Two views of Venus:Â The first is a detail from The Birth of Venus by the Italian Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. Painted in the 15th
Category: Inspirations
Where do poems come from? Poet and columnist Jackie Craven blogs about her inspirations.
Maroger’s Magic
Three mischievous monkeys perch on a roof in this large surrealistic scene. I love imagining their gossipy conversation, so of course I had to put
Lobster for Lunch
I’ve spent years trying to read the stories behind this scene. An older couple sits before a lavish feast. Their posture is stiff —unnaturally posed
Perspective Dreaming
What’s real? What’s deception? What is the sad-eyed woman trying to say? This playful Renaissance toys with classical motifs. The painting inspired early drafts of
Waiting for 5:00
This enormous canvas brims with sin. Even the balloons have naughty details! This painting inspired a poem that appears in Of Burgers & Barrooms, an