.

I couldn’t wait until my fourth birthday, the day I was finally allowed to start school.

To me, school was where magic happened. Not only would I get to be with other children, but I would also learn things I was so eager to learn. First of all reading. Books have been like magnets for me as long as I can remember. On opening them, I entered another world. Unfortunately, I could not make sense of the printed black signs myself. I needed one of my parents, my favourite aunt or my grandmother to decipher them for me.

From a social point of view, school was a disappointment. I got bullied, almost from day one. Also physically. However, my bullies never succeeded in spoiling my appetite for learning. Being able to read myself after some time, was my lifeline. For my birthday, I would usually ask for books. Later, I started borrowing books from the public library. I would return them in a matter of days, having read them all, much to the surprise of the librarians.

Then came writing. In the beginning, it was just the technique of holding a pen and learning to ‘draw’ the signs called letters. Letters became words became sentences…

Suddenly, I realised, I had to write. As a creative form of expression, that is. I wanted, no, I had to tell stories. I had enough in my language toolkit to get started.

On Wednesday afternoons, when there was no school, rather than playing in the street and getting called names or even getting beaten up, I stayed in and invented stories, often inspired by pictures of animals. Inside my head, I saw fragments of film. The animals came alive in my mind. I could both see them and the world through their eyes. I knew what their lives were like. I felt their joy and pain. Three of those short stories I still have.

At age nine I wrote a poem about my pony. It was an ode to Girl. It even got published. In retrospect, getting published was – and still is – the icing on the cake of the writing process. When writing, my thoughts often drift back to that moment when I realised that not only I couldn’t write technically and that I had a vivid imagination – an important tool for writers –, but also that writing was a basic need for me.

Bio:

Writer and poet Marjolein Rotsteeg writes in English, Dutch and French. Nature, people and animals keep inspiring her. Her work has been published in The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 4, The Auroras & Blossoms Haiku Anthology: Volume 1, haikuNetra and other (online) magazines. Her haiku have received honorable mentions in Japan and Poland.

Website: https://substack.com/@marjoleinrotsteeg

Marjolein, thank you for supporting Auroras & Blossoms! We know that people will love your work as much as we do!

The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5 is available! Click here to purchase your copy.

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