anonyrrie: Illustration Friday - Feet

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Illustration Friday - Feet


In poetry, the term foot refers to the basic unit used in the scansion or measurement of metrical verse. A foot usually contains one accented syllable and one or two unaccented syllables. Certain poetic forms require not only a specific kind of meter, but also a set number of feet per line. Shakespeare, for example, wrote his plays and sonnets in iambic pentameter - five feet per line, with each foot comprised of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable.

The Muses of Greek mytholgy are goddesses who preside over the arts and sciences, invoked by poets and musicians for inspiration. Although there were originally many Muses, the Greeks favored nine: Calliope (epic or heroic poetry), Clio (historical and heroic poetry), Erato (love and erotic poetry), Euterpe (music and lyric poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Polyhymnia (eloquence and dance), Terpsichore (dancing and the dramatic chorus), Thalia (comedy and pastoral poetry), and Urania (astronomy and astrology). Each Muse had a paticular object associated with her art. Erato, the muse of lyrical love and erotic poetry, is usually depicted with a lyre.

In his poem "On the Sonnet," John Keats writes about the poet's attempt to reconcile the demands of poetric structure with the pure inspiration of the Muses:

If by dull rhymes our English must be chain'd,
And, like Andromeda, the Sonnet sweet
Fetter'd, in spite of pained loveliness,
Let us find, if we must be constrain'd,
Sandals more interwoven and complete
To fit the naked foot of Poesy:
Let us inspect the Lyre, and weigh the stress
Of every chord, and see what may be gain'd
By ear industrious, and attention meet;
Misers of sound and syllable, no less
Than Midas of his coinage, let us be
Jealous of dead leaves in the bay wreath crown;
So, if we may not let the Muse be free,
She will be bound with garlands of her own.

(ink drawing/collage colored in photoshop)

70 Comments:

Blogger gudbrandsdottir said...

Great interpretation of the theme!
I like your "greek" style, great picture!

12:03 PM  
Blogger Brian the Mennonite said...

I love the way you've used Keats' words to make your work come more alive. I'm amazed at how well Keats was able to evoke sensuous experience, seeing as he died at a very young 26. He must have either had a lot of experience, or he was a young man with a vivid imagination.
And thanks for the little poetry lesson...that brought me back about 12 years.

12:04 PM  
Blogger valerie walsh said...

Beautiful art and interpretation of the theme Carla! I love to learn from you and this is such a wealth of info in such a rich and glorious post!

12:08 PM  
Blogger Amy Zaleski said...

I thought you might approach the definition of feet in regards to poetry. Very nice composition and fantastic job on her hands and robe. Good placement of the hints of color throughout. Another great "lady" for your collection! :-)

1:59 PM  
Blogger Teri said...

This is such a unique take on the theme. You always manage to surprise us. Another great job by Carla!

2:57 PM  
Blogger Katili said...

A very fine way to look at the subject. Your illo is very beautiful, could be a decoration on a vase of wine.

3:11 PM  
Blogger Majane said...

nice interpretation! I love your work!

3:25 PM  
Blogger TheTart said...

Lovely illo & lovely verse... keep'in us cultured... for FREE!

Smooch,
The Tart

3:28 PM  
Blogger Karen Jinks said...

Such a clever idea, and a wonderful illo as always - well done!

3:42 PM  
Blogger Rowantree said...

Nice interpretation, and great style !

3:56 PM  
Blogger Colorsonmymind said...

Carla,
I love the connection to the keates poem. I like how you incorporated so much detail in the robe and such graceful positioning with the hands. I was just thinking today about going and buying some nice blue and green acrylics.

Really nice work.

5:02 PM  
Blogger The Unknown said...

Wonderful illo. Great take on the theme and so informative. Thanks.
love

5:22 PM  
Blogger isay said...

so long time i last read keats poem. i like this one you have chosen and the texts before thanks for the info. you have used ink and it's very beautiful! the blue color on the dress and the line strokes made her gown shines.

5:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love how you interpreted "feet" in an unexpected way.

5:45 PM  
Blogger Pickledog said...

A very interesting interpretation of the theme, and a wonderful illustration.

