The seventh Liver Bards poetry event of 2025 is titled ‘Patterns in the Dirt’ and is coming to the Rum and Rumour Kabaret Bar in the basement of Ma Boyle’s on Tuesday 5th August, featuring words from artist Rod Dillon about his work ‘Our Lady Liverwort of Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale’.
About the work: Documentary work, exploring the conservation and management of a gigantic, female, Snakeskin Liverwort growing in Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve. The exhibition has been accompanied by a performance and walk to the Liverwort herself.
About Rod: ‘My art practice focuses on more than human storytelling, politics of care and concern for the liveliness of living ecosystems. I do not see a human centred world. I have spent over 40 years researching social and mutualistic encounters, particularly between microbial and invisible species. This project addresses “Plant Blindness” the loss of the publics ability to “see” and honour the plant and microbial world around them.’
There will be space for other to share their poems around Lady Liverwort, the Liverpool Biennial, art, the landscape… or with a focus on something else.
Please contact me (Ali) if you know you would like a poetry slot and will be there (5 minutes maximum). Please stick to the time! Thank you to the many bards who have performed thus far this year (we enjoyed 32 performers at July’s event).
Whether you’re a Liver Bards regular or new to sharing your poetry publicly, you are most welcome. Or if you simply wish to listen.
Performing bards and audience will come together at Ma Boyle’s L3 1LG.
Come speak your truth and listen to others speak theirs.
Choose to adopt, adapt or ignore the title.
Please be respectful of others and thoughtful about the words you share.
There may be the opportunity for poets to sign up on the night at the venue from 7.30pm if all the spots are not filled.
Jake Archer is due to start the music sometime after 7. The poeteering begins at 8. This will be my 104th Liver Bards as host.
About the title ‘Patterns in the Dirt’:
‘We used to make patterns in the dirt, hanging our feet off the horse-drawn farm equipment.’ This a quote from Ruth Asawa (24 January 1926 – 5 August 2013) who was an American modernist artist known primarily for her abstract looped-wire sculptures inspired by natural and organic forms.
Independents Biennial Exhibition: Rod Dillon: Our Lady Liverwort
Nettle Café, CH62 4YU
Date(s): 07/06/2025 - 14/09/2025 All Day
The Lady Liverwort site is openly accessible by public transport. Accessible by wheelchair with care. The cliff face is 200 metres away from a well said to have been blessed by St Patrick in 432 CE. The Well has its own Liverwort. Dibbinsdale is 150 acres of ancient woodland, marsh and natural meadows; a hidden gem.
Hope to see you at Liver Bards.
Ali
Also check out other Arts events in Liverpool, Literary Art events in Liverpool, Performances in Liverpool.
