Day #17 The Ekphrastic Review

Celebrating National Poetry Month by highlighting 30 days of literary publishers who produce poetry you can listen to, watch, or read, in 5 minutes or less.

Visual artists of any media have my deep respect. My talents don’t extend to that kind of creative expression, but I try to sketch or paint on vacation as simple practice for noticing detail. The Ekphrastic Review is a recommendation for my friend Christina. She walks through the world seeing patterns and shapes, auras, and color; she’s a multi-media artist and this journal suggestion is for her, and for you, if the visual arts stir your ability to be creative in language arts.

The Poetry Foundation defines an ekphrastic poem, for readers new to the word, as, “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.

The Ekphrastic Review offers regular a regularly updated online poetry publication, online workshops, biweekly prompts, writing contests, and special events. From the journal’s “About” page:

The Ekphrastic Review  “is an online journal devoted entirely to writing inspired by visual art. Our objective is to promote ekphrastic writing, promote art appreciation, and experience how the two strengthen each other and bring enrichment to every facet of life. We want to inspire more ekphrastic writing and promote the best in ekphrasis far and wide.”

One of my recent favorite poem groupings in the journal is inspired by a collage art sequence by Pam Chadick Aloisa. Three poets, Thomas McGuire, Sarah Nance, and Jessy Randall, respond to her work.

The beginning of the first poem goes like this:

Peace Lily (with Peace Walls Leading to a Haiga)

1.
Good fences make good neighbours
So chimes the grey-haired poet.
But what of walls?
 
2.
Sometimes it takes a wall to keep the peace–
That’s what the Ulster Irish say and exactly 
What I saw standing on the Falls Road, Belfast…

From “peace Lily (with peace walls leading to a haiga) by Thomas McGuire

May your day be colorful.