Iphigene here.
One of the things I wanted to accomplish this year was to learn art. I have taken art classes as a kid, but never really formally learned the craft. Since I returned to art in 2014, I have been painting often and I have reached a point of frustration in my art. The frustration stems from my inability to execute what is in my mind exactly the way I want it. I recognize this had to do with the limits of my technique. Since this month, I began a one-on-one monthly art class. The first lesson was Still Life in Charcoal. The focus was tonal values. I had never worked with Charcoal and when I did, what a revelation it was. I still have two charcoal assignments to finish before my next lesson in March.
It was this art lesson, my play with charcoal and our current theme that inspired this poem. Over the years, my fascination for the process of visual art finds its ways in my poetry. This one is no exception. I hope you enjoy it. For more poetry this Friday, head out to Elizabeth Steinglass.
Art Class
If asked,
“what do you want
To create”
I would say
“I do not know”
Though my hands know
It would draw the heaviest
Of lines from the crevices
Of you, pushing shades
Into circles with my fingers
Until the roundness of your
Thighs and legs
Meet in the shadows
Of your knees
If asked,
“what do you
Imagine”
I would say
“none”
Though I see
Hazel and gold
With dots of titanium
White where the light
Shines beneath the
Shadow of navy
Hair on soft subtle
Skin that glows
Come to life on stretched
Primed canvas
If asked
“What inspires
You?”
I would say
“Nothing”
Though my dreams
Know the lines at the back
Of your hand, the way
Your fingers rough
Callousness mix
In pinks, greens and blues
Of soft pastel
Dancing in grey tinted
Paper.
If they asked me
“what is art?”
I would say
“You.”
Gathering Books 
That’s beautiful, Iphigene. The sentiment reminds me of Pablo Neruda’s love poems.
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Hi Tabatha, I’m glad you picked up on Neruda. His romantic voice is one that I like and tend to use in my poetry.
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How beautiful. I think you’ve written a valentine. Your visual art is clearly a wonderful inspiration for your poetry. Thank you for sharing this.
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Thanks Liz,
Visual art—the process of it is interesting and i feel there is much in it that can be used in poetry.
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I have wished I had more time to explore the visual arts. I’ve never tried charcoal… maybe I should! Your words resonate with me: “… my fascination for the process of visual art finds its ways in my poetry.” Just simple pencil sketching makes me look with new eyes, to pay attention to detail and that, of course, impacts my writing. Thank you for your encouraging post.
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It’s an interesting medium. I can’t say whether charcoal is easy or hard, but there’s something versatile and rich about it. I’m glad that this bit of poetry and sharing was able to encourage you.
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I am happy for you that you are learning more of what you want in art, Iphigene. The charcoal is gorgoeous, achieving that ‘shine’ seems masterful to me. And the poem, the loving voice speaking, beautiful, too. Both indeed are poetry!
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Thanks for noticing the shine. I’m far from mastering this medium, but i’m enjoying the process. Thank for dropping by.
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That poem is beautiful. I’m impressed with the charcoal picture as well–and the way the two art forms inform your creativity.
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Thank you Kay.
It’s an interesting process. I have found that while the process of creating art can inspire poetry, so does the finished art.
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I love the flow of this poem. I do wish I could create art like this! The charcoal drawing is a perfect pairing with this poem.
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Thank you.
I’m sure you can, if you ever try. I think in terms of creativity, we just have to create and not worry about the criticism yet….
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Wonderful ending to that color-filled poem.
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Beautiful poem and image Iphigene, they work well together, both being quiet pieces, thanks for sharing them. Keep going with your art!
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