John Stigall
Encyclopedia
John Stigall was an American
poet
, Associate Professor
of English
, and poet-in-residence at Chattanooga State Technical Community College.
, and a Master of Arts
from the State University of New York at Brockport
. It was at Brockport in 1980 that he wrote his Master's thesis: The Morale of Consciousness Wails. After attaining both degrees, he returned to Chattanooga and became Associate Professor
of English
and poet-in-residence at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. There he founded and became editor of the campus' literary magazine The Phoenix. The 2001 edition of The Phoenix was dedicated to him by Bill Stifler. He also received the Outstanding Young Educator Awardhttp://www.oyaawards.com/welcome.lasso and other honors while he taught. Towards the end of his professorship, he was asked to read from Broken Mirrors Reflect the World at Pennsylvania State University
and SUNY
; his book, Subject for Other Conversations, was subsequently taught at Pennsylvania State University
for a brief period.
is influenced by his experiences living in the streets of New York
, the existentialist philosophy
and plays of Jean-Paul Sartre
, struggles with Christian
spirituality
, and notably racism
and prejudice
.
Professor
of Education
Charles M. Achilles
and clinical psychologist Julie E. Williams quote from his 1990 book Broken Mirrors Reflect The World in an article discussing the alienation of minorities in academic settings in the Peabody Journal of Education:http://www.vanderbilt.edu/peabodyjournal/
In 2002, Angus Woodward published a positive review of John Stigall's book Subjects for Other Conversations in Xavier Review Journal.http://www.xula.edu/review/
His poem "Another Version of As Told in the Tombs" appears in the fourth volume of North Carolina State University's literary journal Obsidian IIIhttp://www.ncsu.edu/chass/obsidian/
The 2006 edition of the Volunteer State Community College
literary journal Number Onehttp://www.volstate.edu/Arts/ArtsAlive/NumberOne2006.pdf includes John Stigall's poem "Worship."
with the progressive rock
group Losfer Words as well as a two disc compilation of his works.
He was signed to Losfer Words Records & Deep Blue Wonders Music Publishing ASCAP in 1993. Stigall and label founder, David Flower, appeared on National Public Radio WUTC 88FM's Outside Pleasures show in a special episode entitled The Mentors (1994), which was simulcast in Chattanooga and Knoxville WUOT-FM TN. The broadcast showcased their adaptation of John Stigall's Broken Mirrors Reflect the World on what would become the Into the Life of this World CD and announced John Stigall's guest appearance on Losfer Words' Eye of the Storm CD on the track Midnight. Outside Pleasures was produced and hosted by Shaking Ray Levis
, a well known improvisational group that has collaborated with John Zorn
, David Greenberger
, Fred Frith
, Min Tanaka
, Amy Denio
, and Derek Bailey, as well as with many other critically acclaimed artists, including John Stigall. His CDs feature poetry
readings backed by original musical compositions ranging from Blues
to New Age
performed by Losfer Words.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
poet
Poet
A poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
, Associate Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of English
English studies
English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
, and poet-in-residence at Chattanooga State Technical Community College.
Life and Academic Career
John Stigall received a Bachelors of Arts from the State University of New York at CortlandState University of New York at Cortland
The State University of New York College at Cortland, also officially called SUNY Cortland or informally known as Cortland State, is a coeducational university located in Cortland, New York...
, and a Master of Arts
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
from the State University of New York at Brockport
State University of New York at Brockport
The College at Brockport: State University of New York, also known as SUNY Brockport, Brockport State, College at Brockport, or the State University of New York at Brockport, is a four-year liberal arts college located in Brockport, Monroe County, New York, United States, near Rochester...
. It was at Brockport in 1980 that he wrote his Master's thesis: The Morale of Consciousness Wails. After attaining both degrees, he returned to Chattanooga and became Associate Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of English
English studies
English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
and poet-in-residence at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. There he founded and became editor of the campus' literary magazine The Phoenix. The 2001 edition of The Phoenix was dedicated to him by Bill Stifler. He also received the Outstanding Young Educator Awardhttp://www.oyaawards.com/welcome.lasso and other honors while he taught. Towards the end of his professorship, he was asked to read from Broken Mirrors Reflect the World at Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...
and SUNY
State University of New York
The State University of New York, abbreviated SUNY , is a system of public institutions of higher education in New York, United States. It is the largest comprehensive system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States, with a total enrollment of 465,000 students, plus...
; his book, Subject for Other Conversations, was subsequently taught at Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...
for a brief period.
Master's Thesis
- The Morale of Consciousness Wails (1980). Call Numbers: Oversize PS3569.T4775 M6 ; Thesis 339
Books
- In Avant Gardens (1983) Damballah Press ISBN 0913649015
- Broken Mirrors Reflect the World (1990) Damballah Press ISBN 0913649058
- Schizofrenzy (1993) Mammoth Books
- Subjects for Other Conversations (2001) Mammoth Books ISBN 0966602862
- Smiling From the Ancestral Face (Incomplete)
Poetry and Other Publications
John Stigall's poetryPoetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
is influenced by his experiences living in the streets of New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, the existentialist philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and plays of Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Charles Aymard Sartre was a French existentialist philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic. He was one of the leading figures in 20th century French philosophy, particularly Marxism, and was one of the key figures in literary...
