Ekphrastic Writing
Rebecca Chamaa and Joyce Hayden will lead a class in ekphrastic writing. From Homer to contemporary poets such as Rita Dove, writers have engaged in “Ekphrastic” writing. Traditionally “ekphrasis” was a descriptive response to a piece of art. However, over the centuries, ekphrastic writing has expanded to include a personal response to a painting or sculpture, a meditation on the artist or scene depicted, as well as modern retelling and perspective on great art. In this class, we will view artwork from Van Gogh, O’Keeffe, Magritte, Kahlo, Kara Walker, and others, along with the writers who have responded to their artwork. Poets we will read include Anne Sexton, Robert Hayden, WH Auden, and Adrienne Rich. This class will allow you to explore a range of writing forms, practice interpreting art through your perspective, develop your writing voice, and broaden your understanding of visual art. Together we will analyze ekphrastic writing, and then participants will be offered writing prompts to assist in responding in their way to famous art pieces. We will make time to share our work in a supportive environment. You will be emailed the Zoom link 24 hours before the start of class.