Wordless silence of poetic mind: outlining and visualising poetic experiences through artmaking

Dekel, Gil (2008) Wordless silence of poetic mind: outlining and visualising poetic experiences through artmaking. Qualitative Social Research, [26].

Record type: Article

Abstract

This paper approaches visionary poetry from the point of view of an experiential observer. The paper explores the "poetic silence" that occurs in the moments before the poem is written, attempting to capture the moments in which a thought of poetry is formulated. This silence is defined by RILKE (1950, p.20) as "nameless", thus may pose a challenge for a paper that uses names, i.e. written words, to convey ideas. To assist in this challenge I shall use visuals in form of short films that were created as part of my research. Visuals seem most suitable for demonstrating visionary poetry, which relies on visions and imagination. Creating films played a role in developing my understanding of the topic. Hence, I shall share with the reader some relevant insights regarding research practice that were brought to my attention in the process of making the films.

I will examine three elements that characterise the process of poetic activity: Thought, Emotion, and Inner knowledge.

Thought transforms emotion to words; emotion stirs the impetus to create; and inner knowledge is a higher source from beyond the poet him/herself, which can be seen as a spiritual force that is the meaning and the energy of creativity itself.

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