Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla K. Morton.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a pencil and paper in my hand. I was that kid in the back yard just sitting there, listening. I believed if I could just listen hard enough, that the wind would have something to tell me. I still believe this. I still listen to the wind. In fifth grade, my teacher, Mrs. Aaron, from Maxie Speer Elementary in Arlington asked us to write a poem about our favorite color. Mine is white. I was so excited! I rushed home to write it. The next day, I handed it to her. I watched her face change. When she was finished, she said one word: “Wow.” I was hooked from that moment on – there is something about being able to pull someone’s emotions into their conscious self. It seems in this life we are all surface swimmers. Poetry gives us a chance to dive down deeper into those places that mean the most to us.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a poet. I spend about 3-5 hours a day on my craft. There is that common question: Is an artist born, or is an artist made? It is both. One may be born with the gift of an artist, but you have to work hard to bring that gift to the light. I would love my poetry to touch people deeply, to change their world; to bring them to the doorstep of something greater, then gently, quietly, walk away.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Hmmmmm. Excellent question. Defining success is a tough question.
We all have goals. I think goals, though, are like the Sangre de Cristos – you climb one mountain, then start the adventure to the next! There is so much I don’t know, there is so much to learn, so much to see, so much to do… and just so little time on this earth to do it. I think having that fire is the key to success – whatever you do, go after it with every ounce of your being.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have 12 books out there. You can find me, and/or order my books at any bookstore!
Here are some other links:
NPR Interview:
http://www.pbs.org/video/karla-k-morton-wooden-lions-zb48vv/
Pendleton Blog:
http://blog.pendleton-usa.com/
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/karlakmorton
Website:
http://www.texaspoetlaureate.com/tour.html
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TXPoetLaureate
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/karlakmorton/
Tour address:
poetsparktour@gmail.com
Blog address:
poetsparktour.blogspot.com
Park PR links to Media:
Carlsbad, NM newspaper:
http://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/community/2017/04/11/texas-poet-laureates-visit-guadalupe-mountains/100340430/
In the Western Writers of America Roundup Magazine:
https://www.facebook.com/karlakmorton/photos/pcb.10155284296867710/10155284294402710/?type=3&theater
In Lone Star Literary Life:
http://www.lonestarliterary.com/karla-k-morton-040917.html
NPR Podcast from the University of Wyoming:
http://wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/spoken-words-3-karla-morton-and-alan-birkelbach
https://www.mdislander.com/living/poets-inspired-national-parks
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kkmorton.com
- Email: karla@kkmorton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlakmorton/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/karlakmorton
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TXPoetLaureate
- Other: http://www.texaspoetlaureate.com/tour.html)
Image Credit:
Alan Birkelbach
Princess Cruise Photographer for headshot
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
