Of Paint and Poems: A Journey Through Art and Verse
By Sarnia de la Mare
Art and poetry have always shared a unique symbiosis, each offering a perspective that enriches the other. In my latest picture book, Of Paint and Poems, I weave these two expressive forms together, creating a deeply personal and immersive experience for readers. This collection is a visual and lyrical odyssey—one that invites contemplation, emotion, and a fresh way of engaging with art.
The Vision Behind Of Paint and Poems
For years, my artistic practice has revolved around the interplay of texture, color, and emotion. With this book, I wanted to take that dynamic further by integrating words that enhance and transform each piece. Rather than serving as mere descriptions, the accompanying poems act as companions, sometimes echoing the artwork’s mood, sometimes offering an entirely new perspective. The result is a layered experience that encourages readers to see beyond the surface and feel the stories within the brushstrokes.
A Glimpse Inside
Each page of Of Paint and Poems is a carefully curated moment, presenting paintings that span my artistic evolution, paired with verses that flow in harmony. Some images are bold and kinetic, while others are subtle and introspective. The poetry shifts in tone, from meditative whispers to urgent declarations, mirroring the emotions embedded within the art.
In one spread, a vivid explosion of blues and golds is met with a poem about longing and the sea’s restless embrace. Another juxtaposes a monochromatic portrait with a quiet, introspective reflection on time’s passage. This balance between image and word creates an immersive rhythm, much like the dialogue between music and movement.
Who Is This Book For?
Of Paint and Poems is for anyone who finds solace in creativity. Whether you are an artist, a poet, or simply someone who loves to lose yourself in the interplay of visuals and words, this book offers something special. It is a collection for those who appreciate art’s ability to speak without explanation and poetry’s power to capture what lies beneath the surface.
The Creative Process
Bringing this book to life was an organic yet meticulous process. Some of the artworks existed before the words, while others were born from lines that lingered in my mind. I allowed the images and text to converse, revisiting each pairing until they felt inseparable. This fusion of visual and verbal storytelling was as much about instinct as it was about refinement—a journey of discovering how both forms can amplify each other’s impact.
Launching This April on Amazon and Kindle
I’m thrilled to announce that Of Paint and Poems will be available for purchase starting this April on Amazon and Kindle. You’ll be able to order both the print and digital editions, making it accessible to readers worldwide.
I will be sharing more about its journey in upcoming exhibitions and readings. If you’d like a signed copy, feel free to reach out!
Thank you for joining me on this creative exploration. I hope Of Paint and Poems resonates with you, sparks new interpretations, and encourages you to see art and poetry as intertwined expressions of the same boundless human experience.
