I have been returning to my Black Out Bible Poetry after a busy season of distraction. I forgot how contemplative and therapeutic this process is—the reading of the text, the intentional selection of words, and the slow marking through pages until everything is covered except for the poetry that remains.
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of books about art that raise more questions than answers, which I love, by the way! Questions like: What defines art? What makes something “good” or “bad”? When are you allowed to call yourself an artist? Do you need to have a big social media following? Do you need to have sold your work? Do you need an agent representing you, or have you been featured in a gallery? At what point is one considered an artist?
Here’s my take: I think it is entirely subjective. We all have varying opinions about what is or isn’t art. Some may see performance art as self-absorbed and non-tangible; others may consider it the purest art form. When looking at an illustration, some may say, “My kid could have created that,” while others may sit and stare at it for hours and weep. Some may look at my Black Out Bible Poetry as simplistic, others offensive, and others utterly original. Art is subjective; it is chosen or rejected. Ultimately, art is a mirror to society.
Most of you know I am a giant nerd for etymology, so of course, I looked into this word to uncover the meaning. The term “art” is related to the Latin word “ars,” meaning art, skill, or craft. In Middle English, it represents a sense of "skill in scholarship and learning." Lastly, in Greek, it translates to artizein "to prepare"), a suffixed form of root *ar- "to fit together." Etymologically akin to Latin arma "weapons." With this view, art can mean anything– the process of learning a new skill or creating art to protect, defend, deconstruct, or rebuild.
All this said, when I did this blackout in the book of Exodus, what arose was the reminder, “Do not be afraid to make your art.” In fact, I’d say the more scared you are to make it, the more important it is.
So, dear creator, what are you most afraid to make, write, and become?
If you are joining this challenge (you are also totally welcome to watch my process unfold), I encourage you to write your poetry in the book of Exodus as you dive into your black-out poetry experience. As always, feel free to read the text first, circle the words to create your poem, haiku, story, etc., and then fill the rest of the page in black. (Micron/Fabre pens work great!)
Feel free to share your black-out poetry in the comments on these posts each week as you write and cheer one another on. You can also hashtag #blackoutbibleclub and @meganfebuary on socials. :)
Wouldn’t it be amazing to finish blacking out the entire Bible? I’m in! Are you? I hope so! Of course, you can jump in and out at any time.
Let me know how these writings awaken you!
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I'm very interested in your project, Bible blackout poetry. How unique! Now I just need to obtain a Bible. Lol, Yes this is a bit frightening to me. I was born and raised in the Bible belt. I'm no longer religious in any way. I suppose those mild misgivings are rooted in the little girl who I once was. I'm definitely in though!