Rubenesque Landscape

Excerpts from a Poetry Collection by Sharon Lia Robinson, with Photography by Steven R. Johnson

Rubenesque Landscape, Collage by Sharon Lia Robinson

In Rubenesque Landscape, the photographer Steven R. Johnson collaborates with me to portray various aspects of my life and personality.

We began our project in 1997, as a way to publish a book of my poetry with his photography, and to also have an art gallery exhibition.

I feel that the photos taken by Steve give me the chance to be seen, acknowledged and recognized as an imaginative and interesting person. These photos help me to find and to appreciate my authentic self.

Steve’s awareness as a gifted photographer helps me to explore ways of seeing that may otherwise have been endangered, lost or overlooked. I am grateful to Steve for his collaboration with me on this project, his dedication to art and our friendship. The collaboration was shown at Edge of the Sea Gallery (1998-2003) in Port Townsend, Wa.

I believe that we need to preserve the mystery of the hidden, the unusual, the other.

Sharon Lia Robinson in Series Rubenesque Landscape Photography by Steven R. Johnson

The Will To Go Forward Is Connected to the Chance to Move (Inspired by Paul Eluard)

she is born without shadows
her body has no illusions
no mirrors of rejection
where hope discards itself

she is born where love
grows without lies
an intimate forest

stars of flaming black
full-colored crimson white
her own sea weaves
slowly the passage

that first stage pulsation
of trembling free
a red reflection of blind abandon

and safe in her own sea mirror
large and true she can live
full within her own hope
full without shadows
dancing a practical dream
a beautiful dream without losers.

Sharon Lia Robinson in Series Rubenesque Landscape Photography by Steven R. Johnson

where am I?
by Sharon Lia Robinson

where am I?
in most places

yet I’m not supposed to be

in the eyes of a Greek orange cat
I bellydance

in robin’s nests and tree seedlings
I meander.