Our last Words & Wine was met with the sounds of scratching markers and typewriter keys flying fast. Typewriter Rodeo poets David and Sean as well as author/doodler Carin Channing joined our Words & Wine attendees for a night full of fun and creativity. The evening kicked off with some wine and cheese, as well as tours of The Writing Barn facility. WB staff member Claire Campbell spearheaded the evening with a few questions for our guests.
Carin Channing spoke about her love for doodling and the immediate escape it can give to any willing to try. “It is not a shameful art form,” Carin explained, “even though a lot of the people I ask to doodle talk badly about their drawings.” Carin works to help others find personal creativity and confidence through their drawings.
Sean and David from Typewriter Rodeo agreed with Carin, describing how their art form also helps people find their creativity. Poets from Typewriter Rodeo travel around the country, setting up at events, weddings, and other venues to type up free poems for anyone who wants one. All the participants have to do, is give the poets a topic for their poem.
Sean explained how personal and creative strangers will be with him, asking for a poem about a passed loved one, a dark memory, a personal belief, etc. David chimed in, reveling in the poem topics he receives from kids, such as pancakes, Mickey Mouse, etc. These poets from Typewriter Rodeo type on the spot, conjuring beautiful poems in a matter of minutes.
After a Q&A session, the audience was asked to participate in a doodling activity with Carin. Prompt cards were passed around, with sentences on them such as: Doodle something you are psyched to have done, or Doodle something that’s comforting to think about. Attendees drew on all colors of construction paper with all colors of markers, and the room began to fill with laughter and praise. Meanwhile, a line formed in front of the typewriters, and the poets got to work. The room was full of creative sound.
Attendees shared their poems and drawings for the entire group, and hugs were passed around throughout. The event concluded with a book signing by Carin Channing. The night was long and lovely.
For more information on both Typewriter Rodeo and Carin Channing, make sure to click on their links. Carin Channing will be teaching a Doodling for Writers & Those Who Aspire to Write class at The Writing Barn this July 31st.
We’ll use our visual tools (NO art experience or skill necessary! We love stick figures!) to explore our writer archetypes, our ideal reader, our fears and creative blocks, and our visions for ourselves as we traverse the Hero’s Journey of writing!
If you are interested in this class, make sure to sign up soon via our website.
And make sure to join us for our next Words & Wine, ft. poetry. The event is free; all you need to bring is your love. for the arts!