I Found ______ in Translation

A hands-on workshop explores language, memory and communication by translating poetry into tactile forms using knots. Taking place Saturday, April 11 at Dear Eleanor in Miami, I Found _____ in Translation is part of the O, Miami Poetry Festival, a month-long program that brings poetry into everyday spaces across the city. The session is designed for pairs, encouraging collaborative participation.

Guided by teaching artist Sara Gomez, participants reflect on personal experiences with translation and multilingual communication through a series of creative prompts. Each participant develops a five-letter word that captures their reflections, which becomes the foundation for the workshop’s hands-on component.

Inspired by Incan quipu systems, participants then learn a knot-based coding method developed by project manager Melissa Nieto, translating their chosen words into physical, textured forms. The process emphasizes shared learning and collaboration, with each duo working together to interpret language through material and gesture.