Faithful Nest

Do you know what to call the act of creating poetry based on a piece of art? If you are thinking ekphrasis, you are correct. The definition according to the Poetry Foundation is: “An ekphrastic poem is a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art. Through the imaginative act of narrating and reflecting on the “action” of a painting or sculpture, the poet may amplify and expand its meaning.”

Have you ever tried it? This is an amazing tool of wonder. Begin by taking a sculpture, painting, graffiti, or any art you find interesting. First glance, what do you find interesting? Why does this piece attract your attention? You can even begin with a brief description of what you are seeing.

Poetry is not simply a recording device. Emotion and word play are integral to communicating with your audience. Continue your journal of response by disclosing your own reaction to the piece. Do you agree with the message you perceive? It is okay not to, that also makes for an interesting writing.

Your response can lead to a dialogue. Imagine the response of the artist or the artwork to your comments. Or take it even further and imagine a discussion with a deceased relative who liked/disliked the style of work you are responding to.

Do you have other reactions? Does the art work invite touch, smell, auditory memory? Involving your senses will also expand your reader’s experience.

Maybe the artwork evokes a very different response. It may throw you into a past experience that generates a warning, a hope, or a humorous story.

I know of a writer who wrestled with a painting until she found a small hint. The artwork was a bit abstract, with broad rectangles of color and one small bit. Her response is the name of the art: After “Ocean Park #68” by Richard Diebenkorn (1974). You can find this and a curious interplay of art and poetry at the wisconsinpoetlaureateproject.com

I highly recommend it!