Aurora Antonovic

                                                                  

Magna on Magna feature interview with Aurora Antonovic, a Canadian writer, editor, and visual artist whose work has appeared over six thousand times in publications spanning twelve countries and five continents.

Aurora is a recent Pushcart Prize nominee, and the illustrator of Marie Lecrivain's latest chapbook, The Painter, available through Lummox Press. She currently acts as haiga editor for Simply Haiku.

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Magnapoets: In your recent past, you have frequently donned the garb of an editor to fulfill duties and obligations on the other side of the artistic realm. Do you feel that the experiences earned from your editorial seat have strengthened your craft as a writer? What are your thoughts about what it takes to be a good editor?

Aurora Antonovic: Editing takes up a lot of time and mental energy, which sometimes leaves little for one’s own writing. I’ve found that the more I take on editorial responsibilities (I’m currently editing three publications), the less I create my own work, but that’s okay. In order for ground to remain fertile, it has to rest every so often. So, too, is it with the creative mind. I consider editing as rest from my own art while enjoying the work of others.

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While I wouldn’t say editing has helped me to be a better writer, I would say that having been a published writer has made me a better editor. I know what it’s like to get that rejection slip, or a word of encouragement, a frank critique, or an accolade.

A good editor must be honest, forthright, and know both the market and the form. By market, I’m not referring to selling poetry, but rather to what’s available out there, and what writing trends should be encouraged, or discouraged. And, of course, in order to recognize quality writing, one must also be familiar with various poetry forms.

Magnapoets:  What has been the greatest artistic hurdle you have had to overcome?

Aurora Antonovic: Artists are often misunderstood. It’s an old cliché, I know, but there for a reason.

My own little mother didn’t initially fully grasp my early interest and fervour when it came to the arts. My father did, and he tried to balance my mother’s concern that I get enough fresh air and normal childhood activities, while allowing me to create to my heart’s content. After his death, my mother once watched me draw something, and was astonished to find how I did it. She became my biggest fan after that.

To this day, I have friends and family who don’t understand why I want to spend days holed up with paint and art supplies spread all over the place instead of going to one of their parties, or who  get miffed when I interrupt them mid-sentence to write down an idea.

I’ve also faced some age discrimination over the years, since I started doing art shows and having my work published at an early age. Sometimes people two or three times my age would get angry that my work received more accolades than theirs. I’ve also had people try to explain away any small successes I might have had by saying I’m a woman and dealing only with male editors, or that I cater to a specific market. My publication record proves otherwise.

Magnapoets:  What has been your greatest doubt or fear and how have you overcome it?

Aurora Antonovic:  I’ve got no doubts or fears, and maybe that’s a bad thing. I don’t mean to sound pompous, but what is there to fear? If you’ve learned the ropes and try your best, everything will work out. And first and foremost, God takes care of me.

I never worry about my work being good enough, I simply try to stay in tune to any creative urge of expression. If you love what you do, and work at it, others will, too.

Magnapoets:  If you were to fictionalize your life story it would be considered (A) a Canadian tragedy, (B) a romantic comedy, (C) a romantic melodrama, (D) an action/adventure, (E) an adventurous romance epic? Who would play you? Provide a brief synopsis of how your story would unfold.

Aurora Antonovic: My life would be a Serbian musical. It’s true! Although I was born in Canada, I am Serbian to the core, and you know we always have music everywhere. I can’t begin my day without singing, I dance for at least an hour a day, music is always playing in the background while I’m working, and I always try to take an hour or two in the evening to really listen to a song.

It would have to have some drama, romance, just about everything, but while the events of my life have been rather dramatic, I’m afraid that I, myself, am quite boring. I can’t imagine anyone who would want to play me. But put a live, authentic tamburica orchestra in it with dancers, and I’m sure it’d be a hit.



Magnapoets:  Does popularity have a place in artistic merit? Often what is popular is not representative of high or even low art, but rather, what just happens to catch the public’s fascination at a particular moment in time. Timing, as they say, is everything. What are your thoughts on popularity versus creativity? Do they go hand in glove, or are they diametrically opposed?

Aurora Antonovic:  Popularity doesn’t necessarily mean that work is good, or bad. It just means it’s well-liked, at present, for whatever reason. You and I both know that, at least on the internet, a lot of junk “poetry” gets fantastic response, and vice versa. At the same time, some of the greats enjoyed recognition in their time, so it does happen.

I think a poet should just focus on writing and writing well, and whatever happens with such effort, happens. In fact, I’ll bet most good poets don’t really want a lot of recognition, or even exposure, but merely the chance to explore their craft.

interview conducted by Nick Zegarac

Comments

[Yoav J. Tenembaum]

Fascinating interview...

I liked in particular this sentence:

"I’m afraid that I, myself, am quite boring. I can’t imagine anyone who would want to play me."

Only a person who has a lot to offer could have such a subtle, self-deprecating, sense of humour.

I enjoyed both the questions and the answers.

Yoav J. Tenembaum

[Petar Tchouhov]

A good interview! It was nice to learn more about you. You must be happy now, because Serbia won the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest. Congratulations!!!

[Aurora]

Yoav and Petar, thanks for reading and commenting.

Yoav, an actress required to play me would need no other skill than to simply have to sit at a table for hours at a time, surrounded by stacks of paper, painting water lilies! :)

Petar, yes, we are happy. I spent an hour last night, warbling nothing but "Molitva"! :)

[Robert]

Modest words from an accomplished woman. Enjoyed.

[Carol]

I like learning more about you, Aurora!

[Janet]

Insightful answers to interesting questions. I particularly liked, "I’ve got no doubts or fears,...If you love what you do, and work at it, others will, too." Inspirational for me.

[Aurora]

Robert, Carol, and Janet - thank you for looking in.

[David Herrle]

Sharp spiel, Aurora. Indeed. Your bravery and prowess are impressive. Keep belting out those lovely numbers in your Serbian-musical life! ;)

[Joseph Armstead]

As always, Aurora, an intelligent and enlightening conversation with a multi-talented, multi-faceted, thoughtful person! Enjoyed reading this!

[Bryan]

I see your work everywhere. Your art and your poetry are breathtaking. I wish you well.

[Aurora]

David, Joseph, and Bryan - many thanks. :)

[Ward]

Better late than never, I suppose...but enjoyed the interview....good insight into a talented lady indeed.

w

[Aurora]

Thanks, Ward.