The first draft of this poem was created four years ago. I wanted to create a text describing the experience of freediving. Freediving is a complex physical and emotional journey that is challenging to portray solely in the visual arts. The description of freediving is appealing to me because it can be linked to other life experiences and interpreted in various ways. Subsequently, the poem was included in my art project entitled ’A Sea Trilogy’. A story composed of small art works that are interconnected. An attempt to somehow create a dynamic by combining different art forms into one.
The background image of this poem is a black and white, inverted and mirrored version of the triptych. Looking up at the surface while diving can feel like being in an upside-down world. When diving deeper, it becomes harder to orientate. In dark waters, it is essential for the diver to be connected to a safety line because it’s easy to get lost down there. Remaining calm is crucial because stress burns oxygen, and a panic attack could result in hypoxia in mere seconds. When Freediving, I tend to feel a peaceful sense of belonging. As long as I have an experienced safety diver with me. During a breathhold in water, the body responds to what is usually referred to as the mammalian diving reflex. In broad terms it means that the body takes certain measures to save oxygen. One of those measures is when the pulse slows down to half its normal rate. Basically, the body is transformed into an aquatic creature. When deep diving, the body and mind also react to the force and gravity of the ocean.
I came up with the concept for the background image just a few days ago. At some point, I may try out a version without the text. I’m also contemplating the idea of experimenting with a voice-over.
Since I´m new to writing poetry, I´m not sure if this poem is a first draft of something or if it’s finished. I became interested in poetry because I had things to write about. My current routine involves going to the library and borrowing as many poetry books as I can carry. I almost never leave home without a poetry book in my bag. Lately, I have also been reading lyrics of songs that I like. Music has been a significant element in my life. As I was writing this text, I started to ponder the music genre the poem would fall under if it were a song. I went off track and just ended up googling different obscure sub-genres.