Thursday, January 17, 2013

Visual to Words



The word, ekphrasis derives from Greek meaning description. It combines the prefix ex (out) with verb phrazein (to point out or explain).

Ekphrasis uses words to comment on a piece of visual art.  This ancient practice and one of the most commonly cited forms occurs in the Illiad.  Homer provides a long account of the elaborate scenes on Achilles' shield.

Photography encourages the form.  Take a walk and use your cell phone to capture opportunities to write about. Dig into details of the moment in view. Add sounds, scents and textures.

Practice with the above photograph.

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