"The Wet Moment: The brief interlude before an experience dries on memory and is referenced for future use; the moment when anything is possible." Len Chernila A book of "possibilizing" opportunity, change, personal creativity. Denver's well known Spoken Word artist and Spit-Rock performer shares his work. Inspired by years of social activism and community work, Len Chernila's poetry speaks to the struggles and questions of daily living: poverty, injustice, racism, sexism, love, becoming one's own, freedom. Len's writing challenges many limitations with a powerful voice, yet its open nature allows for personal interpretation and deep connection. This is poetry that digs to the core, the place where people hold themselves back, remain stuck in misperception, self-doubt, clinging to friendship with the dark that keeps us bound. Len challenges readers to stand up against limiting beliefs, to fight their own fight, to break free and soar.
About the Author: A political activist since 15, Len Chernila, a "revolutionary visionary," plays a significant role in the art, culture and activism throughout the Denver area as a spoken word artist, spit-rock performer and show producer. Beginning in New York, his work with the Long Island Federation of Temple Youth set the way to a life of social activism and his efforts to move the world as he can. Or in his words: "I plant seeds of possibility and leave them alone for people to do what they will with them. It's not mine to choose what they should do, but to give them possibilities to later work with, and do what they can and what they choose. I'm not using language to chew up what you're trying to create but to open up your own possibilities." Very active on the Denver scene, Len can be heard performing in many locations around town several nights a week: At the Mercury Café Open Mics on Wednesdays and Fridays and as MC of Sunday night's Open Mic before the Slam; at Ziggy's Place performing Spit Rock with jazz/blues musician accompaniment; and at one of the many poetry/artist nights he produces, including Lenny's Place (Gypsy House Cafe) and Art Talk (Crossroads Theater). Len is frequently asked to speak at special events, including as keynote speaker for graduation at the Jeffco Open School, as an opener for Saul William's performance at the Tivoli in 2010, as well as for businesses and social organizations. Much of Len's work these days involves creating opportunities for other artists to perform. Through the years he has developed and produced multiple live shows of performance art with improv, spoken word, music, dance and live art. A few of his well known productions: The Beat Revival, The Outlaw Poets of Rock, The Celtic Renaissance, Fluid Cabaret and Art Talk. Perhaps the most significant aspects of Len Chernila are his ceaseless efforts to inspire others to find their own purpose, to speak their own words, to be heard and to build the futures they seek; along with his voice for those in struggle, whether due to poverty, oppression, racism, sexism. As Ezra Pound indicated, "Artists are the antennae of the race." Indeed Len Chernila belongs to this great tradition.