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Bow Skills workshop: exploring ekphrastic poetry and writing about your artworks with Eric Yip
Tuesday 14th October 2025 , 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Poetry based on art, or ekphrastic poetry, is not only a keystone of literature, but also the perfect entryway for artists to transport their own practice and inspirations to a textual medium. Join poet Eric Yip as we explore ekphrastic poetry in all its forms from the sensory to the political and create your own poem.
Poetry based on art, or ekphrastic poetry, is not only a keystone of literature, but also the perfect entryway for artists to transport their own practice and inspirations to a textual medium. Join poet Eric Yip as we explore ekphrastic poetry in all its forms from the sensory to the political and create your own poem.
Eric will kickstart the workshop by sharing his journey of writing poems and bringing in ekphrastic poetry examples. You will then be invited to take part in guided writing exercises that will help you write your own ekphrastic poem. You will have the chance to share and discuss your own work at the end of the session.
This is an interactive and reflective workshop with plenty of time for discussion.
In this workshop, you will:
- Explore ekphrastic poetry in all its forms from the sensory to the political
- Create your own poems based on artworks of your choice and get inspirations that could be applied into your artistic practice
- Connect with other artists and practitioners with similar areas of interest
This event will be held at Nunnery Café, 181 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Concession rate applies to students, over 65s, under 18s, Bow Arts artists, National Art Pass members, and key workers.
More about Eric Yip
Eric Yip is from Hong Kong. He won the 2021 National Poetry Competition and was shortlisted for the 2023 Forward Prize for Best Single Poem. His pamphlet, Exposure (ignitionpress, 2024), was shortlisted for the 2024 Michael Marks Poetry Award. His writing has appeared in Best New Poets, The Forward Book of Poetry, The Guardian, Oxford Poetry, Poetry London, The Poetry Review, and Poets & Writers. He is the poetry editor at Cha.
About Bow Skills
Bow Arts seeks to support creative professionals at all stages of their careers. In 2015 Bow Arts launched Bow Skills in response to an artist survey which showed over 90% of practicing artists find it useful to receive further support outside formal education.
Bow Skills is a dynamic and relevant programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which is informed by an artist steering group and open to all creative practitioners across London. The programme of talks, panel discussions, new skills labs and peer crits is open to all, with concession rates available to students, over 65s, under 18s, Bow Arts artists and key workers.
Access information
The Nunnery Cafe has step-free access throughout from street level, including to the accessible toilet, and is service animal friendly. This venue does not have a hearing loop system. Accessible parking is not available on-site.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility at this venue or event, would like to make us aware of any access requirements that you have in advance of visiting, or would like this information in an alternate format including Easy Read, please email nunnery@bowarts.com or call 020 8980 7774 (Ext. 3)
Access requirements could include things like providing equipment, services or support (e.g. information in Easy Read, speech to text software, additional 1:1 support), adjusting workshop timings (e.g. more break times), adjustments to the event space (e.g. making sure you have a seat near the entrance) or anything else you can think of!
Transport Information
Nearest station(s): Bow Road (District and Hammersmith and City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away. Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area. Bike: Bicycle parking is located at Bow Church Station. The nearest Santander Cycles docking station is at Bow Church Station.
Address: Bow Arts Trust, 183 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
