When Stefanie asked me to speak to come in and speak to her art class, I was a bit puzzled. I thought why would an art teacher be inviting me to speak to her class about poetry, but then she told me that each year she does a unit on calligraphy and the use of words in art… HENCE…. Artwork inspired by Bahareh’s poetry.
I went in to speak to the class on a normal school day. I told them of what things made me think of poetry and images that came to mind. I read for them a few short poems, and then they had a few questions for me.
I told them they were welcome to use any of my poems on my website. I went in after about ten days and I saw the work they were doing. I was truly speechless…. but I was full of tears. I did not know what to say or do. I looked at each piece and asked each child why they had chosen to do what they were doing. The descriptions were detailed, thought through and deep. Even to this day, I am touched by each of the images they have created from the poems.
We had a wonderful gathering at Cafe Arabia to celebrate their work. The art was hung for weeks as part of an Abu Dhabi art fair. A few of the pieces were purchased by others, and I am the proud owner of a few.
I know that no matter what I will cherish each and every vowel and consonant that has made the wings of the angel to the feather of the peacock, to the dog’s eyes. Everything, all of it….. cherished in my heart for ever.
And as a big surprise Seema Manoj, the teacher’s assistant had done a portrait of me made with the words from the poem Sitting in Between my Daughters. This is a gift that will continue to give and give until I am able to tell the story to my children’s children and then their children.
I hope that this experience will also last in the hearts and minds of the students. I hope they are able to remember the power of words and the power of connecting words to make images that last a life time and that make a difference in lives.
Exhibition at Cafe Arabia, Abu Dhabi, from 2nd December until the 24th December 2011.
Artists: Anjali Hopley, Daniele Strigi, Maria Taifour, Anastasia Kirby, Tasneem Zarroug, Dong Ae Kim, Victoria Najas, Sarah ElMassry, Isaac Hoke, Rachel Eichhorst, Swati Parashar, Andreas Vatne, Manon Desjardins, Margaret Harrison, Lyla Amad, Diana Nakib, Sophia Aburida
Oh My God. I am so excited to see how your poetry touches 8th graders in such a profound and deep way. I always told you, your words move the world and now I see what inspirational art work comes out of children upon hearing your words. My heart is so happy, it is jumping out of my body. I am overjoyed by and in awe of the power of your healing words. You have always had a higher purpose in life and this is it. You touch, move, enlighten, and lighten humanity with your words of light.
You are indeed Bahareh — The Poetess of Light and Enlightenment.
And as I read your words…. I sense the vibration of light in my BEING…. you have always given my words light. The eye reads, the heart receives. The young students were absolutely incredible…. passionate, real and LIGHT.
I had the pleasure of seeing these pieces at Cafe Arabia & absolutely loved them! There is nothing more moving than art inspired by art.
Thank you!!!! I loved seeing all of them hanging at Cafe Arabia… wasn’t it beautiful? Magical? Children see things so clearly. I learned so much from this project,and I cherish each and every vowel and consonant written by the young artists. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.