Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v09n11)
Poetic Thoughts - Art on "The Bottom" - by C.W. Pruitt II
posted: May 25, 2012
Art on "The Bottom"
The Bottom
Is
Cold
Hard
Insensitive
And May Provide
Solid Ground
From Which To Spring
Skyward
C.W. Pruitt II
1998
Ava Pilcher and Marie Domogalik brought art to 'The Bottom' at Zionsville Middle School this semester. They were the winners of a contest devised by Mr. Elkins, their Sixth Grade English teacher. Mr. Elkins' contest assignment was part of the poetry unit.
Mr. Elkins asked me to supply a poem which would be used as inspiration for abstract renderings by his class. The students used a variety of surfaces and applied traditional and non-traditional elements to the surfaces. All of Mr. Elkins' students wrote descriptions of their art and how it expressed 'The Bottom'.
Mr. Elkins also asked me to pick a winner and to feature the winner in the Broad Ripple Gazette. This part of my assignment was really tough. They were all good. Really. I know people say that all of the time, but they were all good. I found all of the pieces thought-provoking with something unique to contribute to 'The Bottom'.
It was so hard to pick a winner that I settled on two:
Ava Pilcher - Her painting on canvas board showed a sharp contrast between light and dark. I found the diagonal choice compelling. This was also a pretty painting to look at.
image courtesy of C.W. Pruitt II
Marie Domogalik - Marie created upward movement in her pencil and paper drawing. And, to me, springing forth from 'The Bottom' is what it seeks to achieve.
image courtesy of C.W. Pruitt II
cw@broadripplegazette.com