The World of Art
Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "Girl with Polio"cinquain series
59 total reviews
Comment from artsygal
This was very beautiful, in that you chose the very soft pink for formatting, not a color one thinks of as tough. But indeed, this gal is very tough. I wonder what she thought of being painted in this picture? I know my Aunt Betty lost one foot and partial use of her other leg from polio, and when I see this painting I think of her, always, and how she never seemed disabled in any way to me. I like how you mention that the figure is undaunted by the distance between where she is and where she wants to go. The use of perspective techniques by the artist (not illustrator because that's a silly distinction for critics to make) really enhances the almost impossibility of her journey, and you also note the "distance up the hill" in the poem. The picture you have chosen tells its own story, and your poem is a great companion for it.
Bravo, Brooke. A work of art encapsulated beautifully in words.
Hugs
Sara
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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This was very beautiful, in that you chose the very soft pink for formatting, not a color one thinks of as tough. But indeed, this gal is very tough. I wonder what she thought of being painted in this picture? I know my Aunt Betty lost one foot and partial use of her other leg from polio, and when I see this painting I think of her, always, and how she never seemed disabled in any way to me. I like how you mention that the figure is undaunted by the distance between where she is and where she wants to go. The use of perspective techniques by the artist (not illustrator because that's a silly distinction for critics to make) really enhances the almost impossibility of her journey, and you also note the "distance up the hill" in the poem. The picture you have chosen tells its own story, and your poem is a great companion for it.
Bravo, Brooke. A work of art encapsulated beautifully in words.
Hugs
Sara
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Sara, thank you for the most thoughtful and detailed analysis I've come to expect from you - his wife actually posed for the picture, but I don't know what Christina thought of the picture when it was done. Brooke
Comment from Curt Mongold
I have always been a fan of Wyeth's work too. Damn the critics and what they say with their snooty attitudes! I never have listened to the critics, they often spend way too much time with their heads where the sun doesn't shine to be listened to.
Great piece Brooke.
Sincerely,
Curt
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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I have always been a fan of Wyeth's work too. Damn the critics and what they say with their snooty attitudes! I never have listened to the critics, they often spend way too much time with their heads where the sun doesn't shine to be listened to.
Great piece Brooke.
Sincerely,
Curt
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Snooty - the perfect word - same as modern critics who hold up their noses at rhyming poetry. Thank you, Brooke
Comment from AliSmith
I've actually seen this picture. I didn't realize the girl was a cripple. (I have a hard time with art as well as poetry.) The first three lines of the poem are especially poetic. You paint such a great picture in only a few words.
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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I've actually seen this picture. I didn't realize the girl was a cripple. (I have a hard time with art as well as poetry.) The first three lines of the poem are especially poetic. You paint such a great picture in only a few words.
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Thank you - I think many people don't understand her full story when they first look at this picture - I'm touched by your response, Brooke
Comment from sherrygreywolf
What a very nice tribute, not only to the painter Wyeth, but to his subject, Christine. You manage, in only a few words, to bring out her courage and strength of character.
Great job - sherry
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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What a very nice tribute, not only to the painter Wyeth, but to his subject, Christine. You manage, in only a few words, to bring out her courage and strength of character.
Great job - sherry
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Sherry, thank you for this fine review, Brooke
Comment from Lady & Louis
The first time I saw a reproduction of this, years ago - it was tiny, only a couple of inches across - I didn't realise Christina had polio, and thought she was just sitting, looking up at the buildings. The "world" part struck me as simply the limits of her farm life and maybe the idea of a blocked-off horizon. Seeing a decent reproduction shows how wasted her arms are indeed, and that she's moving. Curiously, Wikipedia says that Christina herself didn't pose; his wife did. I wonder how much the painting derives from both of them?
I like his style too. Give me realism over the more abstract art styles any day, lol.
Good poem, Brooke, it sums up the painting well.
Cheers,
Louise
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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The first time I saw a reproduction of this, years ago - it was tiny, only a couple of inches across - I didn't realise Christina had polio, and thought she was just sitting, looking up at the buildings. The "world" part struck me as simply the limits of her farm life and maybe the idea of a blocked-off horizon. Seeing a decent reproduction shows how wasted her arms are indeed, and that she's moving. Curiously, Wikipedia says that Christina herself didn't pose; his wife did. I wonder how much the painting derives from both of them?
I like his style too. Give me realism over the more abstract art styles any day, lol.
Good poem, Brooke, it sums up the painting well.
Cheers,
Louise
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Louise, my husband specialized in modern art - I used to tease him about the blob paintings - I came to appreciate and even love many of them, but yes, the realistic stuff has always been what attracts me deep down. That is cool you are really thinking about these paintings and reading about them - I thank you for the thought you put into what I've written, Brooke
Comment from Diny
Again you prompt me to research a piece of art that you discribe- One comment- insant focus fixed a bit redundant? I hesitate to even say anything- but both words seem the same meaning. anyway another fine posting for your art collection- MAKE A BOOK and each poem would then be a chapter- 1- Diny
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Again you prompt me to research a piece of art that you discribe- One comment- insant focus fixed a bit redundant? I hesitate to even say anything- but both words seem the same meaning. anyway another fine posting for your art collection- MAKE A BOOK and each poem would then be a chapter- 1- Diny
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Diny, yes, I hope to do something as you suggest. As for the fixed focus - I don't think of all focus as fixed - I think of it on a spectrum, and wanted to show that hers is at the total end of the spectrum. Hope that makes sense. Thank you so much for all your thoughtful input and positive energy, Brooke
Comment from GregoryC
To begin with, a cinquain is a very difficult poem to organize and write. Combining a noun (or subject), adjectives, action verbs, feelings and a synonym for line one that sums it up, is hard enough. But you also have to include a workable syllable pattern in a non-rhyming style. But you pulled it off in a masterful way, with realism. We can feel the girl struggling up that hill.
