WRDPNTRS Session 2: Interaction of Words and Images

Congratulations! You’ve started the second session of WRDPNTRS: Looking at Art, Looking Back with Words.

Work through the videos and take a look at any links. Try the exercises. We promise you’ll learn tons more about writing poetry.

Part 1: Who is Emily Dickinson?

Thoughts are shared between Kathleen and Sonia about American poet Emily Dickinson’s process and her ability to use metaphor, irony, and imagery, featuring “I am Nobody” and others. We hope you find these ideas intriguing and useful in your exploration.

Resources

Emily Dickinson PPT Download

Emily Dickinson – bio
The Gorgeous Nothings
Studies in Scale – excerpts from The Gorgeous Nothings
Wild Nights with Emily – article about the film

Thought

Whose land do you live on? Take the time to research it.

EXERCISE: Inspired by Emily Dickinson

Write a poem inspired by Emily Dickinson’s ‘I am Nobody.’ Think of how to use metaphor, irony, and imagery in your poem.

Part 2: Experience the 5 Senses

Kathleen and Sonia discuss how to integrate the 5 senses (sound, taste, touch, smell, sight) into both visual art and poetry. How does an artist incorporate some of the 5 senses into their pieces?

EXERCISE: Senses Poem (15-20+ minutes)

Introduce at least 2-3 of 5 senses in a poem. Spend no less than 15-20 minutes to write and work on this. You can choose a piece of food, an object, a person, or a place. The subject matter is open.

Part 3: Closing Thoughts

Kathleen and Sonia thank you for joining WRDPNTRS, and they would like you to prepare for next week by thinking about an artist or a work you find meaningful or impactful.