Poetry confronts in the most clear-eyed way just those emotions which consciousness wishes to slide by.
Interpretation
Poetry articulates deep emotions that we often ignore or evade.
In this quote, C. K. Williams emphasizes the role of poetry as a medium that brings to light the intricate and often overlooked emotions within our consciousness. It acts as a mirror, reflecting feelings and thoughts that we may choose to ignore in our everyday lives, encouraging a deeper understanding and acceptance of our emotional experiences.
In practice
In a poetry workshop, a facilitator might use this quote to encourage participants to explore emotions they often overlook.
A great work of art is one that truly moves and inspires you. You yourself must be moved. Don't look at art with others' eyes. Don't listen to music with others' ears. You must react to art with your own feelings, your own heart and mind.
At every concert I leave a lot to the moment. I must have the unexpected, the unforeseen. I want to risk, to dare. I want to be surprised by what comes out. I want to enjoy it more than the audience. That way the music can bloom anew. It's like making love. The act is always the same, but each time it's different.
What makes a poem is the discipline inherent in making a poem: trying to fit feelings in the requisite number of syllables and lines, disciplining one's feelings.
What do you think an artist is? ...he is a political being, constantly aware of the heart breaking, passionate, or delightful things that happen in the world, shaping himself completely in their image. Painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.
Whoever wants to know something about me - as an artist which alone is significant - they should look attentively at my pictures and there seek to recognise what I am and what I want.
Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.
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