Would You Give Up Arms For Wings? A story inspired by the visionary life & writings of Paulus Berensohn was a finalist for the AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) Sue William Silverman Prize forCreative Nonfiction.

 

The project received generous support and two grants from the Canada Council for the Arts.

 

Booker Prize nominee Alison Pick was my writing mentor for the project.

 

Working with the narrative device of a frame story this book within a book is also about the creation of a book. The story opens with the narrator struggling to learn the Coptic stitch.The book at its core is about overcoming creative fear and how the craft of Bargello tapestry, friendship, love and Nature restored the lifeof Paulus. My book is based upon Berensohn's unpublished memoir, The Silver Sword. The text recounts the years when Paulus thought he was dying from cancer.

 

In 1974 Paulus drove to San Diego from Pennsylvania in search of healing. It worked. Berensohn died in 2017 at the age of 84. The New York Times obituary described Paulus as a dancer, potter, teacher, and environmentalist. I’ve never met Paulus anywhere but inmy imagination.

 

A variety of opinions and opportunities for publication have been considered however the path I must take is to bring the book to life is a limited edition handmade Coptic stitch art book.

 

I intend for 85 copies.

 

This book embellished by the art of Paulus, original art commissioned for the cover by South African artist Jo McLaughlin, the cover and book design by Kansas City graphic designer, Melissa Dehner, letterpress   Bob Atkins of Skylab Letterpress, and the Coptic stitching by Kansas City book artist Jessica Devon McLanahan will become art to hold with words for the heart.

 

Paulus liked to say, “Can you hear the ear in fear,and bear it; see the art in heart and take part in it? Sensing the ear and art in union, together in the heart.”

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I would like to say, "Please join me in celebrating this talented group of people who will bring my vision into this reality."

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