7:07 PM  
Blogger andrea said...

This piece holds together really well, Carla. Strong design and the border is really different and interesting.

7:34 PM  
Blogger Lori Witzel said...

Keats, Muses (Musii?), witty and erudite -- a lovely post.

8:25 PM  
Blogger georg said...

thankyou for the story.

8:58 PM  
Blogger elegraph said...

ooh, i actually thought of going this route for this particular topic... you did it justice with your illo and poem. absolutely lovely.

9:44 PM  
Blogger Weichuen You said...

I like the wild brushstrokes in this illo! Especially the man's hair!

10:10 PM  
Blogger HARDWAX said...

Your depiction of Erato is serene and engaging, with Keats and your narrative your illo has an appealing and enlightening feel to it.

10:28 PM  
Blogger V said...

Fab. Illustration!

10:40 PM  
Blogger Lou said...

Great drawing. I also liked the education that you provided about poetry. I never knew that there was so much involved in writing it.

11:14 PM  
Blogger Dana S. Whitney said...

Love that you picked the lyre and lovely maiden. Thought provoking, informative and beautiful. The world is interested in tid bits and tastes of many flavors. What a shame that so many of us were turned off of poetry, the language of literature, mythology, etc. etc. etc. by heavy handed teachers or.... being "taught to the test."

1:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, what a wonderful/beautiful take on this weeks theme. Very true to your style.
I love it!
a.

10:10 AM  
Blogger AscenderRisesAbove said...

Wonderful angelic person; very unique representation.

12:29 PM  
Blogger Roz Foster said...

A beautiful illustration and a very interesting, educational post. You must be a wonderful teacher! Sounds like Keats is ahead of his time here, wanting to break free of the restrictions that existed within his culture, the structural restrictions imposed upon the arts of his time. Not that meter isn't beautiful--it's just that--heck, when the muse hits, the last thing you want to do is make sure you're adhering to some boxed-in rhythmic scheme.

12:58 PM  
Blogger Liz Jones said...

Awesome interpretation! I love the image, too!

2:58 PM  
Blogger modroom said...

Like the archaic feel, and her posture and the position of the instrument lend an otherwordly element to it. Thanks for the info too. It's cool wondering what their might be to see and learn here!

3:25 PM  
Blogger wildharmonic said...

Beautiful post. It has a Tarot card look to it, to me. Must be the 7 of Strings.
I came across similar themes in researching my 'feet' post, though in another way. I was on the 'winged feet' idea and discovered that it was Hermes who is credited with creating the lyre. I tried to incorporate that, but it was ditched in the end. So I was delighted when I came across your post.
I really love your 'tattoo' post.
Best.

6:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another lovely illustration Carla and the accompanying text and thoughts are always great food for thought.

6:37 PM  
Blogger Joe said...

Geez, Carla I like thhe post and the drawing. Thanks for shearing. Have a good week!

7:52 PM  
Blogger Shano said...

You are just too durn smart. Beautiful illo to compliment another well researched piece. Well done yet again!!

11:58 AM  
Blogger Caroline said...

I love this take on the theme Carla - very neat and I like that you chose Erato too. I'm trying to figure out how she is keeping her lyre up... Is it tied to a tree? Very interesting!

12:22 PM  
Blogger steve said...

Nice work and original take (as always) on the subject!

1:01 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

another wonderful piece!

1:19 PM  
Blogger letile said...

great interpretation! And nice drawing-

2:34 PM  
Blogger Nicole said...

Educational and a beautiful drawing.

I really like the stained glass quality created by breaking up the color blocks.
N.

3:58 PM  
Blogger Rick Lovell said...

Nice work, as usual Carla. Glad you listed the media used...I'd have guessed woodcut judging by the wonderful variation in line thickness and limited palette. Beautiful piece.

4:08 PM  
Blogger RAY DILLON said...

Wow. Carla! Nice work! And a LOT more thought out than mine, that's for sure. ;o)

~Ray

4:30 PM  
Blogger franhilz said...

Hey Carla! Thanks for the cool reading and the beautiful illo
Its interesting how you give your own perspective to the topics
Its great!

9:28 PM  
Blogger Rob Mackintosh said...

