Ekphrastic Writing: Exploring Art Through Words
Ekphrastic writing delves into the world of visual art, translating and expanding on its themes through verbal expression. It creates a bridge between mediums, using words to deepen our engagement with art and uncover new dimensions of meaning (MasterClass, n.d.).
Where Did I Discover Ekphrastic Writing?
I first encountered ekphrastic writing—or ekphrastic poetry—through the Steamboat Art Museum’s (S.A.M.) annual Painted Words competition. This event invites participants of all ages to write about a piece of art displayed in the gallery, culminating in a contest that celebrates creativity and interpretation.
Last year, the Painted Words competition centered on an exhibition by Heidi Presse titled We Set Our Faces Westward...One Woman's Journey 1839–1848. This powerful collection draws inspiration from the journal of Keturah Belknap, a young woman who migrated from Ohio to Iowa as a newlywed in 1839 and later, in 1848, traveled to Oregon while pregnant and caring for her three-year-old child. Despite facing immense hardships—including the loss of three children—Belknap’s journey epitomizes the resilience of westward pioneers. Through her art, Presse vividly portrays the daily lives of these settlers, from farming in Iowa to enduring the long, arduous wagon journey west (Presse, n.d.).
How Can You Practice Ekphrastic Writing?
A simple way to practice ekphrastic writing is by choosing a piece of art that resonates with you. Observe it closely, reflecting on its themes, emotions, and stories. Then, express your observations and interpretations in writing. This process fosters a deeper connection to the art and enhances your creative thinking.
Ekphrastic Writing, Yoga, and Mindfulness
The practice of yoga and mindfulness teaches us that true happiness arises from within rather than from external circumstances. This principle relates to ekphrastic writing in surprising ways.
For instance, while the Oregon Trail marked a significant chapter of American history, it also brought devastating consequences for Native Americans displaced to reservations. Moreover, the settlers who traversed the trail faced numerous hardships—illness, injury, and scarcity of resources among them. These challenges reveal the transient nature of external circumstances and underscore the importance of cultivating inner resilience.
Human nature often leads us to believe: If I lived in a different place, my life would improve, or If I achieved this, I would be happy. Yoga, however, encourages us to observe our experiences with equanimity, recognizing that external conditions are ever-changing and do not define our inner state. By fostering awareness and empathy, we can better understand the experiences of others and ourselves.
Ekphrastic writing offers a similar opportunity for reflection and connection. Imagining myself as a traveler on the Oregon Trail through Heidi Presse’s art allowed me to step into the shoes of those pioneers. While I could never fully comprehend their reality, this exercise deepened my appreciation for their resilience and sacrifice, broadening my perspective on history and humanity.
References
Hartranft, C. (2003). The yoga sutra of Patanjali: A new translation with commentary. Shambhala Publications.
MasterClass. (n.d.). Ekphrastic poetry: Definition, examples, and prompts. Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ekphrastic-poetry
Presse, H. (n.d.). Journeys: We set our faces westward... One woman's journey 1839–1848. Retrieved from https://www.heidepresse.com/blog/189343/journeys
The Oregon Trail
Inspired by: Everything In Its Place by Heide Presse
By
Margeaux Candlin
July 9, 2024
Preparation
Children laugh as they chase one another.
Quick footsteps kick up clouds of dust.
Ranch Hands hammer repairs on a nearby fence.
Sharp knives whistle as wheat is swiftly cut.
I prepare our wagon with order and forethought.
In the first trunk:
A season of clothes, weaved from wool and flax.
In the second:
Linen bags, stuffed with grains, flour, rice, coffee, and beans.
During
In the fourth of our six month journey we are skin and bones.
Supplies dwindle.
We ration what’s left.
Our garments are too thin.
The fires we burn are no match for cold nights and heavy rains.
Illness looms.
Hannah, at two years old, is inconsolable.
Our medicines are of no use.
She fusses, cries, shivers, and sweats.
I cry as well.
Fever leads to demise.
Arrival
My being yearns for the home we left and the children we lost.
I cannot eat or sleep.
I cook, wash, and fetch water in a daze.
Grief swallows my soul.
Our journey was not worth my broken heart and the promise of gold.
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