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Presented as part of Bristol Artists Book Event #BABE2019 | In this event, celebrated poets Mark Rutter and Stephen Boyce read from their widely published works.

Poets Stephen Boyce and Mark Rutter will perform poems from their artist’s books and related works. Expect densely patterned, beautifully intricate woven words – sometimes spoken, sometimes sung and sometimes unsaid.

Both poets are widely published and are collaborating with Sophie Cunningham Dawe.

Venue – Dark Studio, Level 2.

Mark Rutter’s poems have appeared in magazines throughout the English-speaking world. He lived in Maine from 1990-2002, and two collections of his poetry were published during that time. In 1995 he began collaborating with book-artist and printer Walter Tisdale, of Tatlin Books on a series of artist’s books, illustrated folios, and broadsides. Their most recent work is Homage to Andrei Tarkovsky, and they are currently collaborating on a new artist’s book, Swimming in Spruce Cove. Mark’s most recent poetry pamphlet is Basho in Acadia (Flarestack), and a collection of minimal and visual poems, Simple Cells, is due from inkConcrete.

Stephen Boyce is a prize-winning and widely published British poet. He is the author of two volumes of poetry, Desire Lines (Arrowhead 2010) and The Sisyphus Dog (Worple 2014) and two pamphlets In the Northland and Something Persists. A third collection, The Blue Tree, will be published by Indigo Dreams in 2019. Stephen’s work has been described as “intelligent, sophisticated” and “wonderfully detailed yet universal poems.” Drawing on themes of art and heritage he frequently collaborates with visual artists. Stephen lives in Dorset and is a founding trustee of Winchester Poetry Festival. www.stephenboycepoetry.com


Bristol Artists Book Event (BABE 2019) is a biennial festival featuring the work of bookmakers and small presses from around the world. With more than 100 makers taking part, and prices starting from just a few pounds, there will be something for everyone. Presented by Arnolfini, with Sarah Bodman (Centre for Fine Print Research, University of the West of England) and Tom Sowden (Bath School of Art and Design, Bath Spa University).