Embedded

Most of us have been exposed to original poetry in the form of books. But the use of original poetry in paintings, collage and sculpture seems to be increasing in popularity. Not surprisingly I suppose as the 'double whammy' of the visual image together with a text may convey a clearer meaning, create a more intense mood.

At the top of the page is a mixed media sculpture by Lolita from Daily Threads. Titled Memories the piece comes from her In This House series. I’m sure we can all relate to Lolita’s observation, “I created this series inspired by daily walks in my many neighborhoods and travels through the years. Passing by, you only see the outside shell of a house. Curiosity peaks when you see a window without curtains. What happens behind those walls? Who lives there? What are they doing? The rare open door almost seems like an invitation to come in.”

Ren Adams conveys a less friendly mood in his collage below. This beeswax piece incorporates an original poem, found art ephemera, and wax pigments to create a creepy mix. “Ever had the co-worker from hell? This collage might capture that sinking feeling.” (See also Adam's traditional chinese brushwork paintings in his etsy shop.)

Words like other art supplies can be manipulated to reinforce their meaning. Of her piece Out of Reach Trish Czech says “The word play in this piece centers on the words ‘hours’ and ‘ours’. When read aloud, they become nearly interchangeable, changing drastically the meanings this short poem could have.”
Sometimes it’s difficult for us to speak our feelings out loud but our art can convey these thoughts. Hurry, Run by Meagan Cutler employs original typed text on graph paper, glazed onto hand manipulated carbon paper, covered with transparency and black marker and black corner stitches. “ Where language is limiting, my painting steps in.”
And through an art work we can convey our true identity. In an art doll from Vintage Arts In the time it takes for a star to fall the artist incorporates memories plus tangible objects from her past to convey a present day image of the artist “Star was the name of my first doll. This little girl is a true artist. Her mind is so full of ideas she can't even hold on to them all.”

Even when we do not speak a particular language we can still enjoy its atmosphere as evidenced here in Zora La Rouge’s illustration that incorporates Else Lasker-Schüler’s poem ‘Mutter’. I know that this isn’t an original poem by the artist but I thought the German speakers out there might enjoy it; and that the fashionistas would enjoy checking out her contribution to the worldwide wardrobe swap group!