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A QUIET DIVIDE, Roger Colombik, softcover, probable first edition, illustrated throughout, 2006. BOOK CONDITION: very good. The text block and illustrations are in fine condition with no dog-ears, tears, or marks. Inscribed by the author on the final page. There is no bookplate nor signature of a prior owner. This is not a library book nor a remainder. The wraps are in good condition (shelf rubbing and smudging of front cover). Tight binding. 9 x 6, 112 pages, 9 ounces XX Subtitled Reflections on the East, 1993 ? 2001, Colombik?s travel memoir contains striking duotone photographs, poems, and short descriptions of people and events he encountered in Israel, Palestine, Macedonia, and Serbia in the final decade of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st. One example follows: Journal Notes: Robert Bly For A Day. I introduce myself to Paskal Gilevski, Director of the Struga Poetry Evenings and his enthusiasm strikes me as a bit odd. After all, I am just one of the thousand or so folks attending the festival, where writers recite their works on the Bridge of Poets, casting out poems to the sacred waters of Lake Ochrid. Paskal takes me by the arm and leads me into a room with long tables and a row of typewriters along the wall. Speaking through an interpreter he inquires if I can write something for him. I explain that I am here only as a lover of poetry. He presses on?"Can't you write me something, a short essay. Something on American poetry." I try to explain again that I am really a sculptor who enjoys writing highly personal journal based stories. "No problem", he responds. "I need only a short speech, maybe five minutes long. You will present it tomorrow at the conference during the session on Poetry of the 20th Century." I'm beginning to wonder if were having translation difficulties. The interpreter smiles and confirms that everything is okay. I make one last attempt to explain myself to Paskal: "Paskal, I really like poetry. I have even written a few short poems, but it's been fifteen years since I have been in an English lit class that barely skimmed over a few notable works." Paskal shakes his head and smiles: "No problem. The American poet just called and he had to cancel his appearance at the festival. And you?re American." (I was the only American in town). I ask Paskal who was going to attend the festival. He grabs my pen and writes out Robert Bly. He hands back my pen, smiles and mentions, "Your panel discussion is tomorrow at 1:00pm. See you then." I glance over at the typewriters. It?s going to be a long night. Struga, Macedonia, Aug. 21, 1998. [About the author] Roger Colombik received his BFA from University of Illinois-Champaign in 1984, his MFA from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1987. He navigates a diverse artistic practice that embraces a passion for sculptural objects and he continues to explore the material and conceptual possibilities of metal casting and fabrication. In addition to his studio practice he has spent over two decades studying regions of the world that are transitioning to civil society. Socially engaged projects are undertaken in milieus where traditions and cultural heritage collide head-on with westernization and government malfeasance. The work incorporates oral history archives, photography, publications and intervention. Roger is in his 29th year of teaching sculpture at Texas State University.
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