Where would you start if someone asked you to explain why you loved a particular work of art and why it matters to you? Ekphrastic poetry, writing inspired by a work of art, explains why art matters so much.
Just write what you see
An impossible challenge to some is an exciting prompt to local poets involved with ekphrastic writing. Joel Lipman, Lucas County Poet Laureate (2008-2013), explains that ekphrastic poetry is not as difficult as it sounds.
“Ekphrastic poetry is writing about a work of art,” said Lipman. “People of any age, as long as they have some interest in command of language… can [write ekphrastic poetry]. It’s not about being told, you have to look and think on your own. Ekphrastic poetry is a wonderful way to massage that process and find the precise language to articulate your feelings.”
Lipman began teaching ekphrastic poetry to University of Toledo students in the late 1980s— often relying on the Toledo Museum of Art’s galleries for inspiration. Lipman suggests finding a work that means a lot to you and allow the sensory experience to take over your thoughts.
“Go to the museum and just walk the galleries. Have a pencil and a pad with you and just start writing your responses,” Lipman explained. “Sit down in front of a painting that moves you, maybe read the wall description, maybe not— I encourage students to listen to a docent, but I don’t think any of that is essential. You can just look at the work and make it your own.”
Visual literacy
“At its core, ekphrasis is about describing visual imagery.” said Mike Deetsch, the Emma Leah Bippus Director of Education and Engagement at the TMA. “Description is essential in our process to becoming fluent in visual language.”
Lipman finds the new focus to be an exciting way to emphasize our relationship with our sensory environment, adding, “Although I began instructing ekphrastic poetry under previous directors, when Brian Kennedy became the TMA Director, we were both interested in a very common application of museum oriented works. It’s been a fruitful number of years since he’s been at the helm because everybody is talking about visual literacy and ekphrastic poetry is one significant aspect of that.”
Quantifying the qualitative
In the past, Lipman has judged the Toledo Museum of Art’s Ekphrastic Poetry Contest, choosing winners in three categories: Post-Secondary/Adult, Grades 9-12, and Grades 6-8.
To judge the huge variety of skill, concept, and artwork in the contest, Lipman looks for a few things in particular: a strong relationship between the writer and the work of art, creativity, cohesion of concept, good language, engaging word choice and focus. Above all, Lipman prioritizes personality.
“Once the creative imagination takes root, things can go in surprising directions for the writer,” said Lipman, adding, “I would say go with your spiritual, emotional, unguarded direction, instead of trying to anticipate where you’re going.”
For those who want to hone their skills for the Ekphrastic Poetry contest, the Ohio Poetry Association will hold an “Ekphrastic Writing Workshop” from 1-4pm on Saturday, February 20. Participation is free. Register in advance by emailing [email protected]
Entries for the Ekphrastic Poetry Contest are due March 31, 2016. On May 5, the Museum will showcase the notable entries and award the winners with cash and membership prizes. For more information, please visit toledomuseum.org/learn/writingcontesdt
Information on Joel Lipman can be found at abracadabrapoetry.com
