Stanley J. White as Viewed through a Lens of Creative Evolution

(“Peaks and Valleys I Have Known” mixed media painting by Aberjhani ©2023 with elements of DALL-E AI)

​Introduction

Stanley J. White, a versatile artist and thinker, lived a life that spanned nearly a century (Oct 1, 1929-Aug 14, 2023), traversing the realms of technical expertise, photography, nonfiction texts, and ultimately, literary creation. Born in Birmingham, England, and later settling in Toronto, Ontario, in Canada, White's journey into the world of creative writing began in his early fifties. It marked a transformative period that gained him regional literary renown and, later, led him to international recognition before his passing at the age of ninety-three.
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This essay seeks to delve into the significance of White's creative works, particularly his collected poetry and short fiction, offering philosophical reflections on his artistic evolution, analyzing a sample poem titled "Ars Poetica," and presenting a lesson plan for integrating his works into higher education literary courses. Additionally, a selection of comparative world authors will be discussed to contextualize White's unique contributions to the literary landscape.

(Sepia print of Stan J. White derived from Ambrotype by White and digitally enhanced by author-artist Aberjhani. Bright Skylark LP Archives 2023. For note on permission for use please see end of article.)

White's Literary Evolution

White's literary journey encapsulates the notion that creativity is not bound by age or initial career paths. His transition from an industrial photographer to a prolific poet and short story writer at the age of 51 exemplifies the idea that artistic expression can be a continuous process of self-discovery.

This transformation can be viewed through the lens of philosopher Henri Bergson's concept of creative evolution, suggesting that life is a constant flow of change and adaptation, and White's artistic trajectory is a testament to this fluidity. The late emergence of his literary prowess and subsequent critical recognition––per publication of the books Ars Poetica and Other Poems and Short Tall Stories (both from Beyond the Third Dimension Press in 2022), demonstrates that creative endeavors can flourish and gain significance at any stage of life, challenging conventional timelines and biased societal expectations.

​On the Poem "Ars Poetica"

I write of stars
and of the infinity behind mirrors
and of the inconsequence of trifles

I write in the sound of the sea in shells
and of the crescendo of silence
in the light of an eye in the deep of sleep

I write between a memory and a forget
in the fading half-light at the end of days

and upon the eve of every eve
I write in the epilogues of myths
of where the seaward runes once told
of when a never is born and a forever ends

I write of where an echo fades
and in the touch of a lover’s hand
and of where a rainbow strays

I write in the idiom of day dreamed days
and in the sounds of tip toes in the night
and wake to a choristry of birds singing

I write in the loneliness of distant mountains
and in the thirsts of desert sands
crave the tranquility of still waters

I write in the confusion of happening
that the startled pheasant takes into the air

I write of a shoe that has never stepped
and of the hem of the emperor’s clothes
and the weight of a sadness and a regret

I write in the feeling of falling fast
and in the sea-saw of the tides

I write in the crevices of dawns
and in the drone of the mumble bees
and of where a fall of wood smoke goes

I write in the synonym of time
and of the night side of the moon
and in the breath of fairy kneeling flowers
I write of stars

(©Stanley J. White 27 September 2017 2:17 a.m.)

​"Ars Poetica" serves as a lens through which readers can explore White’s thematic intricacies and stylistic nuances. The poem's imagery-rich verses convey a sense of cosmic awe, juxtaposing grand concepts with minute details of existence. The author-poet's incorporation of nature imagery, such as the sea, shells, and birds, reflects his reverence for the natural world and its parallels to the human experience. The poem's exploration of memory, time, and the interplay between finite and infinite dimensions resonates with the philosophical contemplations of time and existence put forth by thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Alfred North Whitehead.

The lines "I write in the sound of the sea in shells / and of the crescendo of silence" encapsulate the paradoxical essence of White's work, where silence and sound coalesce, mirroring his ability to find profundity in both absence and presence. This interplay evokes the concept of dialectical tensions in Hegelian philosophy, suggesting that meaning emerges from the synthesis of opposing forces.
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Furthermore, the lines "I write of stars / and of the infinity behind mirrors" encapsulate White's fascination with the cosmos and the inner dimensions of perception. This cosmic connection aligns with the ideas of philosopher Carl Jung, who explored the notion of the collective unconscious and the archetypal symbolism that transcends cultures and time periods.

