My new fave art book is Picturing and Poeting by noted graphic designer Alan Fletcher.
British writer Fiona MacCarthy wrote something interesting in her forward to the book. She describes the “moment of crystallization when an idea changes state. The point at which the word transforms itself to make a picture. The stage at which the visual image claims an intellectual meaning.” I like that description of the “point of crystallization.” That transformative, art-making moment is what I try to encourage in my creative process classes–where we play with merging art, image, and word.
In any case, I’m glad to have found Alan Fletcher and his book (he also wrote The Art of Looking Sideways), because I’m always looking for fresh inspiration. The book isn’t cheap, but as far as I’m concerned, inspiration is priceless.
There’s probably not a better segueway into my Painted Word class at Book Passage on March 14th. Here’s the writeup: The Painted Word: Letting Art Evoke Writing In this one-day workshop we will have an intimate conversation between art & writing, using art and its principles to shape and inspire the written word. Innovative writing exercises that engage the provocative relationship between words and images will encourage fresh ways of expression. Collage and other art materials will be used to open us up to a rich aesthetic realm. As the art forms merge you will be free to explore new directions in your writing. Both beginning and experienced writers will find this workshop valuable to inspire the creative process. To sign up, click on this link: http://www.bookpassage.com/class_detailed.php?id=411 (The class usually fills up, so sign up early if you’re interested.)