By Lisa Kramer
“A picture can tell a thousand words, but a few words can change it’s story.” ― Sebastyne Young
In the world of P.O.W.ER, since they are deprived access to the written word, women create a secret visual language through which they can communicate. If I had the time and the talent, I would have loved to design the language itself . . . but that is something that would take years. The most I could do was ask my fabulous cover artist, Jacqueline Haltom to put a few significant symbols into the cover. I leave you to decide what those might be.
The inspiration from that idea came from a few places–my fascination with the formation of Kanji letters in Japan (based off of the Chinese alphabet) for one, but also the beautiful book Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, which tells a story of nineteenth century China where “The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. ”
Lately, social networking has been filled with powerful images that express the discontent and frustrations that fill our society, as well as celebrate the power, beauty, love and goodness that can still be found. Art and pictures send messages that all can understand, even if we sometimes interpret things differently.
As I thought about the power of images to convey meeting, I decided to invite you–my readers, supporters, friends, and even strangers–to create images that convey messages and share them with me. The message could be clear and simple like in this image
It could be symbolic and metaphorical.
It could have hidden meaning and significance.
The messages can be drawn, sculpted, crafted, painted, photographed . . . and so on. All I ask is that you have a message you want to convey. You can explain it if you wish, or leave it to interpretation. Do not use other people’s images–create your own.
Post them wherever you would like and then either link them back here or share them on my Facebook Author Page. For every image you will submit between now and January 4, 2015, I will put your name in a drawing. Winner will receive a beautiful, handcrafted piece of art like the one above (not that one–that piece already has an intended home, but one crafted with you in mind).
What messages can you send without the power of words?