Gorgeous Nothings, the title of our June exhibition, is taken from a book with the same title. It refers to Emily Dickinson’s writing process and her unique approach to catching inspiration whenever it comes.

Dickinson lived with her family and wrote poetry at night when the household was asleep. During the day, her hours were filled with household chores. During this time, she wore an apron covered with pockets. In those pockets, she stashed small scraps of paper, scavenged from various correspondences: envelope flaps, unfolded envelopes, shards from a letter. When inspiration struck, she’d pull out a piece of paper and write down the intuitive transmission.

The book Gorgeous Nothings reveals her intimate creative workings. It is a collection of Dickinson’s pocket-sized paper inspirations. These have been gathered and transcribed carefully by scholars, so that we can contemplate: the vibration of her pen, her word selection and arrangement, the quality of her line, all juxtaposed against the shape of the paper; creating in the viewer, an irresistible urge to look, wonder, and study. 

Like Dickinson, we all have our version of Gorgeous Nothings. Dickinson was a writer and a poet with visual sensibilities. What do your Gorgeous Nothings look like?  

Anne Scheid
Fig Tree Gallery Member