Prospective Course on –– Exploring Literary Voices: Stanley J. White & Contemporary Visionaries

MODULE 1: Introduction to Stanley J. White and His Works
SESSION 1: Biography and Context
Introduce students to White's background, journey, and the genres he explored.
Discuss the impact of White's late entry into creative writing and its implications for artistic expression.
 
SESSION 2: "Ars Poetica" Analysis
Conduct a close reading and analysis of the poem "Ars Poetica," or another poem by the author, exploring its imagery, themes, and philosophical implications.

​Discuss the stylistic elements that make White's work distinct.
 
MODULE 2: Themes and Philosophical Connections
SESSION 3: Nature and Cosmic Awareness
Explore White's connection to nature and the cosmos, referencing specific poems and stories.

Discuss philosophical perspectives on humanity's relationship with nature and the universe.

SESSION 4: Time, Memory, and Existence
Examine White's treatment of time, memory, and existence in his writings.
Introduce philosophical ideas from Bergson, Heidegger, and Whitehead that possibly resonate with White's themes.

​​MODULE 3: Comparative Analysis and Contemporary Impact
SESSION 5: Comparative Authors
Introduce selected world authors whose works share thematic resonances with White's writings.

Compare and contrast White's approach with other authors' interpretations of similar themes.

SESSION 6: Impact and Legacy
Explore the recent critical attention White received and the mystique surrounding his literary ascent.

Discuss the enduring value of White's works in contemporary literary discussions.
 
MODULE 4: Student Projects and Culminating Reflection
SESSION 7: Creative Responses
Assign students to create original poems or short stories inspired by White's themes, style, or imagery.

Encourage students to engage in introspective exploration and experimentation with their own writing.

SESSION 8: Culminating Reflection
Have students reflect on their personal insights gained from studying White's works and the broader philosophical questions raised.

​Discuss the relevance of White's artistic evolution to their own aspirations and the broader creative landscape.

The International Creative Cultural Arts Terrain 

White first gained international prominence as a creative artist for his stereographic, or infrared photography, with exhibitions in Europe and North America. His technical commentaries on the craft have been widely cited.
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Among literary contemporaries with whom he corresponded following the publication of Ars Poetica and Other Poems, and Short Tall Stories, was U.S. author-artist Aberjhani, to whom he wrote the following: “…It is of great satisfaction to me to have published these two books this late in life. I am fortunate to still have my mind, but the rest of me, understandably, is showing the ravages of too many years, in particularly, my eyesight. So it is thanks to my dear friends, Bernadette and Richard and also my son-in-law who is an IT wizard that I was able to publish… After this, let the chips fall where they may.”

(“River Moon” by Stan J. White from Projects Page on his Website. Photo posted here in support of his expressed hopes to share his creative visions with as many as possible.)

Educators seeking to align White’s work with that of notable world authors whose literary visions complement his might consider the following three writers:
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• Like White, Mexico’s Octavio Paz delved into cosmic themes and the  interconnectedness of life. Sunstone, a poem by Paz exploring human and cosmic relationships, resonates with transcendent awareness similar to White’s.
• Italian Italo Calvino’s postmodern storytelling, as seen in Invisible Cities, is comparable to White's blending of reality and imagination. Students of world literature could discuss the influence of spatial concepts on both authors' texts.
• The cross-cultural perspectives of Japan’s/Germany’s Yoko Tawada, in works like The Naked Eye, parallel White's ability to transcend borders. Explorations of how both authors navigate language, identity, and existence could yield interesting results.

Conclusion

Stanley J. White's artistic odyssey from an industrial photographer to an internationally recognized poet and short story writer showcases the boundless potential of creative expression. His late-life emergence challenges conventional narratives about creativity, and his works intertwine cosmic wonder with intimate human experiences.

​By analyzing his writings and developing a lesson plan that explores his themes, philosophies, and comparative authors, educators and readers can illuminate the significance of White's contributions and inspire deeper philosophical contemplation within their own creative journeys. As White's words continue to invite readers into his consciousness, they also beckon us to embrace the mysteries and interconnectedness of existence.

By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023

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ALSO: Images of or by “Stan” J. White are used in this essay post per his encouraging American author-artist Aberjhani, one of the contributors to this article, to include his work in projects helping to raise awareness about it.