Every Poem is a Love Poem: A Poetry Workshop with Kyla Jamieson

According to the poet Chen Chen, “poetry matters because it nourishes the heart.” Likewise, the heart nourishes poetry. In this workshop, we’ll look at poets and authors who engage with love as their subject matter or as a guiding principle for their writing.

Participants will learn about poetic forms and tools, reflect on who and what they love, and experiment with ways of incorporating these methods and considerations into their writing. Through reading, discussion, and writing, we will trace connections between love and creative expression.

This workshop is designed for anyone who wishes to develop or deepen their writing practice. All levels of familiarity with language and poetry are welcome. We will be reading poems in English, but English fluency is not required.

Please bring a notebook and pen, or whichever tools or technology you prefer to write with. Participants are also encouraged to bring a favourite quote about love or a definition of love that resonates with them.

To ensure event attendance and to help us cover costs, this event is $15. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. If you are experiencing barriers to attend, please reach out over email. We’re happy to provide you with one of our scholarship spots.

This workshop is offered in tandem with our all-day Valentine’s at New Leaf Editions. Participants registered for printmaking will receive a complimentary ticket to this poetry workshop, though attendance at both is optional. Those who choose to take part in both will have the opportunity to bring what they write here to New Leaf, where they will learn how to set type, print lino and produce a finished broadsheet. If you are registered for printmaking and want to attend this poetry workshop, please email us to let us know.

More about the facilitator:

Kyla Jamieson is the author of Body Count (Nightwood Editions), which was named a CBC Best Poetry Book of 2020. Her work has been anthologized in Poetry is Not a Luxury: Poems for All Seasons and published widely. She holds a MFA from the University of British Columbia and served as the Vancouver Public Library’s 2024 Writer in Residence. Guided by her belief in the universality of creativity, her cultural work centres self-expression, interdependence, and embodiment. Find her at kylajamieson.com or in the ocean.

More about Upstart & Crow:

Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers, readers and stories, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community & Skills Building … all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com.

Accessibility:

The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees. Masking is welcome in this space, and we welcome other accessibility inquiries or requests. Please reach out as soon as possible via the email address below.

Questions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.

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