Concept
I did not want to recreate Robinson’s poem exactly, rather I want to capture the feeling of aimless wandering, at peace with no destination or goal. To accomplish this I’ve used oil paint in a fluid style which would move slowly and transform over the course of the poem. Another reason for the use of oil paint is the texture is posses that allows for the creation of dimensional shapes. Neo-impressionism heavily influences the style of the paints application in many of the frames. To visually convey the concept of “Somewhere” the paint will push in towards the center, constricting and creating a sense of claustrophobia. Whereas the concept of “Nowhere” is more fluid and pushes outwards, or moves freely in waves rather than constricted. Roots and vines are visual motifs which connect to the concept of pathways which freely wind. The pathways of “Somewhere” are influenced by the rigid construction of metro lines.
Poem by Corinne Roosevelt Robinson
There’s a path that leads to Nowhere
In a meadow that I know,
Where an inland river rises
And the stream is still and slow;
There it wanders under willows
And beneath the silver green
Of the birches silent shadows
Where the early violets lean.
Other pathways lead to Somewhere,
But the one I love so well
Had no end and no beginning—
Just the beauty of the dell,
Just the wildflowers and the lilies
Yellow striped as adder’s tongue,
Seem to satisfy my pathway
As it winds their sweets among.
There I go to meet the Springtime,
When the meadow is aglow,
Marigolds amid the marshes,
And the stream is still and slow;
There I find my fair oasis,
And with carefree feet I tread
For the pathway leads to Nowhere,
And the blue is overhead.
All the ways that lead to Somewhere
Echo with hurrying feet
Of the Struggling and the Striving,
But the way I find so sweet
Bids me dream and bids me linger—
Joy and Beauty are its goal;
On the path that leads to Nowhere
I have sometimes found my soul.
Brainstorm and Mood Board
Early Iterations and Sketches
