As an art form, SCULPTURE, three-dimensional art, traverses all ages, cultures and schools of art. Sculpture artists work in stone, wood, clay, metal, glass, polymers, found objects, textile, ice and more. Like word artisans, three-dimensional artists have unbounded opportunities for self-expression.

Their art tells stories, represents cultural or historical events or persons and incorporates religious themes. Sculptures can be concrete or abstract, representational or non-representational. They may take the form of a still life, a landscape or portrait, but all in three-dimension.

Sculpture artists use many of the same “tools” to create their designs as other visual artists: shape, color, pattern, texture, balance and movement, to name a few.

You will find sculptures in homes, museums, gardens, and public places. They are presented as statues, busts, bas-relief, architecture, jewelry, environmental art. Sculpture can incorporate sound, light or kinesis.

Some well-known artists whose names are associated with sculpture include: Michelangelo, Alexander Calder, Rodin, Marcel Duchamp, Andy Goldworthy, and Dale Chihuly. Many two-dimensional artists such as Pablo Picasso, are also known for their work in sculpture.

For today’s prompt, let’s take a look at the concept of sculpture and let it take us to a poetic place. Here are a few suggestions to help you with this prompt:

• Write an ekphrastic poem using a sculpture for inspiration. (If you include an image, use one in the public domain, get permission from the artist, use your own photo or add a link if you prefer).
• Create a poem that is multi-dimensional, that is, one that can be read on more than one level.
• Pick one of the materials that sculpture artists work with and see what happens.
• Sculpture artists create their work by adding layers, such as when they work with clay; they also chip away at their material, such as when they carve wood or stone. You may want to take one of your already-written poems and expand upon it. Or use one that is a bit wordy and carve away the excess. If you choose this prompt, feel free to include both versions.
• Choose one of the above “tools” such as texture or shape and allow it to shine in your poem.

To participate:
• Write your poem and post it on your blog.
• Access Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post, share your name and the direct URL to your poem.
• Visit some of the other poets and comment on their work.
• Above all, have fun!

For dVerse Poetics, I’m Victoria C. Slotto. I’ll be tending bar today and look forward to serving you your refreshment of choice. I can’t wait to see what you bring to share.

Rodin Image: GNU Free Documentation License; Chihuly Image: Public Domain (both via Wikipedia.)