Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alicia Suskin Ostriker's poem "Portraite de l'Artiste" is a deeply introspective and evocative exploration of the artist's experience, focusing on the intersections of creativity, solitude, and intimate relationships. The poem captures the duality of the artist's life, where the solitude of creative work coexists with the warmth and connection of a loving relationship. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Ostriker delves into the complexities of self-perception, artistic expression, and the comforts and challenges of human connection.

The poem begins in a scene of solitude, with the speaker alone at night, working on woodcuts while accompanied by the distant sounds of a radio. The repetition of the process—"I print, revise, print"—conveys the meticulous and meditative nature of the artist's work. The speaker describes the careful arrangement of ricepaper in rows on shelves, emphasizing the discipline and orderliness required in the creative process. This solitude is depicted not as loneliness but as a space for deep concentration and artistic exploration.

The artist's goal is to capture a complex array of images simultaneously—a pair of smoothed stones, a piece of fruit, and a torso containing a curled fetus. The choice of these elements suggests themes of nature, life, and the human form, all rendered in a palette of "grays and pink oranges." The inclusion of the wood grain in the print symbolizes the desire to retain a sense of authenticity and texture, grounding the abstract elements in the materiality of the wood. This attention to detail reflects the artist's commitment to capturing both the physical and emotional essence of her subjects.

As the night progresses, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, leading to a self-portrait—"Portraite de l'artiste enceinte"—where she envisions herself pregnant, standing in front of a long mirror. The image of the pregnant artist, "Ugly, proud, dignified," conveys a sense of both vulnerability and strength. The phrase "Good bones after all" suggests a recognition of the enduring qualities within herself, both physically and artistically. The word "Peaceful" at the end of this reflection underscores the acceptance and contentment the speaker feels in her solitude and in her creative identity.

The poem then introduces a contrasting element: the presence of a loved one. The speaker reflects on the nights spent with her partner, where they make love and sleep curled together, "pajamaless." This intimate connection is described as something they have "decided, or discovered, is best for us," highlighting the sense of mutual understanding and shared comfort. The warmth and physical closeness of these nights stand in contrast to the solitude of the artist's work, offering a different kind of fulfillment and connection.

In a poignant moment, the speaker recalls her parents, who she believes slept in the same way, "Even in sleep, not separated." This memory ties the speaker's present experience to her past, suggesting a continuity of love and connection across generations. It also emphasizes the importance of physical closeness and emotional intimacy in relationships, even during moments of rest.

The final lines of the poem return to the theme of solitude, but with a twist. The speaker acknowledges that "an artist at work can always / Be accompanied by death, which is happy." This reference to death as a companion to the artist underscores the existential nature of creativity, where the act of creation is often intertwined with thoughts of mortality. However, this acknowledgment does not bring despair; instead, it seems to coexist with the warmth and life found in the speaker's relationship.

"Portraite de l'Artiste" is a nuanced meditation on the life of an artist, balancing the solitary pursuit of creativity with the profound connections found in love and family. Through its exploration of these dualities, the poem reveals the complexities of self-identity, the creative process, and the ways in which love and art can both sustain and challenge the individual. The speaker's journey through the night, from the solitary act of creation to the memory of shared warmth, captures the richness and depth of the human experience.

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