Friday — February 20, 2004

Studebaker delivers ‘Informances’

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

"When I read and introduce my poems, I give my true view through the informal language of conversation," poet William Studebaker said. "My readings are conversation between me and the audience. This is not to say there's dialogue, rather there is two-way understanding."

Poet and outdoorsman William Studebaker. Courtesy photo

An Idaho native, poet and author of prose and creative nonfiction, Studebaker, is a columnist for the Times-News in Twin Falls. He also writes for Idaho magazine, Paddler magazine and Tertulia magazine, an electronic publication, as well as other national and regional publications. He also runs the Outdoor Program at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

Studebaker is giving a free poetry workshop, "Poetry as Mandala" Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at The Community Library in Ketchum.

At 6 p.m. he’ll read and present a slide show from his book "Travelers in an Antique Land" a spiritual guide to the American High Desert.

Studebaker bills his readings as "Informances," a combination of information and performance.

"Poetry has a quality about it that allows the ideas within it to slip past barriers folks put up to avoid or protect their own views. My poetry is political, religious, sociological, psychological, particularly ‘Passions We Desire,’ from which I will also read. I do intend for ideas to slip into people's minds. I do have things I believe in."

For the workshop Studebaker said he’ll ask participants to create a mandala. A Sanskrit word, mandala traditionally refers to a healing circle.

"The creation of the mandala will be guided in the manner of one I created during a workshop with Joseph Campbell," he said. "From the mandala we will build a poem. This poem will be filled with poetics and meaning. Albeit a workshop, I trust that an understanding of how to take personal, passionate feelings and attach them to poetry will be the result."

To sign up for the workshop, call the Library at 726-3493.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.