I love a good read and poems hold a special spot in my heart. Those lyrical words resonate deeply, ignite righteous rage, or soften your shoulders and make you feel seen in your experiences. Many writers have made my heart sing: Mary Oliver, Oscar Wilde, Kahlil Gibran, Audre Lorde, Sappho, Anaïs Nin, Rumi, Maya Angelou, Walt Witman, Langston Huges, Emily Dickinson, and so many more. I often scrawl a quote, song lyric or poem onto scratch paper and post it where I need it. One of my own poems by the mirror, a few encouraging words from Yoko Ono in the studio, a Mary Oliver poem tucked into a journal. I have enjoyed illustrating poems for myself and others. I illustrated Kahlil Gibran's poem on food from "The Prophet." I keep it hung by the stove so I can meditate on the words and give thanks to the plants, animals, and elements that nourish me.
During the pandemic lockdowns, I was asked to create art for a local zine which was later titled "Prison Sentences: Words from within Guarded Spaces." Ope Publishing had gathered poems and prose from two Minnesota prisoners. I was so happy to create illustrations inspired by the imagery of their work. I wanted the drawings to capture the places they described, places they may never see again. It was important to get it right.
In my shop, I am offering custom poetry (or beloved quote) illustrations. These are a great way to memorialize your favorite words. I hang my poem about nourishment and giving thanks next to the stove, a poem about body positivity could hang by the mirror, a quote by your favorite artist may find a home above your workbench. They make meaningful gifts as well. Go ahead and check out my shop for more details!
Comments