Four local artists have combined their talents for an art project meant to get you through the last few weeks of winter.
’12 Weeks of Bliss’ consists of a dozen videos of original poetry set to music. With poetry by PJ Thomas, music by Rick Fines, videography by Mari Ya, and post-production by Laurel Paluck, the collaborative videos will be released online every Wednesday at 12 p.m. between February 14 and May 1.
“Peterborough/Nogojiwanong is known for its high caliber of artists within the area,” says Thomas in a press release. “These four seasoned creators have brought a level of excellence to the area and beyond, for years. Bringing them together was a gift of inspiration.”
The emerging poet has received critical acclaim for her books of poetry, Waves and Undertow, which are the first two instalments of her Water Trilogy. The ’12 Weeks of Bliss’ videos will include works to be published in Drifting, the forthcoming third book in the series.
“All the poems all meant to portray beauty and peace and really counteract a bit of what’s going on in the world,” Thomas tells kawarthaNOW. “It takes a peaceful break from all the information we are bombarded with to look at visual beauty, hear oral beauty, and hear music. I like to think of them like a cup of tea which can uplift you and relax you at the same time.”
When Thomas had the idea to put the poems into video, she was very intentional about the local artists she wanted to collaborate with.
VIDEO: “Fundamental Nature” with music by Rick Fines and lyrics by PJ Thomas (2021)
Her friendship with Peterborough blues musician Rick Fines dates back more than three decades. Having previously collaborated on lyrics for his most recent Juno Award-nominated album, Solar Powered Too, the duo reunites for the 12 Weeks of Bliss project with Fines crafting original music to complement the poetry.
Thomas has also previously worked with multi-disciplinary artist Mari Ya, the project’s videographer who is known for her outdoor footage.
“I couldn’t believe how few people know about her work,” says Thomas. “She’s a world-class artist and I always thought if I ever get a chance to put my poetry to video, I would love to work with her.”
Post-production work on the videos was done by digital creator Laurel Paluck, artistic director and curator of Ludmila Atelier Gallery, who has become well-known for her presence at Peterborough’s First Friday Art Crawl.
“They’re all favourite artists,” says Thomas. “The technical work is gorgeous, the poetry and art is gorgeous — it’s all very gorgeous. I just hope it helps people feel a bit of bliss leading into the first weeks of spring.”
The first episode will be available at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14 on Thomas’ Facebook, YouTube, Patreon, Instagram, and TikTok.
