Poetry and Art

Posted by Elizabeth Yetter Feb 22, 2007

If so, you’re not alone. Writing poems from artwork is a technique used by educators worldwide because it encourages children as well as adults to look at art in a new way.

When I was a moody teenager, I began to look at art and wonder, “How does this artwork affect me?” I wanted something deep, something adult.

My high school creative writing teacher had us writing poetry on what our lives will be like in 20 years, but that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted my life to count now, at that very moment. I wanted meaning.

I began examining the artwork of M.C. Escher and came across Three Worlds. Wow! How deep, mysterious, and intriguing. I stared at the artwork over and over again until the words to describe the feelings it invoked came to me. I began writing.

Over fifteen years later, Three Worlds still inspires me to write. Those three sacred trees go deep into the pool of creativity.