Category: Related Arts

with grace (ge) gilbert
Tuesday, May 7; 7–9pm CT

Writing is, in a way, painting. Painting, in turn, is a visual language. In this beginner-friendly, virtual workshop, choose a portrait that feels significant to you—such as a family photograph or portrait of a loved one. Learn how to paint watercolor portraits using masking fluid, a latex-based pigment that can be removed to create negative space in a painting. Then, we’ll respond to these images with writing prompts. This generative workshop is great for those who are interested in telling personal stories across art mediums. Come for a fun evening of poetry and painting and leave with ideas for how to use both text and image in your art practice. Basic watercolor experience might come in handy, but instruction will give an overview of basic concepts for those who are unfamiliar.  Continue reading “Poems & Paintings: Masking Fluid Watercolor Portraits”

with grace (ge) gilbert
Tuesdays: June 4, 11, 18; 5–6:30pm CT

Erasure poetry involves using a source document, or source text, to create a work of your own. It’s a contentious practice, but one that allows the maker to re-contextualize history, or the present, as they want it to be seen. In this virtual workshop, participants of all experience levels will learn simple, low-cost techniques in digital and mixed media erasure, and how to sustain a book-length project of erasure poetry. Each week, learn from model theorists and artists to really attune yourself to the language of the source text, and to understand your role in manipulating it. Learn from step-by-step demos, and complete a generative prompt with the option of sharing and receiving feedback. Come away from the workshop with the beginnings of a book-length project idea, simple erasure techniques, and a deeper understanding of text and image relationships.  Continue reading “Erasure Poetry”

with grace (ge) gilbert
Wednesday, June 19; 7–9pm CT

The word ‘ekphrasis’—poetry that is inspired by works of visual art—comes from the Greek word for ‘description.’ However, ekphrastic poetry moves beyond just describing what is happening in a work of art. It also expands the purpose of the work and re-writes it, as poet Mary Jo Bang says. In this virtual workshop, we will discuss the genesis and history of ekphrastic poetry, why a poet might write in response to art, and how this could apply to your own work. Participants will receive multiple generative prompts for writing their own poems and will come away with both new original writing and a new understanding of the long, storied relationship between text and image. Designed for artists and writers who want to expand their practice.  Continue reading “Ekphrastic Poetry: Writing about Your Art”