You go beyond a superficial encounter to a deeper understanding of what it means to have polio. Thank God this scourge has been eradicated for the most part. The most famous polio victim, as we all know, was F.D.R.
Your poem is quality work.
Gregory
According to Richard Corliss, although Christina is the artistic subject of Wyeth's masterpiece, she was not the model - Wyeth's wife Betsy instead posed for the painting.
[from Andrew Wyeth's Stunning Secret. Time Magazine. Monday, Aug. 18, 1986. ]
You are right about how Wyeth hasn't been truly recognized. He's America's most renowned realist painters and he does merit the title as the "Painter of the People" due to his popularity with the American public.
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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To begin with, a cinquain is a very difficult poem to organize and write. Combining a noun (or subject), adjectives, action verbs, feelings and a synonym for line one that sums it up, is hard enough. But you also have to include a workable syllable pattern in a non-rhyming style. But you pulled it off in a masterful way, with realism. We can feel the girl struggling up that hill.
You go beyond a superficial encounter to a deeper understanding of what it means to have polio. Thank God this scourge has been eradicated for the most part. The most famous polio victim, as we all know, was F.D.R.
Your poem is quality work.
Gregory
According to Richard Corliss, although Christina is the artistic subject of Wyeth's masterpiece, she was not the model - Wyeth's wife Betsy instead posed for the painting.
[from Andrew Wyeth's Stunning Secret. Time Magazine. Monday, Aug. 18, 1986. ]
You are right about how Wyeth hasn't been truly recognized. He's America's most renowned realist painters and he does merit the title as the "Painter of the People" due to his popularity with the American public.
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Gregory, yes, I've also read about his wife posing - I've often wondered if he did not want to embarrass this neighbor girl by asking her to or if it would have been too taxing on her to hold the pose - I love wondering about the back story.
Since I live near the Brandywine, or Wyeth museum, I am from one place in the world where he is given his due, but yes, some of those highfalutin critics just bother the hell out of me.
One of my best friends is a woman in her 60's who had polio in the big 40's epidemic - and yes, thank heaven it is no longer a plague on children.
Thank you so very very much for all your comments on my craft. I am honored. Brooke
Comment from Jazh
I don't need to see the painting - it's already in my mind. Such a great portrait of courage and determination. Disability creates such strength. I enjoyed the alliteration and the shape of the poem.
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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I don't need to see the painting - it's already in my mind. Such a great portrait of courage and determination. Disability creates such strength. I enjoyed the alliteration and the shape of the poem.
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Your compliment about being able to picture this image means the world to me - thank you, Brooke
Comment from Mike K2
I can't but help to think, "But she still gets around." I actually see it as an inspiration. I enjoyed your poem, which is well written. This owuld meke for an interesting contest. Pick a painting and put limits on it and see what people come up with. Brillant!
I have visited the mueseum in Brandywine and love his more impressionistic pieces. Soooo long ago, but Brandwine felt like a special place to me.
I regret that the last couple of weekws caught up with me, as I have been dealing with the cold/flu, working as hard as I can and dealling with both problems and decisions that I would rather not have made. I will post and review as best as I can until I am caught up. With love, Mike
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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I can't but help to think, "But she still gets around." I actually see it as an inspiration. I enjoyed your poem, which is well written. This owuld meke for an interesting contest. Pick a painting and put limits on it and see what people come up with. Brillant!
I have visited the mueseum in Brandywine and love his more impressionistic pieces. Soooo long ago, but Brandwine felt like a special place to me.
I regret that the last couple of weekws caught up with me, as I have been dealing with the cold/flu, working as hard as I can and dealling with both problems and decisions that I would rather not have made. I will post and review as best as I can until I am caught up. With love, Mike
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Mike, I'm glad you're here and hope you get ahead of life's messes. Thank you for this most thoughtful review - I so appreciate your taking the time, Brooke
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Always! I have a suspicion that you never take a break for things. Take care.
Comment from IndianaIrish
One of most favorite artists, Brooke, and I'm so glad you included him. This painting has always been so inspiring to me. I really believe attitude can make such a difference...and she sure has a beautiful, positive attitude.
Indy :>)
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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One of most favorite artists, Brooke, and I'm so glad you included him. This painting has always been so inspiring to me. I really believe attitude can make such a difference...and she sure has a beautiful, positive attitude.
Indy :>)
Comment Written 08-Jan-2009
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2009
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Indy - thank you, and I just this second posted another poem about one of his paintings. Brooke
