The book is a unique collaboration between a visual artist, Elena Samarsky, and a poet, Timothy Tarkelly comprised of 40 paintings and 40 poems of the same title.

The authors hope that by examining the art piece and the poet’s reactions, there is perhaps a greater hope to unearth some of the truth laid beneath the paint. Ekphrastic poetry is Timothy’s attempt to respond to artwork and to complete the conversation. Perhaps, between the visual and the textual, there is something universal to be discovered. This book is an attempt to enter this space.

The artists hope that within this book, they have stumbled upon something in the neighborhood of truth of art, some element of internal value that makes itself available to the reader. If art has a purpose, they hope to have found a way to expose it, whether through this fusion of painting and poetry.

 This project came about from a conversation between a poet and a painter. Both in residence at the Osage Arts Community in Belle, Missouri, they discussed art and its essential, if not grandiose mission. Eventually, when their biggest ideas had been wrung dry, they decided to put them to the test and explore the relationship between the artist and their audience by responding with art.

 At times, they worked together in a studio, composing with paint and words at the same time with equal fervor. Sometimes, they worked alone, allowing for even the wildest reactions to navigate the conversation. This truly was a collaborative effort, with both participants adding their own editorial and critical touch to guide each other’s best efforts.