Sunday, April 2, 2017

The Curious Creative: Week 26

Political Cartoons

This is the twenty-sixth installment of The Curious Creative, weekly 10-minute writing exercises for busy individuals interested in exploring their creativity. For the complete rationale, click here

My Thoughts:

Artists commonly use pictures as inspiration for new work as well as a means to beat artist’s block. Political cartoons, in particular, contain images that require interpretation and imagination. As a result of engaging with a caricature, you make your own connections and construct meaning. This week, I will provide you with several cartoons by Turkish cartoonist, Osman Turhan, to whet your creative appetite.

Your Turn!

  1. Choose one of the political cartoons below. 




  1. Begin by describing what is literally happening in the image. The physical act of putting pen to paper is the first step in freeing writer’s block, and allowing more interesting thoughts to eventually emerge.
  1. Keep the pen moving and write one possible interpretation of the image through the lens of a current event.
  1. Next, keep the pen moving and construct meaning through a more personal lens. When have you experienced this feeling or situation? What did it feel like?
How did you do? Did you invent a character or scenario by interpreting the cartoon? Did the image lend itself to some original connections or insights?

To encourage each other and grow a community of Curious Creatives, sign in from a google account so you can share your creation in the comment boxes below. Also, if you subscribe to this blog (submit your email address in the "Follow this Site by Email" box to the right), you will get an email update whenever a new exercise is added. Thanks for playing! 

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