Poster Image

 I Went To The Fair

$20

Item#: 2020SYR04

Purchase Details

11x17-inches, printed on heavy weight (100-pound) Hammermill cover paper. We package each print with a piece of chipboard in a clear plastic sleeve.

You also receive…

An information page with photos of the artist and poet, and hand-written comments from each.

Medium- and large-format posters are available by custom order. Contact us for details.

Poem Inspiration Location

I Went To The Fair

poster information

Description

I went to the fair
For a glass of milk and ah,
The butter sculpture.

I was born and raised in Syracuse and still have a goodly number of family members to visit and think of there. My father could recite famous poems from memory, and that ignited in me a love for verse.

The haiku form shows in miniature what are often the hallmarks of all great art — compression and release. Compression, as you radically study it, and release, as you “get it,” or are magically moved by it. The State Fair attracts all of one's senses, and is a great place to practice the writing arts.

I selected my haiku because it didn't seem too serious, and I thought my playful illustration style would be a good fit. I tried to capture the spirit of the fair, in all its frenzied glory.

I struggled with the butter sculpture. I wanted it to be full of both wit and whimsy, without downplaying the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into making the magnificent sculptures in display at the fair. I finally chose Jon Fishman, drummer for the band Phish, to be the subject. I know he has roots in the area. I'm a fan of his music and his antics. I hope local fans might get a kick out of it.

I use my I-pad to create digital collages and overlay a variety of media. I am thrilled to be a part of the Poster Project!