Joy Leftow

Tupelo Honey & other tales Joy Leftow

Primarily a poet and performance poet, I coined the term, ""Bluetry"" to define my art. Bluetry grew out of people approaching me after readings to either compliment me or complain my poems were too sad. I also write, paint, crochet, draw and make jewelry. My drive to write, create and share, defines my art. I write because I have no choice. My performances are an extension of my art, evolving like a child develops in the womb and his mother gives birth to him. Always on the edge, back in the early 90's, I performed narrative poetry and was often chastised by other poets who claimed my work was not poetry. Now, many spout narrative rhyme, and some stick to form and write about nature and God. I'm off to something different, performing poetry to blues music. Taking artistic risks defines me!