When words become images
Some things just land on your path. That’s how Ode aan de Stad (oads.nl) found me. An open call I came across while scrolling on Instagram.
I decided to send in a poem, why not. It felt like one of those impulsive clicks. A few weeks later I found out it had been selected. My words had found a small place among others who had written about their love and curiosity for Maastricht.
What I actually sent in was a haiku. And yes, I did check the rules beforehand, just to make sure I stayed within the boundaries before trying to bend them.
After the announcement, all selected poets were invited to an evening where we could taste the Maastricht dialect and translate our poems into its local tone. Each of us also got to choose a favourite word. Mine was callepin, which means notebook or planner. It felt fitting, a small space to gather fragments, sketches and thoughts before they turn into something larger.
Poetry, to me, isn’t about explaining. Words can become shapes, rhythm can turn into structure, and silence can say as much as the sentences themselves.
A poem is like a painting you see with your eyes closed.
During Ode aan de Stad I met people who feel the same way about language, people who treat words like material you can build something with.
Poets, musicians, painters, storytellers,... Everyone had their own form, yet it all moved to the same pulse.
It reminded me of what I do with ARTOUFLAGE. I translate stories into images. Paint, ink or words, it doesn’t really matter.
The goal is always to make someone feel something before they try to explain it.
Thanks to the Ode aan de Stad team for creating a space where words can live in the city and for inviting me to take part in that dialogue.
Sometimes a poem isn’t something you plan to write. Sometimes you simply open your callepin and it writes itself.
