OUR POETRY ARCHVE FEATURED
POET OF THE MONTH
TONI
LOVRIC
SEPTEMBER 2017
OPA: How long have you been writing Poetry? We would like to
know the early stories about your growing up as a poet or writer in general.
Who are your favorite Poets? What are some of your favorite genres to read and
to write? Had they inspired you a lot, do you believe in inspiration as a
guiding force behind writings at all?
TONI LOVRIC: As a young teenager l started to write poetry with
my best friend. We exchanged these letters and poems to each other! Sometimes
they were funny and silly.... other times expressive and sentimental! Although
l loved reading and writing l didn't really get back into writing poetry until
only three years ago when my friend introduced me to the internet poetry sites!
I was inspired by my friend Jess Will and we became great friends! Along the
way l developed my poetry with the influence and inspiration of other talented
artists whom l had found their works to be original and inspiring! It was
during my darkest days of trials in my life that l had started to write! There
l found my voice to express my sadness, grief of loss of my parents and other
challenges along the path! As an oil painting artist and photographer l find
creative expression to be very important to me! During my time of depression l
could not find the inspiration to paint! Writing helped heal my soul and along
the journey l connected with some very beautiful and soulful poets! I'm
grateful to these people being placed in my life! I enjoy writing and see it as
an outlet and a way to stimulate the mind and imagination. I also enjoy writing
poetry using photo Challenges in different poetry sites...they are refreshing
and a lot of fun!
My favorite genres to write about
are quite various depending on my moods and state of mind! I like to experience
and experiment with different subject matters and push the boundaries! I enjoy free verse and narrative! I have also
explored writing fantasy poetry and can be at times quite Metaphoric! I usually
just go with the flow, depending on the topic, mood or whatever it is that's
inspiring me at the time! This could be in the form of a person, photo, or a
personal experience or situation, or sometimes a memory that's been triggered.
I always thought that William Blake
was a beautiful poet...Pablo Neruda, Emily Dickson and Maya Angelou would have to be
some of my favorite of all time!
OPA: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as a
writer? What was the biggest compliment?
TONI LOVRIC: I think the best constructive criticism that a
fellow poet friend once gave me was when he thought that some of my poems were
perhaps sometimes a bit too long! I made a note of this and have made a
conscious decision to keep them shorter! Quality is more important than
quantity!
The biggest compliment was when l
was asked by the very talented Deborah Brooks Langford who had asked me to
write and publish a book of poetry dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ.
OPA: Did that change how or what you write?
TONI LOVRIC: Not really... however It made me aware of the power
of the word of God and how we can creatively and positively spiritually
influence each other!
OPA: What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked
you?
TONI LOVRIC: to be honest l don't think anyone has ever asked me
anything strange.
OPA: What is your
favorite poem you have ever written?
TONI LOVRIC: I have many favorite poems but l think my most favorite
would have to be dedicated to my husband."You're my forever after"
OPA: Compared to when you first started writing, have you
notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from
then to now?
TONI LOVRIC: I hope that
l have evolved and improved with my writing through practice. I have mostly
written from the heart and soul with my creative imagination. I hope that it
can bring joy to other people and positive encouragement.
OPA: What has been your
favorite part of being a poet or and author? What has been your least favorite?
TONI LOVRIC: My most favorite part of being a poet is that even
when you think you are in your darkest hour you can pick up the pen and write
with your heart and soul and find your voice. It doesn't matter if it's good or
bad or wonderful but if it gets you over the edge...and releases your thoughts
and has helped you in some way... then it's been worthwhile! People write for
different reasons... some need to vent or make a serious point of view, others
for attention, some for a creative outlet...! It really doesn't matter what
other people or other poets think... because at the end of the day you should
first be writing for yourself....! I don't think there is anything less favorite
about being a poet really because l love to be able to freely express myself
and writing is a soulful and creative outlet for myself!
OPA: Did you get to quit your day job and become a writer
and/or author, or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do
for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?
TONI LOVRIC: I personally write for fun and for therapeutic
reasons! I just get a lot of satisfaction in writing! I still work as an artist
and graphic designer and a portrait photographer depending on the requirements!
As far as l can see this is just another element and tool that l can creatively
use to express and explore my thoughts feelings and imagination!
OPA: Besides writing and
reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
TONI LOVRIC: I have 5 passions. Photography. Painting. Poetry.
