Seeds of inspiration can come from anywhere. Just take a look at the current exhibitions. Did you notice how each artist was inspired by something different? Sometimes inspiration stems from things that we learn about or know well from our experiences – such as our culture, families, and community. Other inspirations can come from a single moment, word, or idea.
We collaborated with Wisconsin poet Adrienne S. Wallner to come up with this unique project for National Poetry Month.
Step 1: Choose your beginning word.
In the studio, people would begin by choosing an acorn from the vending machine. On the acorns, Adrienne glued words and phrases.
But all you need to get started is a bundle of words to surprise yourself with. Try flipping through a book and randomly pointing to the text. Whatever you land on can be your starting word or phrase. You could also choose a number of words, write them down on pieces of paper, place them folded in a hat, and then pull them out.
Step 2: Write your poem inspired by your prompt.
Feeling stuck? Here’s a list of ideas for how to start.
- What does this word or phrase make you think of? A recent experience? A memory? Someone you know? Write the first thing that comes into your head. Free write without editing for a few minutes and see what comes up.
- Make the prompt the title of your poem.
- Use the prompt as the first line or as the last line of your poem.
- Create a list of all the things the prompt reminds you of.
- Explore your senses. What could the prompt sound like, taste like, look like, smell like? Can you describe its texture or how it feels?
- Define or describe the prompt without saying what it is.
- What could be opposite of this prompt? Explore the difference between these ideas. (“hours in front of a woodstove” = seconds behind the waterfall)
- Write a letter to the word or phrase. (“Dear Things I forgot”, “Dear Gray Area”, “Dear Hungry Wolves”)
- If you have other ideas about how to use your Seed of Inspiration in your poem, do it! There is no wrong way to write a poem.
Step 3: Share your poem.
In the STUDIO, people wrote a favorite line or word on a piece of vellum paper that was then hung in the front windows. The papers were then removed and attached to the hanging spiral sculpture Adrienne designed.
You are welcome to share your poem in whatever matter you like! You could read it to a family member, mail it off to a friend, share it on your social media… or share it with us! Type your poem in the comment area below. We would enjoy reading what you wrote.
The seed that has inspired you is planted here in the STUDIO or out there in the world and has the potential to continue inspiring someone else!