 |
| Between Green Thread and Broccoli mixed media on cradled board 16 x 20 inch |
A while back I was visiting Sharmon Davidson's blog where she had posted one of her wonderful collage works, and with it there was a poem by Tony Hoagland called The Word. I was immediately drawn to the poem and looked up Tony Hoagland to read more of his work. There is a style to his writing that resonates with me and I found myself returning to read The Word a few more times which led to an idea for a painting. I jotted down a sketch and some thoughts to go with it then set it aside, not feeling sure if it was something I truly wanted to paint. But the idea and the poem stayed with me.
Below are some closeups and the words of the entire poem. You can see bits and pieces in my painting that derived from the poetry, and there were so many other elements I wanted to add. However, I worried it would be too busy and decided to keep the composition simple.
 |
| detail |
 |
| detail |
 |
| detail |
The Word
by Tony Hoagland
Down near the bottom
of the crossed-out list
of things you have to do today,
between "green thread"
and "broccoli," you find
that you have penciled "sunlight."
Resting on the page, the word
is beautiful. It touches you
as if you had a friend
and sunlight were a present
he had sent from someplace distant
as this morning—to cheer you up,
and to remind you that,
among your duties, pleasure
is a thing
that also needs accomplishing.
Do you remember?
that time and light are kinds
of love, and love
is no less practical
than a coffee grinder
or a safe spare tire?
Tomorrow you may be utterly
without a clue,
but today you get a telegram
from the heart in exile,
proclaiming that the kingdom
still exists,
the king and queen alive,
still speaking to their children,
—to any one among them
who can find the time
to sit out in the sun and listen.
_____________________________________________
I hope you enjoy the painting and especially the beautiful words of Mr. Hoagland. I don't know about you, but it inspires me to remember not to get so busy that I forget to enjoy all the pleasures that are so easy to take for granted...like sunlight.
I want to thank you all for your wonderful comments on Tahmoor's Table in the last post. I read every word and really appreciate the comments particularly about the changed face. I am trying to push myself a bit artistically without completely changing the way I normally paint things. I have had my sleeves rolled up these last two weeks painting in sketchbooks...everything from faces to clothing to table settings...and enjoying the sunshine.
See you soon.
♥ Lisa
See you soon.
♥ Lisa
