Shape Of My Heart (Art & Poetry Series) by Sting

This is the fourth in a brilliant Art & Poetry series by Sting. The title of this book is The Shape of my Heart. It was edited by Linda Sunshine and designed by Mary Tiegreen who did a great job. This book is a wonderful 31-page coffee table size book; huge in sentiment and design. Each page could be torn out and framed as a unique piece of art to hang on the wall. It will make a perfect gift for musicians, artists, poets, college students or anyone loving the mesmerizing music of Sting and/or the mysterious imagery painted by Picasso.  

This book marries the sorrowful lyrics by Sting and 31 infamous paintings by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) into one work of art. These two artists teach us a good lesson and that is to never to give up on our own innate abilities and never quit doing what we love to do despite and inspite of others. Making art was integral to Sting and Picasso’s wellbeing and gave substance to their sense of self and heart’s desires.

Sting has recorded more than eight albums with The Police and ten solo albums.  He also appeared in 14 films and numerous stage productions as an actor. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) on the other hand was a cubist painter. It is easy to understand how Sting and Picasso’s work can blend so easily. Both designed their work to be multi-layered and complex enfolding as many mysteries in their work as possible.  The lines by Sting and the images by Picasso seem to meld into each other and are easily interpreted. Below are the lyrics by Sting:

Shape of My Heart

He deals the cards as a meditation.
And those he plays never suspect
He doesn’t play for the money he wins
He doesn’t play for respect
He deals the cards to find the answer
The sacred geometry of chance
The hidden law of a probable outcome
The numbers lead a dance

(My favorite lines)
He doesn’t play for the money he wins
He doesn’t play for respect
He deals the cards to find the answer

Chorus
I know that the spades are swords of a soldier
I know the clubs are weapons of war
I now that diamonds mean money for this art
But that’s not the shape of my heart

(My favorite lines)
He may play the jack of diamonds
He may lay the queen of spades
He may conceal a king in his hand
While the memory of it fades…

Repeat Chorus

And if I told that I loved you
You’d maybe think there’s something wrong
I’m not a man of too many faces
The mask I wear is one
Those who speak know nothing
And find out to their cost
Like those who curse their luck in too many places
And those who fear are lost

Repeat Chorus

But that’s not the shape of my heart.  The End.

                                          ~~~

I am seeing a card game used as a metaphor of life, fate and love.  We are seduced us with potential and have only to use our imagination to interpret between its lines. I imagine few male artists can put their Queens ahead of their art. Eventually, as time goes by time takes their talent away and they are left with only memories of what could have been had they chose love instead of art.  It is too bad there is no guarantee on relationships either. I think we should all do what makes us happy when it comes to mixing art and love. What do you think?

This book has befriended me. I love it. I’ve followed both these artists for some time.  I am a student of Ekphrasis Poetry myself having written many of my poems in response to Picasso’s work. You might even call this kind of poetry a peek into the conversation between the song and the painting. Smooth and easy read.  Beautiful imagery. Five Stars for Amazon.

By Joyce White
Sculpting the Heart Book Reviews
http://www.sculptingtheheart.com