When it comes to busking, there are all sorts of creative endeavors that can be taken on the road. Depending on the activity, buskers always carry with them an assortment of props that help them ply their craft. Musicians carry their instruments and carrying cases, so that people can enjoy some impromptu songs and hopefully throw some money their way. Magicians have their top hats, playing cards, etc. But when it comes to busking poets, what do they have to bring along with them other than a good, loud voice?
Fortunately, the Just Buffalo Writing Center has given their poetry writers the ability to set up on any street corner at any time. The organization recently commissioned The Foundry to create a custom soap box, which the artists use to enhance their delivery. Just today, poet Sol Estrada used the new tool to create a makeshift desk so that she could type out her poems for passersby.
The soap box was created to give poets and spoken word artists the ability to set up shop anywhere. The custom made, elevated platform gives the artists and performers a stage, which in turn commands a bit more respect than simply standing on a sidewalk (and speaking), or sitting on a sidewalk (and typing).
The soap box has become a tool for these artists to use whenever they want (wherever they want). It’s a traveling art studio/performing venue. So don’t be surprised to see a member of Just Buffalo Writing Center simply plunk down the soap box, jump up on top, and belt out some words of wisdom for office workers on a street corner in Downtown Buffalo.
See Just Buffalo Writing Center/Literary Center online.