When Richard approached me about illustrating his Chronology of Desire, I took up the challenge plunged into drawing images for the book. This project was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Richard. Our previous relationship provided the trust needed to collaborate. We met weekly to discuss his poetry and my images. Our conversations were always lively and improved the final product. I enjoyed learning about the parts of Richard’s life journey which were unknown to me. Some passages in his life reminded me of my own. I was grateful for the esteem which he showed towards my work.
In my view, the process involved a tricky navigation of the artist’s vision, the poet’s intent,
and a desire to enhance the reading of a poem rather than cloud it. I am hopeful that the
illustrations here will extend and deepen the reader’s understanding of the poems. There is
a danger that the reader will be tempted to believe that there is one true meaning of a work,
which is presented by the artist and poet and is interpreted by the reader/viewer. I would
encourage you, the reader, to join in this collaboration of meaning-making between Richard
and myself. Without a receptive audience, what we have done is in vain.