 |
Monet in Poetry and Paint by Michael Escoubas 57 poems, 57 color paintings, 64 pages Price $15.95 ISBN 978-0-46-488081-3 Publisher: Blurb! Publishing To order: Amazon ABOUT THE BOOK: Writing Monet in Poetry and Paint, was quite literally a stumble into grace. While perusing the shelves of Front Range Community College Library in a Denver suburb, poet Michael Escoubas stumbled rounding a corner. Pulling himself up, a coffee-table sized volume of Claude Monet's paintings fell into his hands. He began to peruse its pages, dwelling on the wide variety of Monet masterpieces contained therein. He began writing brief ekphrastic poems about the paintings, selecting a different painting each day. After writing approximately75 poems, covering virtually every example of Monet's genius, Monet in Poetry and Paint came to fruition. The poet's main preoccupation with Monet's work is his extraordinary use of light. He often painted the same subject in a series of presentations depicting the effects of light upon his subjects at different times of the day and during seasonal changes. He learned that every season has its own special contribution to make to the beauty of the world, to the beauty of life. In a world that is full of cynicism and meanness, he believes that both the visual arts and poetry have something of value offer. ADVANCE PRAISE: This collection of creativity is an inviting guide to explore the color and depth of Claude Monet with the rhythm and pace of poetry uniquely packaged by Michael Escoubas. On each page, this collection sets a Monet masterpiece to the voice and cadence of poetry composed by a student of the written word. —Jim Bertolet, poetry lover, Bloomington, IL I have spent some time with the 57 ekphrastic poems in this new book. There isn't a poem I don't like. As strongly as Monet has painted his masterpiece, Michael's interpretation brings a new level to the art work, an understanding of how each painting has inspired him. Importantly, for me, the poems show me the breadth and wonder of it all. —Annie Jenkin, poet and editor, Plymouth, UK What Monet does with light, Michael Escoubas does with words. In his deceivingly simple but insightful poems, Michael gives an added flavor to some of Monet's most famous paintings. With one painting and poem per page, Michael explores the techniques and themes of 57 classic works. This book is a soufflé of a read—light and airy but with satisfying richness that enhances the works of Claude Monet. Read it all in one afternoon or parse out the pages to enjoy one painting, and poem, at a time. There is no wrong way to digest this tightly-written and thought-provoking morsel. —Jonell Kehias Editor, Limited Magazine, Bloomington, IL Let there be light, and it was so. The words of light in Michael Escoubas' newest book, Monet in Poetry and Paint, take us for a stroll through 57 paintings of Impressionist master Claude Monet. Chosen carefully, each page matches one of Monet's paintings— printed in blooming color—with a poem. Not just ekphrastic, these poems are philosophical, introspective, descriptive and transcendent. Spend an hour with the book and you will feel surrounded by beauty and light. —Caroline Johnson is an award winning poet and author of The Caregiver. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michael Escoubas has been described as a late bloomer. He began writing poetry for publication at age 66 after retiring in 2013 from a 48-year career in the printing industry. Prior to this he read, studied and educated himself in poetry for approximately 25 years. His interest in poetry was spawned in childhood by his mother who encouraged him by saying, you have a gift for words and I hope you do something with that gift. Now 71, Michael serves as editor and staff book reviewer for Quill and Parchment, a 18- year old cultural and literary arts online journal. His poems have been published over 200 times in a variety of venues. FROM THE BOOK:
Water Lilies in Spring by Michael Escoubas I've crossed the Japanese bridge after a brief pause to enjoy the Koi in their languid swim. The pond's painted rainbow (scarlet gladiolas, yellow and lavender lilies and the elegant willow weeping near the water's edge) brings light as insects bother the placid pool. If I were not convinced of Heaven, this setting, this view would start me to thinking … If a man's hand could do all this, did Heaven have a hand on the brush? After, Water Lilies, by Claude Monet, painted during his Giverney period, 1883-1926.
|
