BD350
Searching for Black Dandelions in Art & Ekphrastic Writing
In Collaboration with
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Time
3 hours (To be divided between the classroom and excursions to the MW Gallery—home of the Mott-Warsh Collection)
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Skill Reinforcement
writing, critical thinking, analytical processes
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Utilization
English Language Art, Multidisciplinary Studies, History
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Education Levels
upper middle – high school
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Description
Ekphrastic writing is written verse, poetry or prose inspired by art. In this course, expanding the capacity of literacy is a two-step waltz—a comparative duet, breakdancing, between poetry and paintings, or a selected work of art. The visual habitat of paintings will amplify the convergent themes found in the poem, "Black Dandelion.”
Students will identify patterns of relatedness, of the seemingly disparate disciplines of literary art and visual art. Identifying themes of sameness across academic or artistic disciplines fosters student awareness to the undeniable interdependence of all things, whether poem, painting, plant, or a person. Consider how easy it is to recognize water in all of its forms: liquid, solid as ice, and vapor or steam. We are asking students to identify themes found in the “Black Dandelion” poem in other places, namely visual art, and in their world.
Analogies and parallels between the “Black Dandelion” poem and a work of art will be supported and justified by the students according to a 3-Step Rationale gifted to Semaj Brown by her mother, documented in her 2019, Broadside Lotus Press book, “Bleeding Fire! Tap the Eternal Spring of Regenerative Light.” Student writings about the artwork will reflect a hybrid of poetry and prose, contained within a critical thinking context.
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Insight
"Semaj’s artistry is intertwined with her lifelong commitment and passion for education. I have witnessed Ms. Brown’s tireless advocacy for literacy, the literary arts, and creative expression through poetry carried out in workshops that she has initiated or been commissioned to develop and conduct. The Mott-Warsh Collection has featured Semaj Brown in numerous programs at its MW Gallery.
Poetry has proven to be an effective tool in helping individuals and whole communities to heal. Ms. Brown has been instrumental in the sorely needed healing therapy taking place in Flint, Michigan."
Stephanie James
Director, Curator, and Collection Educator
The Mott-Warsh Collection |111 E. Court St., Suite 2C Flint, MI 48502