It’s when a visual artwork inspires a piece of writing.
I like to extend the idea of ekphrasis to a description of anything you can see, as per its Greek roots [ref. Merriam-Webster]. But inspiration can come from many and varied places indeed.
What prompts you to write and create? Is it something from outside of yourself — like an object, a picture, a song, an event? A constraint — such as a timebox (ten minutes on the train) or a prompt (e.g. three words from different stories in a newspaper)? A memory, an experience, a feeling? A deep-seated need?
The last few years have been hard. I responded by writing and sharing less. Now I am writing more, particularly in reaction to what I see, but I feel less inclined to submit my work to journals: I’m writing for myself and translating more of my words to song.
And I am sharing again, because I’d like to reconnect.
Over my next posts, I’ll be posting some of my very short stories written in response to images or objects. Some of these will be so fresh you will see the word “first draft” written all over them. Hopefully you will see the polish in others.
For now, here are reminders of two ekphrases I have shared in the past, both inspired by my daughter’s art:
* Zombie Mother
* The Piano Shark Player
Wherever you are, I wish you wellness and many excellent words.
thirtyseven 