SANDRA L BLOOD
mindup.slblood@gmail.com
“My son, Aaron, is my biggest fan and also my biggest critic of my work. He’s heading off to University abroad and will be dearly missed. I’m happy that he witnessed today,” said multifaceted artist, poet, songwriter, now author, Michelle Joy, who launched her first book of poetry and art titled Dance in the Rain, on August 5 at Arnim’s Art Galleria Ltd, 27 Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, PoS, shaped by dance, a reading, and book signing.
The book is currently being exhibited at the Galleria until August 19 alongside 43 other artists’ works, forming an entire exhibition that started on the 2 titled, De Gap – Where do you stand in the gap?.
Michelle Joy works with acrylic, water colour and mixed media.
Mistress of Ceremonies, Hermian Smart-Findlay, welcomed guests followed by the invocation delivered by Owen Shade by way of vocals and piano, then dived right into The Book Launch.
“The collection of poems invites us to pause. Pause from the hustle and bustle of life, and encourage to practice intentionality,” as reviewed by Smart-Findlay. “Dance in the Rain directs us to stop, see, pay attention, and take note.”
Former mayor of the City of Port-of-Spain, Murchinson Brown, a few of Michelle Joy’s lifelong friends, neighbours, working colleagues singled out as Joy, Joanna, Paula and Nancy, and son Aaron, were recognised. “These individuals can testify to the fact that when Michelle asks to reflect, it’s from her heart,” Smart-Findlay announced. “…this occasion is one of celebration. Michelle Joy is multitalented, she’s a professional physiotherapist…., she’s made the time to take us down a totally different part.”
Author of Dance in the Rain, Michelle Joy and son Aaron, after the book-signing ceremony.
Michelle Joy was then invited to the lectern. She took guests through parts of her life as reflected through her “deep and sturdy poems,” re-enacted simultaneously in dance by Noelle Archer.
She spoke of the storm; whom she met; the impact; the relief; and the outcome, covering elements of the poems, and also, took guests through the journey to poetry-writing and the book as a means of clarifying why poetry. “I’ve been writing poetry for most of my life, she explained. “There’s something that’s alluring and even meditative about words, rhyme and rhythm. Poetry allows complex thoughts and stories and easy space to reside. Dance in the Rain is an experience. Notice the words on the page and patterns they form. Hear the beats. Listen to instruments that provide the background mood….” She then ended with the advice: “Take a breath; Happy reading.”
As a true therapist, guests said she brought joy and a measure of healing to their hearts. Apart from Dance in the Rain, Michelle Joy’s other art pieces on exhibit are Verb Meditation, Pebble Rain, Reflection of Herstory, Hill Steps, A Word Apart and Matrisse Inspired Symphony.
The book’s described as “an interlude and moment of quiet reflection,” and is designed with the hope “to bring readers to a deeper sense of self than before the pages are turned.”
Published almost two months ago and released on Amazon, it’s available in Kindle and paperback, and locally at Paper Based Bookstore, Normandie Hotel, St Ann’s, PoS.
Exhibition days and times: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm | Saturday: 9 pm to 3 pm | Closing day: 9 am to 2 pm.