, struggles with Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
spirituality
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
, and notably racism
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
and prejudice
Prejudice
Prejudice is making a judgment or assumption about someone or something before having enough knowledge to be able to do so with guaranteed accuracy, or "judging a book by its cover"...
.
Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of Education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
Charles M. Achilles
Charles M. Achilles
Charles M Achilles is considered a leading expert on class size and its impact on student achievement. As a primary investigator for the STAR study conducted in the State of Tennessee, Dr. Achilles established the link between smaller class sizes and increased pupil performance...
and clinical psychologist Julie E. Williams quote from his 1990 book Broken Mirrors Reflect The World in an article discussing the alienation of minorities in academic settings in the Peabody Journal of Education:http://www.vanderbilt.edu/peabodyjournal/
The contemporary poet, John Stigall (1990) has expressed the issue succinctly: Racism is stupid. Hatred is a bitch. Yeah, prejudice is like a house dog hunching on your leg. But you got to shake it off or it'll really screwwwwwww your head up.
In 2002, Angus Woodward published a positive review of John Stigall's book Subjects for Other Conversations in Xavier Review Journal.http://www.xula.edu/review/
His poem "Another Version of As Told in the Tombs" appears in the fourth volume of North Carolina State University's literary journal Obsidian IIIhttp://www.ncsu.edu/chass/obsidian/
The 2006 edition of the Volunteer State Community College
Volunteer State Community College
Volunteer State Community College is a publicly-supported two-year community college located in Gallatin, Tennessee and operated under the auspices of the Tennessee Board of Regents....
literary journal Number Onehttp://www.volstate.edu/Arts/ArtsAlive/NumberOne2006.pdf includes John Stigall's poem "Worship."
Spoken Word Recordings
John Stigall also recorded two CDsCDS
-Computing and electronics:* Cadence Design Systems, American Electronic Design Automation software company* Chromatography data system, software to control chromatography instruments* Cockpit display system* Compact Discs...
with the progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
group Losfer Words as well as a two disc compilation of his works.
He was signed to Losfer Words Records & Deep Blue Wonders Music Publishing ASCAP in 1993. Stigall and label founder, David Flower, appeared on National Public Radio WUTC 88FM's Outside Pleasures show in a special episode entitled The Mentors (1994), which was simulcast in Chattanooga and Knoxville WUOT-FM TN. The broadcast showcased their adaptation of John Stigall's Broken Mirrors Reflect the World on what would become the Into the Life of this World CD and announced John Stigall's guest appearance on Losfer Words' Eye of the Storm CD on the track Midnight. Outside Pleasures was produced and hosted by Shaking Ray Levis
Shaking Ray Levis
The Shaking Ray Levis is an ongoing collaboration of musicians with a common interest in free improvisation. The project was conceived and led by the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based team of Dennis Palmer and Bob Stagner. They use storytelling, synthesizers, samplers and percussion to achieve their...
, a well known improvisational group that has collaborated with John Zorn
John Zorn
John Zorn is an American avant-garde composer, arranger, record producer, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist. Zorn is a prolific artist: he has hundreds of album credits as performer, composer, or producer...
, David Greenberger
David Greenberger
David Greenberger is an American artist, writer and radio commentator best known for his Duplex Planet series of zines, comic books, CDs, and spoken word performances and radio plays...
, Fred Frith
Fred Frith
Fred Frith is an English multi-instrumentalist, composer and improvisor.Probably best known for his guitar work, Frith first came to attention as one of the founding members of the English avant-rock group Henry Cow. Frith was also a member of Art Bears, Massacre and Skeleton Crew...
, Min Tanaka
Min Tanaka
is a Japanese actor and dancer. He won the award for best supporting actor at the 26th Japan Academy Prize for The Twilight Samurai.-Filmography:* The Twilight Samurai * The Hidden Blade * House of Himiko...
, Amy Denio
Amy Denio
Amy Denio is a Seattle -based multi-instrumental composer of soundtracks for modern dance, film and theater, as well as a songwriter and music improviser. Often called an unclassifiable avant-garde jazz musician, she is also deeply inspired by world music. She is probably best known as a...
, and Derek Bailey, as well as with many other critically acclaimed artists, including John Stigall. His CDs feature poetry
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
readings backed by original musical compositions ranging from Blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
to New Age
New Age
The New Age movement is a Western spiritual movement that developed in the second half of the 20th century. Its central precepts have been described as "drawing on both Eastern and Western spiritual and metaphysical traditions and then infusing them with influences from self-help and motivational...
performed by Losfer Words.
CDs
- Into the Life of this World (1996) - contains poems from Broken Mirrors Reflect the World and early versions of poems that would later appear in Subjects for Other Conversations
- Another Conversation With the Bard (1998) - based on poems from Subjects for Other Conversations
- Into the Life of this World (1999) - reissue with new music not on the original
External links
- The Phoenix
- History of the Phoenix
- John Stigall's poem "Worship" is available in the 2006 edition of Number One
- List of Outstanding American Award recipients
- List of SUNY at Brockport's Master's Theses
- The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers includes John Stigall's work with Losfer Words
- Shaking Ray Levi's Outside Pleasures
- Hear tracks from John Stigall's CDs at Soundclick.com