Leave it to me to procrastinate writing an entry for September's Artsy Essay Contest. Frankly, I was a bit intimidated by Judith's clever creative prompt. She presents a list of 50+ words that she labels "obscure artsy word list." Please visit her site to see the complete list. The challenge or inspiration was to utilize as many or as few of the words that you want in creating an original work. I've been playing with the word list for days, waiting for inspiration to strike. I found my inspiration tonight in an early 17th century painting by Georges de La Tour, called Mary Magdalene. The rules require that I identify in some way which words I have used from the list. My selections are underlined.
Magdalene of the Shadows
The thing about shadows is this--
darkness swallows them whole,
without light they do not exist.
The great masters understood
this juxtaposition of light and shade,
the sublimation of bright to dark.
So Monsieur de La Tour paints Mary by candlelight,
a woman in chiaroscuro,
the other Mary,
the whore,
remembered for her skills in foot washing,
her sweet perfumes.
What secrets does she hide in the dark hues that embrace her?
The gaze intent on the white heat of the flame,
a skull resting so casually in her lap,
what darkness wraps around her soul,
bowing her head with such despair?
The link for the contest:
http://judithheartsong.blogspot.com/2007/09/septembers-artsy-essay.html
Tags: Mary Magdalene, chiaroscuro, Georges de La Tour, artsy essay contest, obscure artsy word list
21 comments:
Wow............ You just blew my mind!
Gaz
What a lovely entry and worth waiting for. It is wonderful to see so much creative energy slowly coming back to the essay and yours is a wonderful post that explores the topic in a different and interesting way. Beautifully written, great depth, and I am so glad you decided to join us!
Brava!
Judi
http://judithheartsong.blogspot.com/
great job!
gina
It's rare that a poem can evoke the very same reaction in the reader as it does in the looker, i.e,, your words painted the same picture we were looking at. Bravo.
Marvelous creation which fits the image perfectly. Good stuff.
Spencer
A wonderful entry in this months contest. Truly inspired.. Thank you for writing..
Kristal
http://apoeticdreamerssoul.blogspot.com/
I feel so corny saying : Damn, that's good.
BUT Damn, that's good! ~Mary
You dared to tread into an area that I didn't! I was intimidated about writing something artsy, but I must say you have written a piece that asks the questions a viewer must ask when looking upon the painting. I want to know, whose skull is that? Her lover's ... her husband's? She doesn't seem sad, just ponderous, and what a magnificent light the candle brings to this dark scene. A curious choice... brava on the use of the artsy words! bea
Very interesting and cleverly written. I enjoyed this Sheria!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/
You described the scene so well Sheria there was no need for the picture.
What clever use of the words in Judith's Artsy List. I so revel in reading descriptive language. Its inspiring. Very well done!
Jeanie xx
Hauntingly Beautiful! I didn't have the heart or soul to enter this month. Having just come back off an off period for me. You did this month justice and beyond. Truly wonderful! (hugs) Indigo
Dear Sheria,
Good morning! Let me be the first to offer congratulations to you on a beautiful essay!
Judith HeartSong
http://judithheartsong.blogspot.com/
Congratulations on your much deserved win.. :-) This truly was a wonderful entry.. Have a great day..
Kristal
http://apoeticdreamerssoul.blogspot.com/
Congratulations. What a fine poem!
kudos! very good, grins, debra
Congratulations Sheria! I wish you much pleasure and happiness on being the winner in this wonderful competition. Judith's Sunflowers will soon light up each day from now on, reminding you of this beautiful entry.
Well done!
Jeanie xx
How interesting, aside from the restrictions of these rules, how well I think you did here, but how unusual that you find the Magdelene to be in a statea of despair. I found that more interesting than anthing else, besides the beautiful cadence you used. Shadows are swallowed by darkness, very unique. The masters of light, Rembrandt, Renoir and of course Vermeer certainly did understand things like this. The subject of the Magdelene contemplating the afterlife is intriging when considering her place in the life of historical Jesus. Thanks for this. CATHY
What a wonderful entry. Love the poem and have always love the painting.
Julie
Very well written, and congratulations on winning the Artsy Essay contest, well done!
Goosebumps! Very nice.
http://newday-jean.blogspot.com/
I am glad to read your entry for September's Artsy Essay Contest. And pleased that you won. I do like to read the essays written for this contest. I entered for the first time this month, too and really enjoyed it. Gerry
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