Art & Inspiration: Evanesce by Renee Coloman

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/95a7fc_77b0fc3b53ca4245bdbe4efdf4c442ce/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Visual art always touches my soul, inspiring me to write. -- Renee Coloman, author of speculative fiction

Recently, I grabbed hold of a graphic novel depicting the life of Vincent Van Gogh that deeply explored his life and death, his emotional turmoil, his madness.

I couldn't help but feel a strong desire to pay tribute. I ended up writing a short poem of a love lost---a brilliant warmth faded until it no longer exists.

Graphic novel depicting the life and death of Vincent Van Gogh.

I titled the poem, Evanesce, and played with the word, giving the name Evan S. as the character of desire in the narrative.

Click the video above to hear me read the poem while also appreciating Van Gogh's incredible work.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about art as an inspiration in your writing process.

For me, art, music, everyday conversations always intrigue me and flare ideas in my mind about characters and situations that I file away, temporarily, until I open my laptop and let my imagination run free. In a way, I'm more of a pantser (writing by the seat of your pants) than a plotter (plotting your story before writing), especially when it comes to poetry, flash & short fiction.

Keep fueling your creativity and take care, my friends.

Always, stay strong and stay true to yourself.