The Gorgeous Nothings: Emily Dickinson's Envelope-Poems

Explore the innovative "envelope-poems" of Emily Dickinson in this 55-minute presentation by poet and visual artist Jen Bervin and Dickinson scholar Marta Werner. Delve into their collaborative project "The Gorgeous Nothings," which examines Dickinson's use of envelopes as a unique medium for poetic expression. Discover how the envelope form creates a radical space for reading, writing, and transmission. Gain insights into Dickinson's creative process through discussions on topics such as "The Wheels of Birds," "Flying on the Page," and "Gravity Fields." Examine the material aspects of Dickinson's work, including pencil stubs, envelope pockets, and die-cut forms. Learn about the challenges of transcription, visual grouping, and the creation of facsimiles. Understand the significance of libraries, particularly the Houghton Library, in preserving and studying Dickinson's manuscripts. Reflect on the transformation of everyday objects into poetic artifacts and the enduring resonance of Dickinson's material vocabulary.