Marking Time: 9.21.24 Caravaggio Inspires "Write Now!" Writers at The Sea Ranch Lodge
A Creative Awakening: Write Up the Coast – Write Now Workshop
What a dynamic afternoon of creativity and connection! Our latest "Write Up the Coast – Write Now" workshop was nothing short of transformative. Writers old and new gathered, bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and a shared passion that turned the room into a buzzing hive of creativity.
Breaking away from our usual writing prompts using words to propel us into story writing, we immersed ourselves in the evocative painting Narcissus by Caravaggio. Before we wrote, Instead of focusing on the artist's life or learning about him, we spent quiet time letting the image speak to us directly, then guiding our pens without constraint. The room came alive in silence—there was no hesitation, just the pure, unfiltered flow of creating 'story.' Each writer was deep in their world, capturing narratives that were powerful, personal, and raw.
When the timer alerted us to stop engaging with the image and start writing, the collective exhale was palpable—a shared sense of discovery. We had all tapped into something uniquely our own yet deeply connected with others. Learning that time repeats itself with awareness, current issues, and resonance. The magic of the moment lay not just in the stories written but in the way each piece felt like a reflection of the human spirit, echoing Caravaggio’s themes of light, shadow, and the complexities of being.
As the writing session drew to a close, we reflected on the enduring relevance of art and writing. We explored how Caravaggio’s bold, dramatic style still speaks to modern themes and how our own stories, sparked by his work, revealed deeper layers of ourselves. It was a reminder that art transcends time, and so do the narratives we create.
This workshop wasn’t just about writing—it was about tapping into the essence of who we are and finding community through shared creative expression. The energy was electric, the impact profound. For anyone seeking to explore their inner world through words, this is the space to do it.
At each write-up-the-coast lab, a story is chosen as a highlighted story written by a participant in real-time during the lab. The story starts with a prompt and is developed in real-time by the writer with input from the participating writers. The story is not preplanned and is original work.
This lab highlights the story written by Vanessa Ignacio.
LISTEN: A Silent Soul by Vanessa Ignacio-Read by Melissa Hannum
Join us next time, and let the power of art and storytelling guide you to your creative awakening. Check for events on the website or join the mailing list [email protected]