Evocative Stuff

I’ve always loved evocative stuff: something written, a sound, an aroma, the way morning light sifts through a leafed-out tree and creates dappled patterns on a lush, green lawn, a song, an image—you get the picture, right?

When I write, I aim to transport someone to a place or time they can call up from their own memory bank. I want the reader to feel, smell, see, or hear what my character is going through. I want my reader to reflect on their emotions, actions, and thoughts.

Art has a way of touching the soul of the person involved in reading, listening, or seeing the art. Isn’t that amazing? Do you know the song Someone Like You by Adele? It’s been scientifically proven that the melody in that song evokes an emotional reaction.

I have the ability to get lost in art. Look at this portrait by Andrew Wyeth. It’s called Wind from the Sea. Doesn’t it make you wonder? What’s going on in the room?

Is it a happy event or is someone mourning? Are there children playing outside? Can you hear their happy squeals?

This is a famous Edward Hopper portrait called Nighthawks. It makes me wonder about the people sitting in that tavern late at night. What's happening in their lives?

What about you? Do you appreciate evocative art? Does it transport you? Does it stir up questions, emotions?

Here's an interesting article from the NY Times about your brain on fiction and what evocative scenes do to your brain.