With “Poems Can Fly,” Zoid Ham Seeks to Build Connections Through Storytelling

Some people simply exude presence. These people are almost as complex to describe as a really moving piece of art. They are the types of people who, when they walk into a room, they turn heads simply for being who they are. When they open their mouths, out spill sonnets dripped in honey and downloaded through ancestral wisdom and stillness. Such souls are effortlessly magnetic and triggering at the same time. They transcend limitations and time. Zoid Ham, a local poet, multimedia artist, and entrepreneur, is one such soul.

J. Benjamin Burney (he/him) aka Zoid Ham as an individual and artist is someone who indefinitely leaves an impression on you. And it’s not hard to see why. From his megawatt smile to his signature style and warmth of presence, Zoid Ham is instantly engaging. His existence is immediately intriguing. But Zoid Ham’s origin story is not exactly typical, which makes perfect sense once you meet the activist and community leader.

Depending on how you encounter Zoid Ham, you may be surprised to learn about the dichotomy that exists within the evolution of this artist. Before Zoid Ham took up residence in our Queen City, he was born in Tulsa, Okla., and raised by two parents in the ministry. Showing an exceptional talent for athletics, Zoid Ham played defensive back for CU Boulder and eventually was drafted into the NFL to play for the Cleveland Browns. Back then, he was known as Ben Burney to the public and when asked about his experience playing in the NFL, Zoid Ham reflected on the reality and illusion that is professional sports. He openly recognized the internalized misogyny and homophobia that existed within locker room confessionals.

Despite Zoid Ham’s path seeming to be set, there remained a pivotal piece of him yet to be expressed. Something inside called him to exist outside and beyond the normal limitations of the reality he’d come to know. Feeling strongly pulled to reconnect with ancestral wisdom, Zoid Ham actively engaged in a metamorphosis, which ultimately led to the unveiling of Zoid Art Haus (ZAH) located in Denver, Colo.

Through ZAH, Zoid Ham began channeling the spirit of Romare Bearden and Langston Hughes and bathing in the influence of hip-hop, blues, jazz, and traditional African ceremonies. Serving as a conduit for artistic unfoldment, ZAH allows Zoid Ham to flourish in artistic expression. As an art and cultural epicenter, ZAH houses art, fashion, films, photos, food, educational opportunities, and events. His multimedia art installations and immersive spoken word poetry experiences have graced numerous venues between Denver and Boulder where he is both currently teaching and pursuing a dual master’s degree in Fine Art Practices and Entrepreneurship at CU Boulder.

Reflecting upon how the pandemic put many things into perspective, including the importance of art in a world that can sometimes seem bleak, Zoid Ham set forth to cultivate what is now “Poems Can Fly.” This is his first collection of poetry and short stories that explores the experiences of existing as a cultural preservationist, activist, visionary, and bridge builder in a society that is often quite polarizing. Zoid Ham’s words are written with positive affirmation, revealing eye-opening insights and opening doorways to magic, love, and dreams.

Officially released in February 2023, “Poems Can Fly” offers 450 pages of words and wisdom including 125 poems, eight short stories, and 42 illustrations. The special Kinfolk Edition rolled out in February and sold out within weeks. The evolving success of this book is undoubtedly due to Zoid Ham’s boundless passion to share these reflections with the world. His intent to build bridges amongst communities whilst actively promoting his work led to appearances and book signings at Lawrence & Larimer Boutique in Denver and one coming to East Window & Gallery in Boulder this May.

As for the future? Zoid Ham expresses intent to continue growing and expanding as a multimedia artist, educator, activist and individual. Whatever the future holds, one thing is for certain: this world could definitely use more of what Zoid Ham has to offer.

Stay updated on future releases and shows by visiting his website.

Featured image credit J. Benjamin Burney