Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Ryan McGill
Jasper Junior High School seventh grader Sophie Shadix recently won the school’s student poetry competition. Sophie’s winning poem, “Artistry,” explores the creative process and emotional journey of creating art.
When asked about her process for writing the poem, Sophie said, “At first, I was overthinking it, but I decided to think about something I like to do and write about that.”
She added, “I like art and drawing, so I thought about what professional artists might say about their paintings, and I wrote that.”
In addition to writing and drawing, Sophie enjoys reading, particularly fantasy novels, and is a member of her school’s show choir. Congratulations, Sophie, on this achievement!
Read “Artistry” by Sophie Shadix below.
Artistry
by Sophie Shadix
The deliberate lines,
The strokes of a brush.
As you first begin,
It never seems like much.
A splattering on the canvas,
A blotch of color on the side.
For this soon-to-be masterpiece,
You have to trust your mind’s eye.
So many paths
this paint could weave.
A bright sandy beach
or a rough, daunting sea.
In hues of blue,
combined with a soft, soft grey.
An image could emerge,
Snow drifting through sun rays.
Whether bringing cheer, anger,
Or a calming sense of peace,
Each has a way
To coax a melody
from your heartstrings.
Whether careful and meticulous,
Or wild and free,
This outlet of passion,
Emotion, for all the world
To see.
