In its purist form, an ekphrastic, or art-inspired poem, relies on visual imagery to vividly depict a work of art. But what occurs when the poet enters the mind of an artist or an engaging figure in a painting and speaks in his or her voice? This presentation explores the larger realm of ekphrastic poetry…
Participants will write poetry, inspired by paintings, photography, and sculpture located in the gallery and/or museum where the workshop takes place. Poet and painter Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda will use reproductions from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ collection to introduce ekphrastic poetry — a traditional approach to writing about art — and then select artwork from the statewide partner’s collection to inspire poems.
This workshop is an art and word lover’s feast. Reproductions and images from VMFA’s vast collection inspire poems, journal entries, and prose vignettes. A variety of poetic forms, including the highly imaginative dramatic monologue and ekphrastic formats, enables participants to uncover the inner writer that resides in us all. This interactive session is tailor-made for anyone with a willingness to explore the unique qualities of written language that help define each writer’s voice.
