Art Inspiring Art

Many thanks to my youngest son who introduced me to the term, ekphrasis. When I excitedly explained my latest photo project to him and how it was all about the dialogue between my photography and these vintage landscape oil paintings, he immediately recognized the word for this kind of work. I did a little research to better understand the origin and meaning of the word, epkphrasis.

Credit is due here.

What is ekphrasis?

Ekphrasis was originally a form of speech used in Ancient Greek rhetoric. An orator would use ekphrasis to engage their audience, describing scenes and situations in such a way as to stir up the imagination of those who were listening.

The term ‘ekphrasis’ developed over time, until it became known as a poetic description of visual art.

But that definition has since expanded to include any kind of creative response to any work of art. And the most interesting ekphrastic texts do far more than just ‘describe’.

Now, ekphrasis could refer to a poem written in response to a painting. But it could also refer to a painting painted in response to a film, or a sculpture shaped in response to a dance.

Ekphrasis can be a playful, ironic, or subversive process of engagement. It can be a conversation between writer and reader and viewer and artist.

It can also pull you into the conversation. You may become inspired to create your own response: to challenge or provoke, to connect, to criticise or question.

It can create a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, such as the silent figures in a painting, an imagined viewer, a deceased artist, or even the artwork itself.

I learn something new everyday.

Distance changes meaning

One of the most significant changes in my recovery from anxiety is recognizing just how hard I have been on myself. How often I have judged myself in negative ways and how little I appreciated the gifts I have. The whole process is a kind of reconciliation, and it feels good to be more nearly balanced.

Slaughter Pen Farm, 2018

Found Art - Oil Painting - Stream through the Meadow, 2026

I see this same pattern in my creative work as well. Pictures deemed unworthy now regularly make their way to current projects. The old photographs find their place alongside the new and breathe fresh air into the process. I am happy that I did not delete those pictures—those I deemed “not good enough.” Many of them are truly exceptional in that they reveal something to me about myself that I was unaware of at the time, but can now see clearly. It feels as though the woman I look at in the mirror is now someone I’d like to know, someone I want to hold dearly, someone I have forgiven, and someone who has much to give.

Glimpses

I am happily working away, taking and arranging photographs.

In doing so, I am attempting to create a kind of visual poetry. Work in progress on Conversation Pieces.

This is the the lesson I am learning: edit in sequences so your pictures speak to one another.