Confluence: Stream Science, Handwriting and Urban Curbs
a temporary public artwork to be read, following the flow of water, as you walk through the city
Making a Mile-Long Poem into a Book
- to be published by the University of Nevada Press
Reno, NV, US
To make a Mile-long Poem into a Book...
After ten years of assisting ecologists, researching handwriting, and writing a six-thousand word poem about water and land, I installed an artwork called Confluence: Stream Science, Handwriting, and Urban Curbs. Each of the nineteen sections of the poem matched the lengths of city blocks; as a whole it ran for over a mile along the Truckee River through Reno, Nevada.
The project was installed for nine months in 2023-24. Now it's getting a second chance, as the University of Nevada Press will publish and distribute it as a book -- Writing in Place: a Mile-Long Poem for Reno, Nevada -- due out next year.
The project was installed for nine months in 2023-24. Now it's getting a second chance, as the University of Nevada Press will publish and distribute it as a book -- Writing in Place: a Mile-Long Poem for Reno, Nevada -- due out next year.
Writing in Place will bring together the poem, fifty-five color photographs, and three original essays: Poet and cultural historian William L. Fox writes on language, art and the environment in Reno and the West; University of Nevada political scientist Elizabeth Kobele on 'where water comes from'; and I describe the concepts and craft behind the work. Design will be done with Studio Ella Gold, whose books are done with impressively thoughtful layouts and typographic choices.
…I Need a Little Help
To produce a book that communicates the original artwork, design and materials costs will go beyond what the press has allocated. They have asked me to raise at least $3000 to cover those costs and to keep the retail price below $30. Contributions above $3500 will give us more options for paper and covers, provide honoraria for the contributors, and offset travel costs for promotion.
THE PROJECT CANNOT GO FORWARD UNTIL THE PRESS HAS THE FUNDS IN PLACE.
THE PROJECT CANNOT GO FORWARD UNTIL THE PRESS HAS THE FUNDS IN PLACE.
Confluence has had many expressions, including residencies, presentations in art galleries and libraries, fundraising events, a newsletter, and a museum exhibition. If I am reaching out to you with this request, it is because you’ve touched the project at some point and been a source of encouragement and pride. I hope this book can broaden that circle of encouragement to readers everywhere, sharing a value for public space, art as a catalyst of thought and connection, and the very fruitful exchanges between science and art. Please consider helping to make this book the best it can be.
-- And feel free to contact me at todd(at)toddgilens.com if you have questions, or prefer to send a check directly.
Rewards
Do It!
Donate $1,500.00 or more
Amount over $920.00 is tax-deductible.
A signed copy of the book, and a drawing from my fieldwork, some of which were shown at the Monterey Museum of Art in 2023.
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Wonderful!
Donate $25.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Your name included in the book acknowledgements.
0 / 30 claimed
I Love This!
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount over $20.00 is tax-deductible.
An autographed copy sent to you - or someone you choose.
(Note that the book is due out in 2027)
(Note that the book is due out in 2027)
0 / 50 claimed
What a Great Opportunity!
Donate $250.00 or more
Amount over $70.00 is tax-deductible.
An autographed copy of the book; and a signed, archival photograph from my fieldwork, some of which were shown at the Monterey Museum of Art in 2023.
0 / 12 claimed