Tuesday, September 1, 2015

How to be a Poet

Small collage by Donna Watson

NOTE:  ANOTHER WORKSHOP:  Oct. 1-2, 2015,  A ZEN GARDEN with Folded Books.
A 2 day workshop in Virginia Beach, VA.  For more information on how to register, supply list, location, go to website:  www.artandsoulretreat.com  
Oct. 3-4, 2015, BORO/WABI SABI:  The Spirit of Collage.  A 2 day workshop in Virginia Beach, VA.  For more information go to website:  www.artandsoulretreat.com  

Small collage by Donna Watson

I am always amazed when I meet a visual artist who paints, or uses collage, or does photography and can also write well...  and those who write poetry are even more impressive to me.  It is like they have been doubly gifted.  I love words and words that convey visual imagery are even more beautiful.
Several years ago I watched a Korean movie (with subtitles) titled POETRY.  It was about an older woman who took a class on how to write poetry and she struggled to find any poetry or words to write.  And she looked outwards, like sitting under a plum tree, to find inspiration... but none ever came.  The ending of the movie is beautiful, and has stayed with me all these years and I highly recommend the movie.  Perhaps this poem will help too:

HOW TO BE A POET

Make a place to sit down.
Sit down.  Be quiet.
You must depend upon
affection, reading, knowledge,
skill --- more of each
than you have --- inspiration,
work, growing older, patience,
for patience joins time 
to eternity.  Any readers 
who like your poems,
doubt their judgement.

A smalll collage by Donna Watson

...  Accept what comes from silence.
Make the best you can of it.
Of the little words that come
out of silence, like prayers
prayed back to the one who prays,
make a poem that does not disturb
the silence from which it came.
--- Wendell Berry

A small collage by Donna Watson

17 comments:

india flint said...

I always read this poem for my students. It says everything...

susan hemann said...

wish i could take a class of yours! love to write poems
in stillness-i create

Judy Shreve said...

First - your collages are fabulous - I am always amazed how you create such energy in stillness.
I love words and occasionally write poetry -- love the line in your poem -How to be a poet --

'Any readers
who like your poems,
doubt their judgement' - best advice ever.

A book that is inspiring for lovers of words -- Poemcrazy

http://www.amazon.com/Poemcrazy-Freeing-Your-Life-Words/dp/0609800981/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1441202349&sr=1-1&keywords=poemcrazy

Kathleen Botsford said...

I needed this today. Thank you Donna

Cate Rose said...

Awesome collages, Donna! Your work is always so beautiful and inspiring!

Tammie Lee said...

wonderful to see your pieces
enjoyed considering the poetry poem
thank you

Seth said...

Your collages are poetry themselves!

Fiona Dempster said...

I love too how words can be so many beautiful things - and I do love the idea of that movie, so thank you for sharing.

Barry said...

Hi D - looks like you will be busy with your workshops - hope they go well. Peaceful images. B

Paris Rendez-vous and Beyond said...

Beautiful collages and words (as always) Donna. And yes....the importance of silence....essential for us all. Thank you for reminding me.

Ciao

R

Jacobus (Jack) Oudyn said...

Wonderful collages, so poetic and peaceful.

Sharmon Davidson said...

Donna, these new collages are quite wonderful; I don't think I could pick a favorite.Love the Wendell Berry poem, too. Good luck with your workshops in VA!

Anonymous said...

love these new collages...so simple yet saying so. Titles are appropriate also as is the poem.

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