Masterclass Recording: Eco-Poetry

How can poetry celebrate nature but acknowledge the forces that threaten it? In this two-hour poetry masterclass with writer, performer and educator Zena Edwards, you will contemplate the creative response to the climate crisis and unpack what it really means to ask ‘what can you do?’, individually and collectively. The session will be delivered in three movements, framed as ‘how did we get here?’, ‘bring back wonder’ and ‘nature persists’, each offering the opportunity to explore ways to balance eco-awareness with a confident and self-reflexive approach to writing poetry. You’ll come away with fresh ideas, words on the page and new ways to write about nature while supporting realistic ideas around environmental responsibility.

Participants are encouraged to prepare for the session by taking a walk and focusing on engaging with the world through one sense – sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste. Observe where you *experience* nature. If you live in a built-up area, note where nature has grown through concrete cracks or hangs from walls. If the above poses difficulties for accessibility reasons, observe and connect with a plant or flowers in your home and do a little research into the symbolism of the plant and flower, so as to add a layer of meaning to the moment of connection. Or when cooking, really meditate on the food you are preparing. Observe the colour and scents of the ingredients, notice what happens as you combine and cook them, and on the resulting taste. We want to awaken the primal senses for the purpose of connection.

This event was part of Ben Rawlence’s season as Arvon’s Writer and Residence for Spring/Summer 2023. Ben’s curated series of online and in-person events centre nature, asking writers to develop creative responses to the forces that threaten it. Learn more about Ben’s season here.

This recording will be available to watch at your convenience. Please see the ‘Access’ tab for information on how to find it.

We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.

When you make your purchase, you will receive an email confirmation, including a link to the recording. You can access it at any time using that link. It can also be accessed by logging in to your account on our website, opening the course card on your ‘My Bookings’ page, and clicking on the red ‘Recording’ button. Any course materials that may have been shared for the live session will also be available via a button in the course card. All Masterclasses are recorded with auto-generated captioning, which appears on the recordings.

If you require any assistance or further information, please email arvonathome@arvon.org