Why and How James Kirkup wrote the poem "First Art Lesson"?

In fact, there's no relevant information on the Internet.

The poem:

My new paintbox's shining black lacquer lid

divided neatly into three oblong sections

reflects my funny face, the art room windows

white with autumn clouds and flecked with rain.

When I open it, the scented white enamel dazzles.

Inside, pure colours are displayed like blocks

of a bulb-grower's beds of flowers, toy spectrum

in china tubs and tin tubes, a cubist rainbow.

From my jam jar filled with fresh water at the sink

I pour a little liquid into each depression;

take the brush of silky camel hair; wet it plumpness

for the first time, and the last, between my lips.

Then dip its fine, dark tip into the water tanks,

and into the juicy wells of Crimson, Gamboge, Sienna,

Peacock Blue, Burnt Ochre, Emerald, Olive, Terracotta,

Vermilion, Umber, Cadmium, Indigo, Intense Black.

Damp the paper. From the top edge, with sleek, loaded brush,

begin to release the first phantom of a pale-blue wash.

Why and How James Kirkup wrote the poem "First Art Lesson"?
Well, I am sorry but I don't know this poem. I have no idea WHY he wrote it. As for "how", maybe you should think of the shape of a paintbox and the way the different colours are displayed in it, and this could give you a way of reading the poem. The word "cubist" could be important too.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubism



Edit: you could also look at the different metaphors referring to the five senses, and also the alliterations ("china tubs and tin tubes").

shell necklace