Painted Words is a collection of twenty-five poems where poet Chantal Wolf finds her artistic voice again following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. These poems reflect on and investigate the complexities of the disease, what it means to be human, the natural world, as well as the author’s sense of self. Persistence, positivity, and love permeate this stunning collection. With themes of connection, healing, and surmounting challenges, Painted Words is a poetic exploration of universal and deeply personal motifs. “Amidst the self-imposed, self-directed, self-judging pressure to keep up,” Wolf shows us the ways we can continue on.

Rich with imagery, metaphors, and sound, these poems share the poet’s unique perspective and vulnerabilities. This book reaches beyond poetry lovers with its accessible language and attention to detail that will be sure to take hold of anyone who cracks its spine. If you’re searching to reclaim your own voice, for whatever reason, Wolf shares a way to find it.

Chantal Wolf is a painter, drawer, and mural-maker. After a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 2016, she has expanded her artistry to include poetry and practices her artistic expression daily. While she is new to poetry, her art has won many awards. Painted Words is her first book. You can connect with her on Instagram @chantalwolf.art, Facebook @shakylinestudio, and through her website: www.chantalwolf.com. She lives in Collingwood, Ontario with her husband Frank and their cat Sadie, who can often be found hiding under the bed.