In previous posts (here and here), I mentioned the poem that provided the inspiration to combine my poetry with my quilts. Around this same time, I was also reading Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff Vandermeer. My taste in books is nothing if not eclectic.
Wonderbook is aimed at science fiction and fantasy writers, which I am not, but I carry a strong conviction that lessons can be learned about story structure and character development in any genre. And besides, the book was filled with imaginative art work as visual aid for story telling, which was a selling point.
I don’t think we ever out grow the desire to read picture books.
I was reading this very intriguing book because I intend to finish my novel someday. Nothing more. I expected to learn more about the art of writing. Maybe pick up a couple of pointers to guide me in the process. I did not expect to learn something about making art.
I think that’s what did it, really. The book, combined with my poem and the picture the poem drew in my mind, exposed the connection between my compulsion to tell stories (even in the typical short narrative form of poetry) and my desire to create something that is visually pleasing (quilts).
The What If? moment came while reading the book.
The AHA! moment came with the poem.
So this is the journey to bring Words for Grey, the poem, to life, as the quilt.
Next week: Part 2 – Creating the Canvas
Do you find inspiration in what seem like random connections?
Hilary Clark Studios 