Carpe Diem

This project features Sarasota artist Marjorie Sayer who responded to the classical poem Odes I. 11 by Roman poet Horace (65 BC - 8 BC).

Marjorie’s statement: Marjorie’s oil paintings often explore figures and landscapes. She is a frequent traveler to Italy, so this poem by Horace was a good fit for her talents and interests. In her artist statement she says, “I love the expressive tactile quality I arrive at by using Impasto oil paint applied with a pallet knife. The creation of the painting is rapid and the result is texture and exhilaration.” In this image of roman columns includes text from the poem. The image captures the spirit of the time when Horace wrote standing on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Marjorie enjoyed finding the right image to capture the mood.

About Odes I. 11: Written ca. 23 BC during the age of Augustus, this poem is known for Horace’s phrase “carpe diem” meaning “seize the day” or as this translation states, “pluck the day.” Don’t bother to predict the future: enjoy the wine.