What Emotions Does Art Evoke in You?

Life newsletter#16 features the month of July prompt collab with poet, writer, and artist par excellence, Ali

Have you stood before a painting and pondered upon the emotions it evokes in you? I have and can tell you that it has the power to move something deep within just like a haunting melody or beautiful lines of poetry.

On this platform, I am fortunate to be acquainted with a number of writers who are multitalented — they not only wield magic with a pen but also with a paintbrush and other artistic mediums.

And one such incredibly talented person whom I am excited to have onboard to do the Life month of July prompt is writer and artist, Ali.

Ali is passionate about writing poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Acrylic paints are her favorite medium, but she also uses watercolors and pastels. So without further ado, I present to you this month’s prompt in collaboration with Ali!

Art is a mix of imagination and skill. It is appreciated not only for its beauty but for its ability to evoke various emotions. So many, including myself, have said, “I’m not artistic.”

We relate artistry to the ability to paint, to draw. Art comes in different forms, such as writing, music, and dancing. It is a way to express ourselves that brings joy. The focus here should not be on how skilled we are. It is more about how great an activity made you feel.

I began my artistic journey several years ago with pastels and have moved on to acrylic and watercolor painting. I do not have an artistic background. My mentor gave pastels to me as a gift, and it took me months before I used them. Why? Because of self-doubt.

Finally, I decided to do research, and I went for it!

Pastels can get messy. My goal was to have fun. To allow my mind to slow down and enjoy the experience, paying no attention to the outcome. It was soothing, and soon, I longed for moments when I could indulge and escape into my art world.

When my brush deeps into a mound of paint and glides across a canvas, I feel myself creating music listening to the sounds it makes as it moves, depositing the color. Sometimes I get into a specific rhythm; other times, I go with the flow. My hands try to keep up with my imagination as my mind enters a world of its own. Just imagine what this world would be if it lacked any form of expression when it comes to one’s creativity.

I have discovered that there is an artist within each of us. Some of us play with colors, some with words, and others with musical notes.

🌸For this month’s prompt, I would like you to take a look at this acrylic abstract painting and write a poem inspired by it. Please include at least one of the colors observed in your written piece🌸

Everyone is welcome to participate including my poet friends Carmellita, William J Spirdione, Walter Pop Matthews IV, Sahil Patel, Dr. Preeti Singh, Monoreena Acharjee Majumdar, Marilyn Glover, Elvie Lins, Monika Sharma

Please don’t forget to tag me Yana Bostongirl and Ali in your prompt responses.

🌸 I invite you to visit Ali’s Medium page

🌸 This week’s story pick for Coffee Times Life Substack is by Yousuf Rafi Happiness is an Inside Job — How to Stay Happy in Tough Times?

🌸 Want to be a writer for Coffee Times? Then sign up here