Well presented.

11:06 PM  
Blogger tiffini elektra x said...

Carla you always have such a great take on the illio's! Wonderful this week as well. Beautiful muse!

11:27 PM  
Blogger Ian T. said...

Oh, but I do like a bit of iambic pentameter! Hmm, the pic could be Loreena McKennitt in a past life :). There's something about the solid intergration of the instrument and musician that I'm not quite sure about - it makes for a pleasing overall form though. Maybe if the lights and darks were made more solid (ie: to bring out the light profile, etc.)...? A lovely pic, in any case.
yizbt

11:38 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

Beautiful, I love the texture and I enjoyed reading the story!

3:05 AM  
Blogger Luis Américo said...

hi, carla.
i love your illustration.
nice colors and contrast.
love it
:)

8:13 AM  
Blogger TXArtcGal said...

Beautiful piece of artwork!...and, LOVED your story and verse!

2:33 PM  
Blogger Kay Aker said...

Thanks for the beautiful and informative post.

4:11 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You are a wonderful artist and writer too. I always am inspired by visiting your blog and seeing what you have come up with for Illustration Friday. Wonderful job

4:26 PM  
Blogger phinner said...

I love your interpretation of the theme and almost more, the lesson. Thinking outside the box!!!

P.S. I have your tattoo advice in mind for the convention that I will be attending on Friday. I'm not sure I'm mentally prepared to get something done there, and eek!!! so soon, but I'll be considering it! : .)

4:58 PM  
Blogger Michael O'Connell said...

great illustration!!! and loved the lesson on poetry…

5:35 PM  
Blogger Tony Sarrecchia said...

This is great. I love the art, and the lesson. Of course, I always feel like such a slacker after I visit your site. But I can live with that :).

8:45 PM  
Blogger Chuang Shyue Chou said...

I like the lines. The rendering in ink. Again, your vision has a very classical feel to it.

10:05 AM  
Blogger Todd DeWolf said...

Good one Carla! :)

11:49 AM  
Blogger String said...

But what size feet, these muses? I almost put up a pic of a bound foot, 'Let us find, if we must be constrain'd' - would this be a version of Haiku? Lovely illo, as usual!

3:00 PM  
Blogger Zórdís said...

Unic is what I feel. very educational and talented drawing skills.

4:04 PM  
Blogger Angela Matteson said...

I like your take on the topic. It looks like a vintage linoleum print. Really nice work.

7:56 AM  
Blogger Valaine said...

you Carla, are a giver. you give to us all in IF. thank you for sharing your wonderful words of inspiration. thank you for sharing your art. you are unique and beautiful!

12:59 PM  
Blogger Christine Lim said...

There is always so much deep thoughts inside the art your produce. Thanks for exposing me in mythology, poetry and philosophy, areas I would't know where to start. :)

7:47 PM  
Blogger StayAtHomeKat said...

yes yes yes!
wonderful take! TY so much!

1:26 AM  
Blogger CRISTOSOVA said...

It is quite clear that your art stands on grounded feet with deep roots into the centuries. That way it can grow large :)

2:17 AM  
Blogger Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

I have falling in love with this site, it is music to my heart and mind! Thnak you!

5:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of the most original interpretations of the theme this week. Very clever.

Cheers.

7:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed the info on the word "foot". it is really wonderful to actually learn something!

8:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is lovely, really nicely done. The line work and and colors. Your thought process of foot, was a real treat and very informative.

7:25 AM  
Blogger Lydia Sanchez said...

Oh! This is nice! What is? Ink??

7:27 AM  
Blogger Twisselman said...

As always, an education when coming to your site. Beautiful illustration. Thanks for your nice comments on runners.

12:51 PM  
Blogger Regina said...

What a wonderfully unique take on the theme "feet". I love the stong dark lines and shading! It does has a wonderful poetic feel to it! Gorgeous!

10:09 AM  
Blogger Luisa said...

I love the charming hair of shining serpents and that pretty face of as sad woman as her story. Wonderful illustration!!!

1:02 PM  
Blogger Luisa said...

je,je I love this illo too, but my previous comment was for medusa :) I repeat

1:11 PM  

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