Some would say there’s a fine line between art and poetry. While poetry can be art, some would argue that art, by its nature and design, is a form of poetry.
Art, of course, comprises a variety of mediums, while poetry is based on the written word. The various styles of poetry, however, are as numerous as the rooms in the Louvre.
Both can be described as beautiful, raw, shocking, inspiring, contemplative, informative, or a myriad of other descriptors. Take your pick.
During the Renaissance, a period of cultural revival and poetic evolution, we see the works that so vividly capture the beauty and mystery of the world through da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and so many others.
On the other hand, we can still read the works of the great poet, Shakespeare, and contemplate his closing lines in Sonnet 18, “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” These words, written about poetry, have been proven correct as people to this day return to Shakespeare’s vast literary achievements.
When art and poetry collide, the results can be astonishing. Take the great Rumi, for example. His art and poetry exemplify the conjoining of these two mediums. His poem, This Art, spells it out quite well …
“In your light I learn how to love.
In your beauty, how to make poems.
You dance inside my chest
where no-one sees you,
but sometimes I do,
and that sight becomes this art.”
Rumi
Art and poetry have had a lasting impact on our world. They continue to evolve, all the while moving us in so many ways. Their synchronicity is palpable.
Bookends Used Bookstore is the perfect place to find the perfect Art or Poetry book. We have recently received some very nice donations and leafing through some of these books makes one want to pick up a paintbrush or a fountain pen and begin creating.
Poetry and art can have a lasting impact. Recently, the National Gallery of Art held a “Poetry is a country” festival and invited celebrated American poets to compose something new inspired by art in their collection. Heid E. Erdrich (an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) wrote a poem in response to Amedeo Modigliani’s portrait Roma Woman with Baby.
The following is an excerpt from Heid E. Erdich’s poem That Bright:
“You view Roma from such
distance. And they see
there’s nothing Roma in me.
Just the passion of painters
and poets trying to catch
who they think we might be.“
As we move into 2024, embrace your creativity; you may discover another part of you.
Article written by Colleen Watson, Friends of Pack Library, Volunteer
Friends of Pack Library 