ClassX Video Lessons A poetic experiment: Walt Whitman, interpreted by three animators – Justin Moore
Imagine taking a single poem and giving it to three different artists, each with their own unique style and perspective. That’s exactly what happened with Walt Whitman’s poem, “A Noiseless Patient Spider.” Three animators were asked to interpret this poem without knowing what the others were creating. The result is a fascinating exploration of creativity and interpretation.
Walt Whitman’s poem is a beautiful meditation on the soul’s quest for connection and meaning. It begins with the image of a spider, quietly and patiently spinning its web, and then shifts to a reflection on the human soul, which is also reaching out, seeking to connect with the world around it.
Jeremiah Dickey chose to bring the poem to life using paint on glass. This medium allows for fluid and dynamic visuals, capturing the delicate and continuous motion of the spider’s web-making. The paint on glass technique emphasizes the ethereal and transient nature of both the spider’s work and the soul’s journey. As the spider spins its web, the viewer is reminded of the soul’s own efforts to reach out and find its place in the vastness of existence.
Biljana Labovic used video to interpret the poem, offering a more modern and versatile approach. Through video, Labovic can play with time, space, and perspective, creating a narrative that mirrors the poem’s themes of exploration and connection. The video medium allows for a dynamic portrayal of the spider’s meticulous work and the soul’s introspective journey, highlighting the poem’s message of perseverance and hope.
Lisa LaBracio’s interpretation using scratchboard brings a tactile and textured quality to the poem. Scratchboard art involves scratching away a dark surface to reveal a lighter layer beneath, which can symbolize the soul’s quest to uncover deeper truths. This medium captures the intricate details of the spider’s web and the soul’s contemplative nature, emphasizing the poem’s exploration of isolation and connection.
Each animator’s interpretation of “A Noiseless Patient Spider” offers a unique lens through which to view Whitman’s words. Whether through paint on glass, video, or scratchboard, the poem’s themes of patience, exploration, and the search for connection are vividly brought to life. This experiment not only showcases the versatility of artistic expression but also invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the threads we cast into the world.
Choose a medium that resonates with you—be it drawing, painting, digital art, or even a short film—and create your own interpretation of Walt Whitman’s “A Noiseless Patient Spider.” Focus on capturing the poem’s themes of connection and exploration. Share your artwork with the class and explain your creative choices.
In small groups, discuss the different interpretations by Jeremiah Dickey, Biljana Labovic, and Lisa LaBracio. Analyze how each medium influences the portrayal of the poem’s themes. Consider how the choice of medium affects your understanding and emotional response to the poem.
Write a reflective essay on how the different artistic interpretations of “A Noiseless Patient Spider” enhance your understanding of the poem. Discuss how the themes of the poem relate to your own experiences of seeking connection and meaning in life.
Participate in a workshop where you will learn basic animation techniques. Use these skills to animate a short segment of “A Noiseless Patient Spider.” Focus on how animation can bring the poem’s imagery and themes to life in a new way.
Prepare a presentation comparing the three interpretations of the poem. Highlight the strengths and unique aspects of each medium. Discuss how each interpretation contributes to a deeper understanding of Whitman’s message and how they might inspire your own creative process.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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As an experiment, we gave recordings of the same Walt Whitman poem to three different animators. Each interpreted the text with no knowledge of what the others were creating. Here’s the result.
**”A Noiseless Patient Spider” by Walt Whitman**
**Interpretation #1 by Jeremiah Dickey**
*Medium: Paint on Glass*
“A noiseless patient spider, I marked where on a little promontory it stood isolated, marked how to explore the vacant vast surrounding. It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself, ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them. And you, O my soul, where you stand, surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space, ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them, till the bridge you will need be formed, till the ductile anchor hold, till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.”
**Interpretation #2 by Biljana Labovic**
*Medium: Video*
“A noiseless patient spider, I marked where on a little promontory it stood isolated, marked how to explore the vacant vast surrounding. It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself, ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them. And you, O my soul, where you stand, surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space, ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them, till the bridge you will need be formed, till the ductile anchor hold, till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.”
**Interpretation #3 by Lisa LaBracio**
*Medium: Scratchboard*
“A noiseless patient spider, I marked where on a little promontory it stood isolated, marked how to explore the vacant vast surrounding. It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself, ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them. And you, O my soul, where you stand, surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space, ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them, till the bridge you will need be formed, till the ductile anchor hold, till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.”
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while ensuring clarity and readability.
Poem – A literary composition that uses rhythmic and aesthetic qualities of language to evoke meanings and emotions. – The poem beautifully captured the essence of solitude, resonating deeply with the audience.
Interpretation – The act of explaining or understanding the meaning of a piece of literature or art. – Her interpretation of the play brought new insights into the character’s motivations and struggles.
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness in artistic expression. – The director’s creativity was evident in the innovative set design and unique staging of the classic play.
Connection – A relationship or link between ideas, characters, or themes in literature or art. – The novel’s connection to historical events provided a deeper understanding of its themes.
Exploration – The act of investigating or examining a subject in detail, often used in the context of literary themes or artistic expression. – The exploration of identity was a central theme in the author’s latest work.
Medium – The material or form used by an artist or writer to express their ideas, such as painting, sculpture, or writing. – The artist chose film as her medium to convey the complex emotions of the narrative.
Journey – A narrative or thematic progression in literature or art, often involving personal growth or transformation. – The protagonist’s journey from innocence to experience was compellingly portrayed in the novel.
Themes – The central topics or ideas explored in a literary or artistic work. – The themes of love and betrayal were intricately woven throughout the play.
Isolation – A state of being alone or separated, often used as a theme in literature to explore characters’ inner worlds. – The poem poignantly depicted the isolation felt by the character in a crowded city.
Art – The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power. – The gallery showcased art that challenged societal norms and provoked thoughtful discussion.
