Ekphrastic Fantastic

Prompts for Writers and Artists

You want to write SOMETHING. Maybe you want to draw or paint SOMETHING, but you are stuck for what. You need some prompts - visual or text and I’m going to supply some. So, what is this “Ekphrastic”?

You need prompts - visual or text - and I’m going to supply some.

The word ekphrasis, or ecphrasis, comes from the Greek for the written description of a work of art produced as a rhetorical or literary exercise, often used in the adjectival form ekphrastic. It is a vivid, often dramatic, verbal description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined. (Taken from Wikipedia)

I’m using the term in reverse as well. I’m used to that, since I already paint sculptures in reverse perspective. You ask, what does that mean? (Have patience, I’ll get back to how you could use this “Ekphrastic Fantastic” thing) It means that when you look at my art, what seems to be in the foreground is actually in the background and what appears to be in the foreground is in the background. Sounds a bit crazy? You should see one of my sculptures - but be careful, because when you move your head to the right, the painting moves to the left. It could make you dizzy. Until your brain adjusts itself.

Here is a one of my sculptures, but it moves a lot more when seen in person. They depend on the motion of the viewer. Now back to my proposal for you.

I’m putting up ideas for writing and drawing three times a week. You can write a paragraph or a novel, do a ten-minute drawing exercise or use the idea for a wall mural.

Let’s say you need an infusion of new ideas, creativity and inspirational thought. You could get that by reading the News or checking out miracle products on your Facebook Feed or you could just get more depressed looking at photos of destruction and ruin. Or you could end up owning a “Quantum Crystal” that doesn’t quite “resonate” as promised in the slick video. SO, I have an idea for you - try the “ekphrastic fantastic” prompts. They work for writers and artists, and I include both visual and text prompts. Although strictly defined “ekphrasis” refers to “writing about art - real or imagined”. I’m “discovering” a new path - producing art from writing. Kind of like Columbus “discovering” America. Maybe I’m just applying Creativity for the benefit of artists and writers.

So, the deal is, I’m putting up ideas for writing and drawing three times a week. You can write a paragraph or a novel, do a ten-minute drawing exercise or use the idea for a wall mural. That part is up to you - my part is to suggest some ideas for writing or drawing. My suggests may be real or imaginary - no, wait, that isn’t right, they will be Real ideas - paintings, photos and words for writers and artists. Try it! The first of the series will be out this Tuesday.