Pen and Palette
“Art helps make the invisible world come alive for all to see, and sometimes, evokes memories, stories, or new ideas. Art is a doorway for imagination. What if we match a poet and artist for every piece of art? What new stories and inspirations might come!”
Polly Alice McCann, Kansas City artist and poet.
Jan Jensen Artists and the NORI Gallery did just that with an art show and poetry reading entitled Pen and Palette. The result was an evening of conversation, laughter, and tears as these creatives and guests shared insights into the works.
At their core, artists and poets are both interpreters of life. They observe the world around them, filtering their experiences through their own unique perspectives. Artists use the visual elements of color, shape, and texture to convey emotions and ideas, while poets employ words and phrases to craft vivid imagery and evoke emotions. This shared goal of interpretation makes them ideal collaborators, as they can learn from and complement each other’s approaches.
“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and Poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”
Leonard da Vinci
The collaboration between artists and poets is a natural and powerful one. By combining their talents, they can create something truly unique and reach a wider audience. Creatives can learn from each other’s approaches and push the boundaries of their respective mediums.
At Jan Jensen Artists, we believe in the power of creative collaboration and the importance of pushing boundaries in the arts. Our mission is to inspire and empower creatives to work together, share their ideas, and bring new and innovative projects to life. Upcoming collaborations will include dancers, musicians and culinary artists. We invite you to join our community and explore the endless possibilities of creative collaborations.
Swan Shadow
“My work is loving the world” – Mary Oliver
A shadow in the desert is as spare
as a knife’s blade, something between
Illusion and country, a lost battle
where daily sun and wind rarely lose
an illusion of power, the dark, a fleeting
refuge in the sand born from rock.As a poet, my work is to makes the rocks
speak, but in the desert, I am their listener.A swan’s shadow on the water is
A dark wing, something between
companion and illusive friend
Peer deeper to see a daily battle
underneath where little fish come
to steal away the swan’s supper.As a poet, my work is to make shadows speak
but in the water, I am a foreigner only
There to observe. Each day’s hope and struggle
are twins. Each joy, an equal act of courage.Polly Alice