I’m naturally drawn to anything relating to art, so this challenge was a no-brainer for me. It’s helped me find ways of describing themes I didn’t think I’d be able to address. Together with other challenges I’ve taken on this year, it has given me more confidence in my creative goals.

-Lydia Wist

Diving into beautiful images to see what floats or splashes up.

-Holly York

Usually I work from words already rolling around in my head, this was more akin to feeling my way through dark water with a stick. The challenge has been a great adventure, with much inspiration. Seeing how different responses are has been a joy.

-Peach Delphine

If I’m honest it has been really difficult. Both in finding the time and the inspiration. I struggled to connect with many of the images and I now realise I’m not very good at writing on demand.

That said Paul, it was good to try it and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into it. And I’ve some drafts to work on that I wouldn’t otherwise have. Thanks for all you do for me and the wider artistic community!

-Gaynor Kane

…tweet..

i spend thirty days writing
one eye closed, storm building.
you never know what goes on
behind the scenes.
there are pictures each day
some seem similar
some seem a memory now.
a daily challenge

-sbm

The challenge has been different this time. Same issue how to write an original poem every day for a month. My solution to let ideas flow uncensored. The result: I discovered humour in these little stories. Different and more spontaneous. Plus as usual a great sense of community.

-Dai Fry

The images, especially the Marcel Herms have often been unsettling, dug into the disturbing places I don’t usually like to go. Terry Chipp’s sometimes mysterious images has allowed for a change of register. It’s been a demanding and fruitful experience altogether.

-Jane Dougherty

Challenges exist to surmount, but also as learning experiences. What I enjoy most about being asked to work from other people’s prompts is the element of surprise, and what my mind imagines from such stimulus. It’s a great opportunity to also discover and expand your abilities.

-Sarah Reeson

Thank you for organizing the ekphrastic challenge and publishing my work. I surprised myself, being able to produce a poem each day. It was a joyful, enriching experience and an honor to appear in your beautiful Wombwell Rainbow alongside such talented artists and poets.

I’m grateful to Paul & participating artists & poets for inspiring me out of a writing slump. I was struck by how often we mirrored each other, like Matisse & Picasso painting uncannily similar subjects despite being separated by geography & war. I’ve loved the collective energy!

-Gayle J Greenlea

And How Did The Artist’s Feel About The Response To Their Work

I was very honored and pleasantly surprised to see the beautiful poetry my work gave rise to.

-Marcel Herms