Street Poet Henry Goldkamp, above, has launched a Kickstarter campaign* to publish a book of poetry titled, "What the Hell is St. Louis Thinking?" Last August Henry asked St. Louisans to tap out their thoughts on typewriters. He took the idea to the streets by setting the typewriters on handmade plywood stands in public spaces and later, in people's homes, around town.
National media picked up on the typewriter project – Henry was interviewed on NPR and in the NY Times. St. Louisans got on board and contributed many bons mots…that was the easy part. Now however, the poet has run into a snag getting his collection of musings published. He wants to use a local publisher and needs funding to finish the project. Since I've been a big fan of Henry's ever since I first stepped into his "office" alongside the fountain on Maryland Plaza several years ago, he's asked if I would share the following appeal with readers of this blog.
"In early August 2013, a seemingly haphazard project by Henry Goldkamp went forward into the public eye. Its hopes were to document the thoughts of Saint Louis residents for one month. Fifteen stations equipped with a wooden box, typewriter, paper, and a drop slot were setup in high-traffic areas. The only direction given was from some small signage on the front saying “Type your thoughts here”.
After a surge of demand and media attention (namely NPR's story and Times coverage), the number of stations grew to 40. Time changed to "indefinitely". The neighborhoods grew more diverse. The idea was always in mind to publish a sort-of "best of" findings of the very question the project's title itself poses: What the Hell is Saint Louis Thinking?
After much sweat and ink has dripped from our hands, the time has finally come to reveal the results of What the Hell is Saint Louis Thinking—but we need your help. Through the generous hearts of friends, family, and strangers, WTH was able to do something here in St. Louis that had never been done before. This project, along with so many other awesome happenings in the city, was one of many drawing even more national attention to the place we all love and admire. One submission states: “Could it be that there is a revolution going on in this fine city? The beginning of something bigger than anything that has ever happened to the people?” We believe there is. Let’s continue this revolution. Let’s put St. Louis on their bookshelves.
The submissions from the project are loud as hell. They are shrill, strange cries of virtue and pain. They are blunt advisors on how to live your life. They are baptized in beer. They are one thousand steeples peering down at you making you consider death on a beautiful spring day. They are inspiring & they are heartbreaking. With all this said, the only way you will get to see this is if you donate. So let the generosity flow from the tips of your fingers. Share. Talk about it in bars. Tell your mother.
Let’s finish this. Finally publish "What the Hell is Saint Louis Thinking?" You can also find us on facebook and @WTHSTL on twitter."
*We are overwhelmed & humbled by everyone who has supported this project. The work has already started and we're looking forward to late nights of designing and printing, writing, organizing and shipping.
We'll post updates here as we go, to keep you up to date on our progress.
I am not originally from St. Louis, but am so continuously inspired by the incredible energy here—this submission stood out to me:
#261
"I moved to St. Louis because I won a grant. I am one of the few revitalizing downtown. Entrepreneurs are saving downtown and increasing St. Louis vitality and shining a light on the city for the rest of the country. St. Louis will be a 21st century success story."
With Love & Gratitude,
Kirsten (& Henry)