Leonardo Da Vinci on Poetry & Art

“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen,” said Leonardo Da Vinci. Both art forms are expressions of beauty and emotion, but they reach us in different ways.

In painting, we experience visual poetry through colors, shapes, and compositions, allowing our eyes to interpret the artist’s vision. In poetry, we feel the emotions and imagery through words, letting our hearts and minds paint vivid pictures.

Embrace the interplay between these art forms. Let your paintings tell a poetic story and your poems create vibrant imagery. Each form enriches the other, offering a deeper, more profound experience. Celebrate the harmony of sight and feeling, and let your creativity flow across both mediums.

Steve Jobs on Creativity

“Creativity is just connecting things,” Steve Jobs observed.

When you ask creative people how they did something, they often feel a bit guilty because they didn’t invent it from scratch—they simply saw the connections. Over time, these connections seem obvious to them.

Embrace this process of seeing and linking ideas in new ways. Trust that your unique perspective allows you to notice patterns and relationships that others might miss.

Celebrate the simplicity and brilliance of making connections, knowing that creativity lies in recognizing and combining existing elements in fresh, innovative ways.

Your ability to see these connections can lead to extraordinary creations.

Stephen King Advice on Writing

“Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open,” advises Stephen King.

In the initial stages of writing, embrace solitude and focus, letting your ideas flow freely without external influences. This private space allows your creativity to flourish.

Once your first draft is complete, open the door and invite feedback. Revising with an open mind and fresh perspectives enriches your work, adding depth and clarity.

Balancing solitude with collaboration enhances your writing process, transforming your work into something even more powerful. Trust in your vision and welcome the insights of others to create something truly extraordinary.

Neil Gaiman on Creativity

“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you,” Neil Gaiman reminds us.
 
Your voice, your mind, your story, and your vision are uniquely yours. Embrace this individuality and let it shine through in all you do.
 
Write, draw, build, play, dance, and live in a way that only you can. Every creation is a testament to your unique perspective and a gift to the world.
 
Celebrate your originality and let your authentic self guide your creative journey. Your unique contributions enrich the tapestry of life, inspiring others to embrace their own uniqueness.
 
Neil Gaiman

Henri Matisse on Creativity

“Creativity takes courage,” as Henri Matisse wisely said.  It requires boldness to bring your unique vision to life, to share your innermost thoughts and ideas with the world. Each creative act is a brave step into the unknown, where doubts and fears must be overcome.

Embrace the courage within you, trusting that your creative journey will inspire and uplift others.  Your bravery in expressing your creativity can light the way for others to follow their own paths.

Celebrate the fearless spirit of creativity, knowing that every brushstroke, word, or note contributes to a richer, more vibrant world.  Let your courage shine through your creations, making a lasting impact on those who experience your work.

Kay Ryan on Poetry

A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer, beautifully described by Kay Ryan, Pulitzer Prize winner in Poetry 2011. In this intimate exchange, the writer pours their heart onto the page, and the reader engages, bringing their own experiences and interpretations.

Through poetry, we bridge gaps of time, space, and understanding, creating a shared experience that resonates deeply with both parties. It’s a dialogue where emotions, thoughts, and reflections flow freely, fostering connection and insight.

Each reader’s interpretation adds a new layer of depth to the poem, making it a living, evolving piece of art. This dynamic interaction enriches both the writer’s expression and the reader’s experience, creating a profound bond through the power of words.

Embrace the power of poetry to foster meaningful conversations. Let your words reach out, inviting readers to join you in a dance of language and emotion, discovering new layers of meaning together.

"A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer." Kay Ryan (BA, MA - UCLA) is an American poet and educator. Pulitzer Prize in Poetry 2011 MacArthur Fellow 2011 United States Poet Laureate 2008 - 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship 2004 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize 2004 - with photo of Kay Ryan

Tracy K. Smith on Poetry

Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize winner in Poetry 2012, reminds us: “Poetry is not a cure. It is an invitation to beauty.”
 
Poetry doesn’t seek to solve or heal all our woes; rather, it invites us to witness and appreciate the beauty in the world, even amidst pain and struggle.
 
Through poetry, we find moments of grace and splendor, offering a fresh perspective on our experiences. It allows us to pause, reflect, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary. This invitation to beauty enriches our lives, helping us to connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
 
Embrace poetry as a doorway to beauty. Let it guide you to discover the profound and the lovely in the everyday, transforming your view of the world.
 
Poet Tracy K. Smith

Sharon Olds on Poetry

Sharon Olds, Pulitzer Prize in Poetry winner in 2013, beautifully captures the essence of poetry: “Poetry is a place where the things you don’t want to happen sometimes happen.”

In the realm of poetry, we confront our deepest fears, sorrows, and unwanted truths. It’s a space where we can explore and process the complexities of life, turning pain into art.

Poetry allows us to give voice to the unspoken and face the uncomfortable. It provides a sanctuary for our innermost thoughts and emotions, even those we wish to avoid. Through poetic expression, we find a way to cope, understand, and ultimately transform our experiences.

Embrace the power of poetry to navigate through life’s unwanted moments. Let your words flow, capturing the essence of your journey and finding beauty even in the midst of difficulty.

Pulitzer Poet Sharon Olds

Robert Frost on Poetry

A poem is born from the depths of raw emotion—a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, homesickness, or lovesickness. Robert Frost, the celebrated poet and only four time Pulitzer Prize in Poetry winner, eloquently captures this essence. These profound feelings ignite the spark of creativity, transforming our deepest emotions into powerful, evocative verses.

When we experience a lump in the throat, it signals an overwhelming emotion that demands expression. It could be an unspoken truth or a poignant moment that touches the core of our being. This intense sensation often becomes the seed of a poem, urging us to put pen to paper.

A sense of wrong, on the other hand, stirs a desire to address injustices or express dissent. It’s a powerful motivator, pushing us to articulate our thoughts and feelings about the world around us. This drive can lead to some of the most compelling and thought-provoking poetry.

Homesickness and lovesickness are universal experiences that resonate deeply with many. The longing for home or a loved one can be profoundly moving, providing rich material for poetic exploration. These emotions are timeless, connecting readers and writers across generations and cultures.

Embrace these moments of intense emotion, for they are the seeds of poetic inspiration. Allow your feelings to flow onto the page, transforming your experiences into verses that capture the essence of your journey.

In this way, poetry becomes a powerful outlet for our innermost thoughts and feelings, allowing us to share our unique perspectives with the world.

Robert Frost on Poetry