It seems that “poetry” is a theme in my world during the last several weeks. Beginning with watching a great film around New Year’s called “I Heard the Bells” which tells the life story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and how he came to write this beloved Christmas Carol, I had poetry on my mind.
After watching the movie and feeling an excitement to know his story, I had the idea that maybe I should research his quotations and create a series to list on Etsy. Below you can see each quotation/artwork image, and its corresponding Etsy link if you feel touched by a piece and feel inclined to order a blank notecard ($7.50 each, $47.50 sets of 8, or a matted print ranging from 8 x 10 at $20, 11 x 14 at $38 or 16 x 20 at $100).
Here is the film’s trailer for anyone looking for an inspiring drama with artistic and Christian themes. It’s also a profound love story, and includes the tragedies that contributed to Longfellow’s articulation of the human experience.
The poetry theme continued when around January 3rd I noticed in my email a “call for entries” in a local poetry-themed exhibit. I decided to respond, and registered my calligraphic artwork (can be viewed on this link) called “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver. I have done so many poetry-themed pieces over the years, it was right up my alley.
And after dropping the piece off this past Monday, was surprised to receive a message yesterday that I would be receiving one of the three advertised awards for the judged exhibit. The reception is Sunday and anyone in this are is welcome to attend. More info here. The original piece will be for sale during the show, and if it does not sell there (I had to increase my asking price to cover their commission) then please message if you might want to be notified some time in March to discuss a purchase price if you’ve had your eye on it.
The piece is also available in notecards/prints on Etsy at this link: “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver
The following are the offerings in my new collection on Etsy — thanks for looking and any orders!
Order “Art is the Child of Nature (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Be Still Sad Heart (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Brain and Heart (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Brain and Heart (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Disarm Hostility (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Do the Thing Right (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Dreams That Cannot Die (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Give What You Have (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Hand of an Old Friend (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Hand of an Old Friend (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Heart Mind Memories (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Hitting the Mark (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Judging Ourselves (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Kind Hearts (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Knock Loud Enough (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Leaves of Memory (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Let it Rain (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Lives of Great Men (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Lives of Great Men (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Music Universal Language (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Our Destined End (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Perserverence (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Seashore of the Mind (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Secret Sorrow (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Stay at Home (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Heart of the Great Ocean (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “The Human Voice (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “The Nearer the Dawn (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “The Opportunity of Age (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “The World of God (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “To Labor and to Wait (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Love is Not Bought (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Order “Affection is Never Wasted (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow series)” on Etsy
Thanks for reading!
Where would our world be without the poets, musicians and artists?
As Mr. Keating says, “Sometimes the most beautiful poetry can be about simple things, like a cat, or a flower or rain. You see, poetry can come from anything with the stuff of revelation in it. Just don’t let your poems be ordinary. Now, who’s next?”
It seems fitting to close this piece with that wonderfully expressive, intense scene from “Dead Poets Society.”
