Ekphrastic Writing Contest

WRITING CONTEST

LING, Marlow Brooks

Author: R.R. Shakti 

Take several deep breaths as you observe this calligraphy painting by Marlow Brooks. Look at the artwork closely and note its details, colors, textures, shapes, and composition. Let your eyes wander over every part of it, taking in as much as possible without immediately forming opinions or words. Let this practice be a meditation. Focus on your breath and allow yourself to be fully present with the artwork. Let go of external distractions.

Then, engage with emotion. Allow yourself to feel any natural responses the art provokes. What mood does it create? What does the artwork do to you? How does your body respond to it? How do you feel? What arises to your memory? Your imagination? Does it remind you of a specific concept or story? 

Now, take a few moments to express your responses and reflections in writing. Write in the form of “first thought, best thought,” a stream-of-consciousness style to capture the immediacy of your experience. Don’t worry about form or structure. Describe what you see, what you feel, and any thoughts the artwork conjures. Allow your insights to provide the details.

Once you have captured the initial impressions, explore the deeper meanings. Consider the context of the artwork: its historical, social, or personal background. How do these elements influence your perception and interpretation? Consider why you wrote what you did. Does your writing provide an invitation into deeper understanding and self-awareness? Allow yourself time to reflect. You may revisit your writing later, revising to more accurately capture your thoughts and emotional responses.

This is a practice of Ekphrastic poetry and your submission could win you a copy of Marlow Brooks’ book of art and poetry: The Way Through. Your entry may also be featured in an upcoming issue of Soul Artist Journal. 

The Way Through

Calling for Ekphrastic Writing Submissions

Submit your Ekphrastic Writing inspired by the painting LING, by Marlow Brooks for a chance to win a copy of her art and poetry book: The Way Through. Your entry may also be featured in an upcoming issue of Soul Artist Journal. 

DEADLINE IS April 5, 2025. 
Winner & Submissions will be released on April 13, 2025.

Thank you!

The term "ekphrastic" comes from the Greek word ekphrasis which means "description." It is derived from the prefix ek- which denotes "out" and phrasis which refers to "expression." Ekphrastic writing is an outward expression of your inspiration, a practice of writing what you see and experience with rich detail. 

Ekphrastic poetry engages a work of visual art–a painting, sculpture, or photograph–and uses vivid language to describe, interpret, or explore the emotions and ideas evoked by that piece. As a meditation practice, Ekphrastic writing provides a deeper experience of the artwork and fosters a profound connection to your own creative intuition. It encourages you slow down, observe with mindfulness and discover new dimensions of authentic self-expression. 

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