by Christine Swint
Read Write Poem is having an ekphrastic extravaganza this week, thanks to the talents and generosity of poet and artist Rick Mobbs.
In his welcome message on his blog, Mine Enemy Grows Older, Rick says, “I started this as a place to share my own work but find I am more interested in the stories, myths, parables and poetry others weave from the images, and the collaborations that follow.”
Out of his spirit of generosity and community scores of writers have written beautiful poems and stories, which Rick has lovingly collected on a second project, The Storybook Collaborative.
The prompt this week is to choose one of Rick’s paintings (three are below, click image to enlarge) and write a poem to it. You can refer back to my article on ekphrastic poetry for ideas on how to go about using the images as prompts, or simply let the pen fly in a free write inspired by the painting.
Rick has given poets permission to post his work on their sites, but as usual, please credit his work to him, and link to his web site, Mine Enemy Grows Older.
Standing in the Shadows, by Rick Mobbs
Portrait of Nanda, by Rick Mobbs
fibonacci, by Rick Mobbs
A big thank you to Rick Mobbs for collaborating with Read Write Poem!
What a fantastic prompt. I’m so exicted to see what comes out of these collaborations.
Another ekphrastic weekly prompt can be found at Poefusion under “Monday Mural”.
Thanks, Jessica. Rick’s paintings inspire a wide range of poems. I look forward to reading yours.
Tiel, we’ve already highlighted Poefusion several times on Read Write Poem. Thanks for calling everyone’s attention again to Michelle’s blog. Have you seen Rick’s paintings? I’m sure they would inspire you too.
I’m going away or I’d be doing number two, I’ll do it when I get back, she’s always fascinated me. This is a wonderful prompt, well done, Christine (and Rick).
recently found Rick’s prompt.. awesome that you’ve included in yr weekly prompts… thank you as always for great material and challenges…!!
[...] was written for two prompts, actually: Read Write Poem #36 (”Ekphrastic Extravaganza”) and Totally Optional Prompts (”Ghazal”). The painting is “Nanda” by Rick [...]
[...] on humans’ miraculous ability to turn dreams into reality. The poem also responds (HT to readwritepoem) to the beautiful picture above, which is by Rick Mobbs, one of the new [...]
This is actually pretty cool. I hadn’t heard of Rick’s blog until you spotlighted it. Now I’m gonna have to go over there and read more…
-Nicole
I’m glad everyone is getting a chance to view Rick’s paintings. He’s an amazingly generous artist. While you’re there, check out his poems too. They’re pretty wonderful.
Mine’s up.
http://maekitso.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/exorcism/
Cheers
Brad, come back after midnight tonight. (CST) to the get your poem on post.
This is only (even if delicious) the prompt.
[...] 21, 2008 by Donald Harbour Written for Read Write Poem Ekphrastic Extravaganza Prompt #36 for this week, thanks to the talents and generosity of poet and artist Rick Mobbs and the [...]
I chose Standing in the Shadows
Witness
thank you,
jorc
empty garden
[...] in the Shadows, by Rick Mobbs This week’s prompt at ReadWritePoem is to use an image by Rick Mobbs and write a poem inspired by it. I chose Standing in the Shadows, [...]