How can we use art to inspire words? Ekphrasis translates as ‘description’ in Greek and, today, an ekphrasis is used to mean a literary description of art. In effect, it is one artist responding to another, using a verbal response to visual representations. But beyond writing about what you see, it is about connecting to an image, exploring how our encounter with it makes us feel. What memories does it evoke? What story might it be telling? What do you think the artist was trying to say and what might you say to them?  

In this 75 minute workshop, led by Joanna Wolfarth, the Urban Tree Festival writer-in-residence, we will use art as the subject matter and inspiration for your own poetry and prose on the theme of Secrets of the Trees. After exploring some examples of ekphrasis, Joanna will present and discuss several artworks before leading a writing exercise in response to these visual prompts. 

Hopefully the workshop will inspire you to submit an entry to the Urban Tree festival 2023 writing competition that has the theme of Secrets of the Trees.

Early bird and discounted tickets are available to the first 12 bookers, and there are 3 free places for those unable to afford a ticket, please get in touch if you need to claim one. Go to the About / Who we are page and scroll to the bottom to complete the contact form.