Words Don't Mean Much by Senon Williams

The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is turned on its side in Words Don't Mean Much, Senon Williams’ new book of aphoristic phrasing. Far fewer words are needed to create an illuminating image in the mind’s eye, conjuring immediate multi-sensory experiences. 

This book of poems is derived from the text in Williams’ ink on paper drawings, a sampling of which are pictured at left. The drawings are textual extractions and gather momentum within the book, exhibiting great attention to materials and craftsmanship. Every detail, from select paper to classic typeface, has been considered. An object, not unlike a sculpture, can be viewed from all sides, handled— and leafed through in the case of this book—front to back, back to front, or randomly opened. Words Don't Mean Much is a small pocket book, easy to conceal. A book to keep all to yourself or share int4mately. 

Native to Los Angeles, Senon Williams is a lifelong visual artist and musician. His longtime study of economy with words and multiple meanings centers on the desire to create glimpses into the inherent human struggle, both ancient and contemporary. Williams’ work finds space in the natural—exposing outstanding and devastating stages of human evolution. 

Flexcover, 152 pages
4.5 x 5.25 in.
11.43 x 13.33 cm.