Monday, March 15, 2010

Sense of Wonder


I always appreciate when I receive feedback that something I have made has inspired others. My artwork is nearly always visual in nature. But occasionally I feel the need to express myself in verse rather than through images. The following poem, which has been previously posted on my blog, has provided an instance where my inspiration has been paid forward:

After The Storm

When the thunder ends and the rain stops falling
When the sea is calm and the birds start calling
The clouds will part like a curtain drawing
Promise of an open door

When the air is clear and the wind stops blowing
The sun reappears and the earth starts glowing
A light so strong as if all knowing
Sense of wonder to explore

In that window, in that time
A clearing of a cluttered mind
A ray of hope, it all takes form
In that moment, after the storm


When this poem was first posted, it inspired this companion poem by Jill Zaheer from JazWorks:

It took me on a journey
Which I read to be my own
Visually traveling to another place, another time
Yet in my own home.

The picture was a visual visceral rendering
Of the traveling of my soul.
It was mesmerizing, calming, captivating,
Transporting me, transforming me,
Making me whole.

Within that magical moment described,
After the Storm imparts a miraculous, new ability to see,
After the Storm ...........
Is now a special part of me.

And more recently, it inspired JoAnna Pierotti from Moss Hill Studio to create this beautiful artwork:


If you know Jo and her husband Ron's story, you will understand why this meant a lot to me. Click here to read Jo's post about this piece. While Jo initially gave this to Ron, she ultimately and generously decided to send it to me instead. She assured me that Ron did not mind at all.

So thank you Jill and Jo, for what you each created has inspired me in return!

22 comments:

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

I have been to bed but not to sleep...I toss and turn... and then came downstairs to seek solace...your poetic words reached into my heart...as the storm draws nearer. Your Grace and gentleness guides many through a darkest of nights. Thank you friend. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

ArtPropelled said...

How wonderful is that ?? I LOVE your poem and the fact that it has inspired artists to create.
Promise of an open door .... a feeling I know so well when after a storm the air is fresh and the birds sing songs of hope. A moment if inspiration ... anticipation.

Mescrap said...

You hav inspired me !!

* I had received your package of great ephemeras. Thank you.
Mine package just send out last week. Sorry for the delay.

Harnett-Hargrove said...

I is so very satisfying to know that an energy of a piece keeps resonating from here to there, but can be traced back home. -J

M. Lefebvre said...

Hello Seth.
I've enjoyed looking at your blog and particularly liked the "espresso paintings". They look wonderful. I also use espresso (in the form of an intial colour wash) in the work I do.
Have bookmarked your page and will return.
Regards,
M.

Healing Woman said...

Beautiful poetry.

Rainey J. Dillon said...

Hiya Seth
& jolly greetings from the Paddy's Day Festival vibe over here in Dublin.
Joanna's work is lovely very autumnal & solid. What a fab thing to receive especially when it's packed with meaning.

Rainey

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You are quite the wordsmith. You inspire, no matter what medium you use.

Caterina Giglio said...

what an awesome post and so nice to know how much you do inspire us all! thanks for the link, I will check out the blog...

Jill Z said...

Thanks for all of your inspiration, with this poem being exceptionally moving to me. Jo's story and art work are so heartfelt and touching as is the work and feelings that you've expressd. You inspire so many people everyday, and even if they don't directly share it with you, you can see it in their artwork and praise of your work! The truth is, you make it so easy for all of us to be inspired by you- and for that, I'm always grateful!

lynne h said...

gosh seth, what an *honor*. jill, if you see this, your poem is beautiful! and jo - wow! the resonance of your poem is manifesting in amazing ways...

Marit said...

It's like being part of a very special "art family" isn't it? The Internet made it happen, and it's very special!!! LOVE your poem and the art that goes around in waves, touching each and all of us!

Renee Howell said...

'tis good to have friends...

JoAnnA Pierotti said...

Seth, it was my pleasure to send you this piece inspired by your poem. I use to write poetry but somewhere along the line, I stopped. Wish I could do that again.

You sure have a way that touches souls, a gift. I'm so glad we crossed paths.

blessings,
jo

mansuetude said...

I love the line "promise of an open door" and is seems as if your voice made a few and created, manifestations in others...

that is truly a door.!
its you.

Anonymous said...

i loved that poem that you wrote so very much, seth and i very much loved reading jill's companion poem. i love that lady! joanna's piece is gorgeous and what a tremendous gift! i know you will treasure that always. together, the three of you have inspired me greatly today. thank you for that!

Kim Palmer said...

I loved this piece you wrote when you first blogged it, and saw Jo's inspired piece recently too. How lovely that she sent it too you! And now I see Jill caught that particular wave as well. It is such a wonderful feeling knowing you have inspired others to stretch their creative muscle and explore. Well done to all of you.

Caroline Gill said...

Thank you, Seth, for your kind comment on my poem (forgive me if I have thanked you already...).

I am quite blown away by the poems on this terrific post (shape and all!). What a buzz when one poem or piece of art sparks more creativity! What did we do before blogs?

judibel said...

Words and images - all so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing the proof that love makes the world go round and the art spectacular.

layers said...

What an incredible art community we exist in-- supporting and inspiring each other in unpredictable ways-- and the fact that you are a poet AND a visual artist is wonderful-- multi-talented artist.

Chris said...

How touching. Love what she made. Of course, your poems slay me.

i mean, in a great way.

rivergardenstudio said...

I love how your beautiful poem inspired Jill, and then resulted it this gorgeous piece of art... I keep reading your's and Jill's words over and over again, "A ray of hope, it all takes form" and then "the traveling of my soul" have especially moved me and now I want to write! thank you, roxanne