Keith Waldrop, a renowned poet, translator, artist, and founder of a small press, passed away on July 27 at the age of 90. Waldrop’s poetry collection, “Transcendental Studies: A Trilogy,” won a National Book Award in 2009, four decades after he was a finalist for the award in 1969. He was a beloved professor at Brown University for over 40 years and had a significant impact on the literary and artistic community.
Waldrop’s poetry was characterized by its emotional and intellectual depth, often bridging disparate thoughts in a way that amazed readers. The judges who awarded him the National Book Award recognized his exceptional command of language and his ability to push its boundaries. They described his work as a fusion of the Romantic and postmodern, showcasing language’s capacity to evoke extreme emotions and capture everyday experiences.
As an artist, Waldrop exhibited his collages in both solo and group shows. His vivid imagery in poetry was both captivating and unsettling, as demonstrated in a segment from his collection “Selected Poems.” The segment reflected his unique perspective on the world and the complexities of existence.
In an interview with “Close Listening,” Waldrop revealed that his poetry and visual collages were distinct creative processes for him, although he thoroughly enjoyed both. His creative endeavors were driven by a lifelong passion for the arts, sparked by a formative moment during his middle school years when his father took him to see a play.
Waldrop’s upbringing was shaped by his mother’s religious fervor, which led to frequent moves for the family. This experience influenced his early reading habits, as he mostly read comic books and the Bible until high school. It was during his time at a fundamentalist high school that he discovered his interest in poetry.
After serving in the Army and completing his academic studies, Waldrop co-founded the literary journal Burning Deck, which later transformed into a press. He and his wife, Rosmarie Waldrop, played an instrumental role in its evolution. Despite the success of their press and his numerous published volumes, Waldrop and his wife remained modest about their achievements.
Waldrop’s legacy lives on through his poetry, translations, art, and impact as an educator. His contributions to the literary world are revered, and his passing is a great loss for the artistic community.
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