Art Inspires: a challenge

What kind of feelings does the above artwork evoke in you? Can you express them in words? If you are viewing this page as a Vocal creator, then the answer to this question ought to be an emphatic YES, even if the picture does not appeal to you. If you are a reader of stories such as this, and don't think of yourself as a story-writer or poet, then perhaps now is a good time to think again.

Read the complete list of challenge entries

We are all story writers. We all post messages on social media and exchange pictures, news, greetings and thoughts in family and other groups (or if you don't, in telephone calls and old-fashioned written letters). Writing a story, being an author, is no different. 'Authors', so-called, are just trained (or self-trained) to do so using certain literary conventions, and with the aim of publishing their finished work.

You ARE therefore a story teller, so why not have a go at this challenge?

$10 tip or Amazon voucher to the winner

All you have to do to enter is to write a poem, short story, flash fiction, or critique of the artwork. If you are a Vocal-registered creator, post it in the usual way and link it in comments below. If not (for instance if you came to this page via a Facebook group) follow the instructions posted to that group or contact me via the group, or by messenger. There is a single cash prize on offer to the winner, either as a tip (Vocal+ members only) or as an Amazon voucher.

A link back to this page would be appreciated too.

But let's not worry too much about the cash. This is intended as a fun exercise and challenge, with a little incentive and thank you. Mostly, it's all about the joining in and having fun exchanging stories, writing our own and reading others, inspired by a work of art.

A fun excercise and challenge

The work of art in this case is Night Jasmine Two by Eileen Cooper RA. You are unlikely to see this work unless you visit my home in the Kent suburbs of London. If you did, I would of course make you welcome, otherwise you have the above digital reproduction to inspire you. Surely you need no more to inspire your story or verse?

Here are some of the stories that other creators have come up with so far:

I don't want to influence you by giving my own interpretation of this treasured work, other than to say that I acquired it at a public exhibition at Somerset House in London a few years ago.

Night Jasmine is a monoprint, which is a one-off printing method (I am a bit sketchy on the process). This work is the second of a series of four unique works, and is distinguished by the bird that was added post-print. If you think I am writing this as a poor excuse for showing off my prized art possession you are absolutely right.

Also a good excuse for an art-inspired challenge which those who know me will know I find it hard to resist too.

Here is another work by Eileen Cooper, sadly not in my collection. Shown as an example of how art can inspire writing. I had written the linked poem within an hour of seeing this glorious work, such was the impact the painting had on my.

Why not give it a go? As authors we sometimes have to chase the muse. What better place to seek her than hiding in a work of art?

Deadline is Kara Walker's birthday, October 26, 1969 at 12:00 midday EST (17:00 UTC, BST, UK). If you don't know who Kara Walker is (pictured above), you know how to use the internet, right?

Fons Americanus by Kara Walker

Rules of the challenge

• These rules are more guidelines than rules (PotC).
• This challenge is open to all who come across it, Vocal+ members or not.
• A single prize of $10 (or equivalent) will be offered to the one judged by the promoter (me) to have produced the best story (poem, critique or other interpretation) in response to the challenge.
• Deadline for entries is October 26, 2024 @ 12:00 midday PST (17:00 UTC).
• To enter, write a short story, flash fiction, poem (any form) or critique of the artwork shown and then publish it either (1) on Vocal, if you are a member or, if not, (2) in any appropriate format that can be linked (contact the promoter if in doubt).
• Works must be original, written for this challenge, must be the author's own work and must not infringe anyone else's intellectual property or other rights. Any use of 'artificial intelligence' tools must be declared and wholly AI-generated works are not acceptable.
• Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or any other offensive material (in the opinion of the promoter) will not be accepted and appropriate action will be taken against such offensive material if submitted.
• Entrants may reside in any territory and be of any nationality. All entries must be in English, with English dialects permitted.
• There is no age limit. Any entries from under 18s (or anyone below the age of majority in the relevant jurisdiction) must be submitted by an appropriate adult who will take responsibility for ensuring compliance with these rules.
• The promoter will judge the entries according to criteria to be determined and no correspondence will be entered as to the outcome. The winner will be announced in due course after the entry deadline,
• A single prize of $10 (or equivalent in other currency) will be offered either as (1) a Vocal 'tip' or (2) an Amazon voucher. If for any reason the offer is not accepted and/or for any reason cannot be paid after 21 days from the offer, the money will be paid to a suitable charity of the promoter's choice.
• Any questions arising from interpretation of these rules will be resolved by the promoter without further correspondence.

WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

Happy writing folks!