...[Whitman] wrote the first version of ['Song of Myself'] in 1855, but the idea in the poem is just to talk about the diversity — not just amongst Americans or between Americans — but within every individual American themselves. It just is a massive canvas to work from. It allows us therefore to go forward in Alabama and really capture not just a small part of Alabama, but a pretty sprawling lot of people.
~Jennifer Crandall, filmmaker
Whitman, Alabama is a project by Jennifer Crandall, who has spent two years "inviting people to look into a camera and share a part of themselves through the words of Walt Whitman."
She says: "Whitman, Alabama, est. 2017, is an experiment in revealing those threads that tie us together—as individuals, as states, as a nation, inside of a shared universe. All of us poets. And so, in that spirit, we invite you to be with us. To take part. To see and hear the whole. To exist as you are; that is enough."
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Today's Little Ditty has the Poetry Friday round-up. Thanks, Michelle!
I LOVE THIS. And in my own state! (No, I did not know. And this is not the first time: I had to go to NYC to learn about the quilts of Gee's Bend!) Thanks, Tabatha. xo
ReplyDeleteOh my...I am going to have to find a way to weave this into our writing workshop notebook time. Thanks, Tabatha!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting project!! Thanks for sharing these videos. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know where you find this stuff, Tabatha, but I'm sure glad you do! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVirginia Mae is a treasure! What a lovely lady!
ReplyDeleteAnother fascinating find, Tabatha! I love how the involvement of adults, kids, cats... I could listen to Virginia Mae all day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating find! I must confess I'm not as familiar with Whitman as I would like to be, but what an interesting and unusual way to explore his works.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project. I love that verse 16 from the mouth of young boy. Unconscious of how weighty those words can be, not weighed down at all, so light and free, and full of contrast.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the introduction, Tabatha! I look forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteStraight to the core of my heart. Painjoy.
ReplyDeleteTabatha Virginia's reading of Walt Whitman's poem was beautiful, and heartfelt, thanks for sharing it!!!
ReplyDeleteBrandon and cast was an interesting take, perhaps some of Whitman's words will rub off on him . . .
Wow! These videos are powerful, Tabatha! Makes me want to explore more of Whitman's work...thank you. =)
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