For Dandelions: 

Dandelions came from a few ideas. I thought I'd play off of what happens when we question something that may be traditional or engrained within our personality, education, culture, etc. This idea could also be attributed to any situation when we're asked to do one thing or think in one way. Sometimes this restriction can be part of the learning process, but other times it can be difficult to perform. While the dandelion itself is not explicitly mentioned, I think it fits with the idea that as a weed it is unwanted just like how thoughts and actions that can break away from the ordinary can sometimes be unwanted. The word that's being "pondered" is up to the reader to interpret.

For Cat's Cradle: 

This poem came from a mixture of feelings that I have when I think I've revealed too much about myself. I think its a common feeling of having shared too much. However, when thinking about these anxious feelings, I usually find that it never really mattered. I said what I said, and I shared what I shared. If I can break away from the embarrassment and feeling that I shouldn't show myself to others, then maybe there is peace within that vulnerability. In another way, this poem also deals with the idea of breaking free from the familiar and feeling a bit lost after doing so. The struggle to find yourself in all aspects of life can be a difficult journey, but one day it'll be easier. 

My name is Ashley Murray, and I am a Visual Arts Major at UMBC with a concentration in Print Media. Throughout my education I have experimented with many different mediums to create fine art pieces. The focus of my art is in printing techniques, primarily silkscreen. However, I also work in other three dimensional mediums such as sculpture and book arts. I enjoy working with my hands and like to experiment with combining three dimensional elements into my work. A lot of the pieces I create are based on my own experiences. Oftentimes, memories play an important role in my artwork, and I view the creation of my art as a journey of self-discovery.

This book is a collection of erasure poems that I put together for my creative writing final. The technique utilizes already existing text which is transformed into something new by erasing (or blacking out) everything except the words that become the new piece.

Leaving behind the past and welcoming the present in the new is a crucial part of growth and reinventing oneself. I try to capture the transition between past and present through the vein of death and rebirth.

Poetry expresses emotions the mouth cannot. Our hearts feel, and our minds interpret, but our mouths may fail us. Writing has been my escapism for a while. I can teleport to a new place unknown where my emotions are never too much, or my voice goes unheard. There’s beauty in knowing the art that a few letters can create. I continue to write to remind myself that we are ever-evolving, and life is always changing. We need to take time to reflect and appreciate how far we have come, and how hard we will work to continue to become better. I do that through writing and generating passion in the chaos of life.