“Duluth’s Artistic Fusion: Exploring ‘Morphology’ Through Poetry and Photography”

DULUTH — Where does creativity originate?

For Anastasia Bamford’s newest book and art exhibition, “Morphology,” the inspiration was derived from two key sources: a collection of photographs they had captured, and their personal transformation. The series of images and verses will be showcased at Wussow’s Concert Cafe starting January 4.

A portion of the inspiration stemmed from a collection of photographs they captured for a college project in the 1980s. The task involved exploring the subject of masks through photography. Bamford consulted their friend Kurt Anderson, who allowed them to capture a series of images of him preparing for a drag performance.

“I received an A for it. However, they remained stored in my closet for 35 years,” Bamford stated. “They are stunning photographs, and I aimed to submit them to the Duluth Superior Pride Zine last year alongside a poem about transformation.”

In the pursuit of Kurt’s approval, Bamford began searching for him, having lost contact in the 1990s, but discovered that he had passed away. Bamford reached out to his family but did not receive a response.

“I felt I had made every effort to connect with him and wished for his images to exist beyond my closet,” Bamford remarked.

Bamford also drew motivation from the local Duluth Poetry Chapter, who encouraged them to apply for a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, facilitating the creation of their book and exhibition.

“At the first gathering they attended, discussions started revolving around introductions, names, pronouns, and current projects,” Bamford said. “I realized that this could be relevant for older individuals too; I thought it was a notion reserved solely for the youth. It struck me that I have never completely fit into one category. Thus, ‘Morphology’ was born — examining the essence of gender and our identities beyond our physical forms.”

Bamford reviewed their anthology of black and white images taken over time and paired them with their written verses. Some photos date back to the 70s while others were captured more recently.

The image featured on the cover is a self-portrait alongside Bamford’s friend Nell during a session for her graduate photos.

Teri Cadeau / Duluth Media Group

“That day we were just having fun; I can’t recall whose coat it was, but it definitely fit both of us,” Bamford mentioned. “I used to enjoy taking self-portraits with a tripod, back in the days when we had to develop film manually.”

Bamford expressed nostalgia for traditional photography, noting that they possess some darkroom equipment but require a space with water and ventilation to dive back into it.

“I believe film photography will experience a revival similar to LPs. This year at Pride, I noticed numerous film cameras, which thrilled me,” Bamford shared.

Bamford stated that now is a thrilling period to be a writer in Duluth, with a burgeoning scene of individuals penning works from their distinct viewpoints and open to giving constructive feedback to one another. Bamford participates in the Duluth Poetry Chapter and another group known as the Failed Poet Society that critiques each other’s work.

“I have a feeling that in 30 years, people will reminisce, ‘Oh, I was in Duluth when all that took place,'” Bamford remarked. “It feels like a burst of incredible creativity, not limited to younger writers; it’s truly intergenerational. I feel just as accepted in these spaces.”

Bamford has been composing poetry since they were 5 years old. Reflecting on their earlier compositions sometimes brings a sense of embarrassment, yet they also find aspects of them that they genuinely enjoy.

Over time, Bamford’s writing approach has transformed slightly. They mentioned that for an extended period, they could only write in coffee shops, needing a setting more suited for reflection, especially with children at home. Much of “Morphology” was crafted in the same coffee shop where it will be displayed, Wussow’s Concert Cafe.

“However, after recently contracting COVID and remaining at home, I decided to experiment with home writing in the mornings while seated on my couch,” Bamford said. “I write an entirely different style of poem when lounging on my couch in the morning compared to one in a coffee shop. They tend to be gentler, more optimistic, and less irate. The stress of being a non-binary person in our society is considerable, and it brings me joy that I can occasionally write calm, uplifting poems.”

Ever evolving, Bamford is already preparing for their upcoming exhibition, which may combine poetry with repurposing old rotary dial telephones. To preview what that entails, check out the “Morphology” art opening from 6-8 p.m. on January 4 at Wussow’s Concert Cafe.

Teri Cadeau is a features journalist for the Duluth News Tribune. Hailing from the Iron Range, Cadeau has served multiple community newspapers in the Duluth region, including the Duluth Budgeteer News, Western Weekly, Weekly Observer, Lake County News-Chronicle, and infrequently, the Cloquet Pine Journal. Beyond her professional commitments, she’s an enthusiastic reader, craftsman, dancer, trivia enthusiast, and cribbage player.