This post is part of my series, Courting the Muse. Subscribers to my email list receive a weekly prompt focusing on one aspect of creativity.

This week’s prompt: Let a poem or song lead the way

Part 1: Backstory

IT’S NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!!!

And that’s a big frickin’ deal around here! Poetry readings. More poetry readings. Collaborations between poets and visual artists. Art shows featuring poetry. Poetry readings featuring art.

Like I said, it’s a big freakin’ deal.

It’s even more of a BFD for me on a personal level. This month marks my last appearance in a local group show. “Timeless Inspirations: Poetic Persian Music – Reflections in Art” Featuring internationally acclaimed Persian vocalist Marjan Vahdat hangs at the Nevada City Winery Gallery from now through May 18.

Opening Reception April 18, 5:30-7:30 PM

You don’t want to miss the reception, you really don’t. Marjan is a powerful singer with an equally powerful story. It’s her story to tell so I won’t go into it here–Just come to the reception!

Part 2: The Setup

I read an interview with Stephen King years ago when he likened writing horror stories to being a kid jumping out of a closet shouting BOO and scaring the crap outta people.

Well, that’s kinda my what I’m doing these days–going to the grocery store and startling the bejezus outta people who think I’m long gone to Washington.

Their first reaction is always the same–a wide eyed deer-in-the-headlights stare accompanied by You’re still here!

I assure them that I am indeed still here but will be moving in a month or so. And they’re invited–you’re all invited to visit me up there.

It wasn’t any different when I ran into Andrea. The first encounter was at the deli counter. After going through the ritual Still here???? Yep, she mentioned how excited she was about the upcoming artists/poets show she was putting together. Andrea is the gallerist for the Nevada City Winery Gallery.

We bumped into each other again in the produce section. Her enthusiasm for the show was so contagious that I knew I wanted to be in it. Especially when she began talking about the imagery of lush gardens, the flowers and fruit of Persian New Year and an amazing vocalist who would be singing Persian poetry.

Well, I might have invited myself.

Part 3: Meeting Marjan

After hearing Marjan sing during the pre-show meeting, I went home and broke my self imposed living-in-a-tiny-rental-with-no-studio rules which were:

• painting on the kitchen table means painting small
• painting on the kitchen table means pastels, not ‘real’ paints

But after listening to Marjan’s big voice, after hearing her describe growing up with Persian poetry being a huge part of her family life, well, small wasn’t gonna cut it.

No. I HAD to go big. I HAD to use oil. I had to do justice to her music.

And so I did.

This, my friends is ‘Rooted’. It’s based on her song ‘Rooted in You’. I’ve read several translations. Combined with the sound of her voice I interpret it as a sensuous declaration of love. Please click the link and listen, you’ll be glad you did!

Remember, you can hear Marjan sing in person at the Opening Reception, April 18, 5:30-7:30 at The Nevada City Winery Gallery, 321 Spring St, Nevada City. The show is hanging now through May 18.

Your Turn

I’d love to hear what poetry or music found you this week—and how it showed up in your art. What pulled you in? What did it stir up? Whether your piece is finished, in progress, or just a flicker of an idea, share it in the comments. Let’s keep this space alive with creativity and conversation. I’m always inspired by the different directions we each take from a shared prompt.

Till next week–