Backstory

SMALL SALON

Is there something in the rushes?
Golden, serrated, whispering.
The thing that sees you
The blue eye.

It’s what you were
Before you were this
That makes you feel sick.
It’s right there in the muck.

The heron does not care.
One leg tucked up
It must catch its catch
To survive, feather white.

If only you could catch
Yourself as easily,
Small fish.
Brackish salty water.

Reach down and pick it up.
That thing.
But you are revolted.
Salt on your lips.

You have no idea
Of the small gods
Whispering all around you
Voices rippling on blue water.

50 June 18, 2021

SMALL SALON

Welcome to smallSalon, a room with a fire and a black cat looking out the window for phantom coyotes. A room where the many facets of family intersect: marriage, children, books, toys, exhaustion, joy, and two unique adults fighting to find time to dig deep into their creativity. smallSalon is several hours every week when this room is given over to their process. It is after the kids are asleep, and inspired by a thought, image, or event that has floated into consciousness. It is not so much about the finished work, but about the time it takes to make it–the place gone to. Kathryn Lipari is a writer. Giuseppe Lipari is an artist. Kathryn and Giuseppe Lipari have three children and live under the shadow of a towering fir tree in Portland, OR.