The Challenge of Translating Poetry into Art: A Journey with My Great Grandfather's Words

This is Not Easy!

Combining my artwork with my great-grandfather Grant Williams’ poetry has been one of the most challenging projects ever. For over a year now, I’ve been working on it intermittently, and I still often find myself questioning if I can truly do his words justice.

Here’s an example of his incredible work—a poem titled "Time’s Shifting Gears"

Oh, tantalizing Time!  What complex gears  

Control the meter of the spinning years,

Beyond the option and the whim of man?  

That you, in one brief fleeting breath, may span  

Life's cycles, count a passing planet cold  

Ere the warm nimbus of its birth unfold;  

Yet, when we urge on life with crowded sail—  

You creep with the ponderous leisure of a snail!

By Grant Williams

It’s not just about painting any idea that comes to mind. I could do that but his poetry is so much more than ordinary. It deserves artwork that not only complements it but elevates it. Anything less would feel like a disservice to his words.

I’ve realized the key to unlocking this project lies in understanding both the material and the man behind the words. I’ve spent time dissecting each poem, line by line, to uncover the deeper meaning. In many of his works, there are profound statements about man versus industry or nature versus modern man. His poems hold truths that are still relevant today, and my mission is to express these truths through my art visually.

The difficulty, though, comes from the deeply personal connection I feel. This project is more than an artistic challenge—it’s a tribute to my great-grandfather, to my family, and to myself. Every brushstroke feels monumental because I want to honor him in the best way I know how.

Another challenge I face is the sheer abundance of images his poetry evokes. My mind is flooded with visual interpretations, and it’s up to me to condense these thoughts into a single composition. It’s a balancing act—one that’s as exciting as it is demanding.

But I believe in this project and I’m committed to finding the best way to bring his words to life through my artwork. I’ll keep working—sketching, researching, and refining—until I find the right approach.

Keep checking in to see my latest works as I continue this journey!