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Objects As Muse - Sequined Treasure Purses Provide True Serendipity
By admin | April 12, 2008
We can dialogue with objects and use them as our muses. This is true for any writing topic, but especially true in learning more about place and ourselves in relationship to place. While it’s not uncommon to use objects as props to create three-dimensional prompts, often we use objects by displaying them in the open, possibly on top of a table.
I’ve hit on a method of using objects as props by hiding them inside tiny sequined purses that were intended as play purses for young girls. Other types of containers can also be used, even a paper bag. I love the purses because they are colorful and fun.
The advantages of containing and choosing objects inside the purses are that, in addition to being fun and shifting us to a younger self, the choice of the object is truly random. It’s a form of magic.
I find when I choose objects that are in full display that I choose with my conscious mind according to my predilections or according to what I think I can do with it. This biases my choices and doesn’t allow me to work with my subconscious as deeply as true randomness does. When we are surprised by an object, we become grateful for serendipity instead of controlling, and our writing often surprises us with its freshness as we are shocked out of our patterns.
Once the object is chosen, here’s the exercise:
Ask the object a question and speak with the voice of the object. Use these techniques to answer the object’s question: 1) cluster; 2) freewrite; 3) writing with the hand you don’t usually write with (nondominant hand).
You’ll be surprised and pleased at the freshness and vigor of the writing you create using this technique and exercise.
Visit Janet Grace Riehl’s blog “Riehl Life: Village Wisdom for the 21st Century” at http://www.riehlife.com for more thoughts and information about making connections through the arts, across cultures, generations, and within the family. You can also read sample poems and other background information from “Sightlines: A Poet’s Diary” on Janet’s website.
Tags: creativity, generating ideas, writing prompts, writing props
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Topics: Writing and Speaking |
