The Blindman was created during a letterpress class taught by Jim Trissel. At the time of the printing, Swenson received word of an award from the MacArthur Foundation, bringing tremendous excitement to the broadside production. “The Blindman” unfolds in six stanzas consisting of three lines each. Its irregular meter is not without rhyme. The title prepares the reader for an experience without sight. As a blind person must rely on other forms to “see,” those with sight are shown how color can be more than an abstract concept for someone who has never witnessed rainbow hues.

Swenson was an American poet and playwright, who has been considered one of the most important and original poets of the 20th century.

Printer: Jim Trissel (1930-1999)

Learn more about the artist:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Swenson