People. Prayers. Those five things constantly over lap one another and if l can
throw in my family and enjoying traveling and horseback riding and living life
to the fullest then that just about sums up everything!
OPA: What genre are you most looking forward to explore during
your writing career? Why?
TONI LOVRIC: I enjoy free style and metaphorical but l also
enjoy rhythm and looking forward to in the future combining my artwork with my
poetry
OPA: Do you think literature or poetry is essential in our
life? If so why? How does it relate to the general history of mankind?
TONI LOVRIC: Literature has always been an integral part of
general history across the globe of humanity. It's essential to mankind in the
ability to express and communicate and be able to explore and experience
different levels of learning!
OPA: Our readers would like to know your own personal
experience regarding the importance of literature and poetry in your life.
TONI LOVRIC: Literature has expanded my knowledge and ability to
explore other avenues through various forms of communication!
OPA: Do you think people in general bother about literature in
general? Do you think this consumerist
world is turning the average man away from serious literature?
TONI LOVRIC: It depends
how one chooses to view things. I hope that consumerism doesn't affect and
damage humanitarian culture.
OPA: If humanity tries to understand tradition and modernism;
do you think literature can play a pivotal role in obtaining
understanding? If so, how? Again, how
can an individual writer relate himself or herself with the tradition and
modernism?
TONI LOVRIC: Of course literature is a vital source for the ongoing
development of our society and it can be encouraged through schools and the
workplace through various media. As children reading books from early infancy
is quite integral and an enjoyable bonding experience when parents read to
their children. I have fond memories of my mother reading to me and my older
sister!
OPA: Do you think society is a factor in shaping you as a poet,
or your poetry altogether?
TONI LOVRIC: I believe that education was a big factor in
shaping me as a creative poet even though l was not aware of it at the time! I
had the resources and capacity l just needed to tap into it at a crucial time
in my life!
OPA: We would like to know about any influences that has
inspired your poetry and writings.
TONI LOVRIC: My faith, my
marriage, my friendships and my passions in life have been the biggest
inspiration in my poetry.
OPA: We would also like to know; how do you relate the present
literary trends with the literary heritage of your country?
TONI LOVRIC: As an Australian with a European background l think
that the world is overflowing and overlapping these days with the social media
and internet being a bridge of all cultures! Australians are made up of various
cultures and therefore there are multiple styles and trends.
OPA: Do you believe that all writers are the product of their
nationality? Is it an incentive or an obstacle in becoming an international
writer?
TONI LOVRIC: I don't think that my nationality has had any
influence or obstacle to becoming an international writer since my first
language is English and l have grown up with diverse cultures. The media is an
excellent means to allow one to become an international writer.
OPA: What 7 words would you use to describe yourself?
TONI LOVRIC: Creative,
reflective, passionate, sensitive, soulful, inspiring and imaginative!
OPA: Is there anything
else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?
TONI LOVRIC: I feel very honored to be interviewed and l am very
grateful for this wonderful opportunity! Thank you
TONI ZVONKA LOVRIC
is a Portrait photographer /Graphic Designer/Artist /Poetess 2015. Currently runs her own wedding and portrait
studio as a photographer, iDeZign Photography. Free-lances as a Photographer
and Graphic Designer and currently enjoys working on commissioned oil
paintings, enjoys writing creative poetry. 2014 – 2009 Commissioned to paint
numerous oil paintings. 2004 Photography exhibition with various other
photographers. 2003 Sole art Exhibition at the Croatian Consulate in Melbourne
Australia. 2004 Art Exhibition at the Northcote Public Library Vic, Australia.
2002 - 2010 Worked as a freelance photographer for various photography wedding
studios. 2001-2004 Diploma of Applied Photography College of TAFE Preston, Vic,
Australia. 2002 Commissioned to paint Divine Mercy oil painting for St Francis
of Assisi in Mill Park, Australia. 2001 Commissioned to paint The Last Supper
for St Augustine's Catholic Church in Canberra Australia. 2000 Commissioned to
paint The Holy Trinity Muriel for St Augustine's C. Toni, co – Authored and
created the book covers. Divined Tender Moments. Deepest Obsession Anthology
Book. Poetic Souls Anthology Book. Women Of Substance. Now United Global
Sisterhood
The editorial staff of this project:
Stacia Lynn Reynolds and Deborah Brooks Langford; sincerely thank you for your
time and hope we shall have your continued support.
