Meet Richard Modiano | Poet and editor.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Richard Modiano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richard, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has been a crucial part of my life and career. I view risk as an essential element of growth and progress. Without taking risks, it’s difficult to achieve significant breakthroughs or discover new opportunities. In my life, embracing risk has led to valuable learning experiences, both from successes and failures. In my career, taking calculated risks has often opened doors to advancements and innovations that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Risk-taking is about stepping out of comfort zones, facing uncertainty, and having the courage to pursue potential rewards despite the inherent challenges.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a dance of words, a symphony of silence and sound, capturing the ephemeral essence of human experience. Each poem is a glimpse into the soul’s mirror, reflecting both the shadows and the light. What sets me apart is not just the rhythm or rhyme, but the heartbeat within the verses—the raw, unfiltered emotions that flow like rivers through my stanzas.

I am most proud of the moments when my words resonate deeply with others, when a reader finds solace, inspiration, or a kindred spirit within my lines. It’s in these connections that my art finds its true purpose.

The journey to where I am today has been a tapestry of trials and triumphs, woven with threads of persistence and passion. It was not an easy path; the road was often steep and winding, fraught with doubts and obstacles. Yet, it was through embracing these challenges that I grew. Each setback was a lesson, each struggle a stanza in my story. I learned to find strength in vulnerability, to see beauty in imperfection, and to trust in the transformative power of my voice.

What I want the world to know about me is that my poetry is more than mere words on a page; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. My brand is one of authenticity and empathy, a beacon for those seeking understanding and connection in an often fragmented world. My story is one of relentless creativity, of finding light in the darkest corners, and of sharing that light with others through the magic of verse.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Morning: Brunch at Republique Café: This is a trendy spot with amazing pastries and a vibrant atmosphere.

Afternoon: Santa Monica Pier and Beach: A stroll along the pier is great for people watching.

Evening: Dinner at The Lobster: Good food with a stunning view of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 2: All out of towners want to visit Hollywood.
Morning: a stroll on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Observing street life on the star-studded sidewalk life is always fun.

Afternoon: Griffith Observatory and Hike: The observatory is the place for incredible views of the city, followed hike up to the Hollywood Sign.

Evening: Dinner at Yamashiro: Japanese cuisine with a panoramic view of the city lights.

Day 3: Arts and Culture
Morning: A trip to the Getty Center to explore the art collections, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Afternoon: LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): The collection is diverse and the Japanese Pavilion is outstanding.

Evening: Dinner at Bestia: Some of the best Italian food in the city is to be had in this trendy downtown spot.

Day 4: Beach Day and Shopping
Morning: People-watch, check out the street performers, and walk along the Venice boardwalk.

Afternoon: Unique boutiques and galleries can be found on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, with lunch at Gjelina.

Evening: Dinner at Nobu Malibu where the sushi is exquisite with a beautiful oceanfront view.

Day 5: A leisurely visit with my friend the botanical illustrator and landscape gardener Royce Wood whose home is beautifully landscaped and has an usual collection of cacti and succulents.

Day 6: Urban Exploration.

Morning: A trip to Downtown LA with a visit the Broad museum and stroll around Grand Park.

Afternoon: Lunch at Grand Central Market where you can sample a variety of foods from different vendors.

Evening: Dinner and drinks at Perch with its French-inspired cuisine and rooftop views of the city.

Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell
Morning: An early morning hike through Runyon Canyon with fantastic views of the city

Afternoon: A walk around Rodeo Drive with lunch at The Ivy.

Evening: We’d end the trip with a fine dining experience focusing on seafood at Providence.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people who have provided support and encouragement in my career as poet, editor and manager in the Los Angels literary community, in particular Amelie Frank who introduced to the Los Angles poetry community, S.A. Griffin with whom I’ve collaborated on several projects, Iris Berry my publisher and an outstanding poet in her own right, Viggo Mortensen who supported my efforts to rehabilitate Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center, Hilda Weiss and Wayne Lindberg of Poetry L.A. who produced my YouTube series Unpacking the Beat Poets, and Sherman Pearl who as president of the board of trustees at Beyond Baroque who supported me when I was director of Beyond Baroque

Image Credits
Photos by Marlena Bond, Amelie Frank and Dietmar Kohl