Labor Day weekend often represents an end to summertime vacations, but let’s hang on to that energy just a little bit longer through our writing this week. This painting by avant-garde artist and educator Maude Kerns carries the feeling of a late-summer road trip, with something new waiting beyond the bend in the road. Kerns urged people to embrace the unknown: “To be afraid of what is different or unfamiliar is to be afraid of life.” Let’s spend some time writing with this anticipation, and hold onto that energy as life routines change and we step closer to fall. If your path leads to Eugene, where Portland-born Kerns spent much of her life and career, be sure to visit the Maude Kerns Art Center.
We have two prompts to help you get started writing. As always, you can use one, both, or write whatever else comes. Just set a timer for 15 minutes and keep your pen or pencil moving.
Around the bend… / I’m headed in the direction of…
Writing in community is powerful. We are grateful to our longtime partner Write Around Portland for the writing prompts and inspiration. You can revisit past Sunday posts and look for continuing weekly posts through the year. Please share your work with us! @writearoundpdx @portlandartmuseum #RespectWritingCommunity #WriteAroundPAM
Maude Kerns, Late Afternoon, California, 1935, oil on canvas, Gift of Dorothy S. Berg, public domain, 2000.17.2
