In 2003, I sat in on a class by Rikki Ducornet. She was teaching in Prague for Naropa’s study abroad program, or for the festival at the end of the program. It’s a long story, we gave the festival an NEA (Never Ever Again) grant. But it was wonderful, the festival, and Rikki’s class. She talked about The Deep Zoo. She talks about it elsewhere. Soon there will be a book. Next year. From Coffee House Press. We should all buy it.
In the class, she talked about choosing a shape. Sketching the shape in your notebook or in your mind. And then finding it, or letting it find you. It works no matter how intricate or simple the shape. I have done it for years now and all over the world. I found spirals in Prague. I found stars in St John. I found circles in Melbourne. I don’t know that it would work without the alchemical magic of Rikki Ducornet. But it works if Rikki tells you to do it. And I’m pretty sure she’s going to tell us to do it in the new book.
Also, and always, I find hearts. It started many years ago on a beach. I found a heart-shaped stone, smooth on one side and speckled by smaller stones on the other. I wish I could show it to you. It is at home and I am not. So I can’t. I will soon. Maybe next week. I’m trying to get better at these things. In the meantime, I give you this, from Lake Powell:
Because there is always room for a heart to become more complete.
two or more countries 