Navigating the Shadows of the Anthropocene: An Interview with Poet JP Seabright
JP Seabright, a London-based queer disabled writer, has become a prominent voice in the world of poetry. With four solo pamphlets, two collaborations, and a diverse body of work spanning various mediums, JP explores themes of gender, sexuality, trauma, and the impending climate crisis. As an Editor of Full House Literary Magazine, they've earned nominations for esteemed literary prizes like the Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and Forward Prize. We had the privilege of publishing their latest poetry anthology ‘Fragments from Before the Fall’ and had a little chat with them.
Introduction and Background: In a candid revelation about their writing journey, JP reflects on the challenges posed by chronic neuroimmune disease ME/CFS, which intermittently confined them to bed or home. Despite confidence struggles, JP rediscovered their passion for writing in early 2021, particularly in the realm of poetry, now seen as more than 'personal expression.'
JP: I’ve been writing on and off for a long time, although most of that time has been spent not writing, partly because I didn’t have confidence in my abilities, but also because I have the chronic neuroimmune disease ME/CFS which has meant at times I’ve been bedbound or housebound for long periods...
What drew you to create the collection 'Fragments from Before the Fall'? JP unfolds the conceptual layers of "Fragments from Before the Fall," an experimental work using erasure poetry to comment on the current climate crisis. Positioned as an anthology of 'proletarian poetry' from a post-apocalyptic future, the collection is framed by an Activist Archivist discovering fragments that shed light on humanity 'before the Fall.'
JP: Fragments from Before the Fall is a conceptual experimental work that uses erasure poetry as a means of commenting on the current climate crisis...
Curatorial Process: JP walks us through the curation, revealing how poems about the climate crisis, some tinged with apocalyptic undertones, were selected. The erasure of these poems transforms them into 'fragments,' allowing readers to interpret and ponder the critical era of irreversible environmental damage.
JP: The pieces in Fragments were all poems I’d previously written about the climate crisis – with a somewhat apocalyptic bent to them - as well as some written about the impact of the Covid pandemic...
Themes and Inspiration: Exploring the themes of the Anthropocene, resilience, and the human spirit, JP shares their personal inspiration grounded in a deep concern for environmental issues. They emphasize the power of art, especially poetry, to connect with people emotionally and address complex issues in a succinct yet impactful manner.
JP: My own interest in, and concern about environmental issues, and the increasing risk and damage that is being caused to our planet...
Craft and Technique: JP discusses their fluid approach to writing, playing with various forms and techniques. They emphasize the effectiveness of addressing challenging topics directly but also highlight the power of unconventional methods like erasure, blackout, or cutup to jolt readers out of the ordinary.
JP: I play around with many different forms and techniques, and generally don’t have a fixed idea in mind in terms of how the form might accompany the subject...
The Role of Poetry: Reiterating the power of poetry, JP emphasizes its role in addressing and raising awareness of pressing social and environmental issues. Drawing parallels with other art forms, they applaud the ability of poetry to encapsulate facts and feelings in a short space, making it accessible to a broad audience.
JP: I think art (in all its forms) is an incredibly powerful medium which can tap into people’s emotions and consciousness...
Advice for Aspiring Poets: JP encourages emerging poets to write about the world they see and want to see. They acknowledge the shift towards 'eco-poetics' and stress the importance of exploring any topic one strongly believes in, as it likely resonates with others.
JP: Write about the world you see. Write about the world you want to see. Just write...
Future Projects: JP shares glimpses of upcoming collaborations and a solo poetry pamphlet slated for 2025. Amidst waiting for responses on full-length submissions, they express the need to focus on finishing a work-in-progress novel.
JP: I’ve worked on another three collaborations this year, which has been great...
Poetry Community: Reflecting on the importance of community, JP acknowledges its essential role in their journey as a poet. Despite health constraints limiting physical interactions, they commend the welcoming poetry community discovered online during the Covid lockdown.
JP: For me, it’s been essential, though I feel like I’m very much still emerging and on the margins of the UK poetry community...
Literary Figures and Impact: JP draws inspiration from a diverse array of artists, musicians, and poets, showcasing a broad spectrum of influences. Figures like Mark Rothko, William S. Burroughs, and contemporary poets like Joelle Taylor and Chen Chen have left lasting imprints on their work.
JP: I’m as likely to be inspired by artists or musicians, as well as poets, and these are quite diverse...
Closing Thoughts: In closing, JP hopes readers find meaning in "Fragments from Before the Fall," even if it's not an 'enjoyable' read. They aspire for the collection to inspire others writing about the climate crisis, encouraging them to explore different forms and techniques to engage a diverse audience.
JP: I hope people enjoy reading it, though it’s not necessarily an ‘enjoyable’ read...
JP leaves aspiring poets with a simple yet profound message: Keep writing. Embrace your unique voice and experiences. While cautioning against emulation, they underscore the importance of being widely read and finding one's writing tribe.
In the ever-evolving landscape of poetry, JP Seabright stands as a testament to the transformative power of words, navigating the shadows of the Anthropocene with creativity, resilience, and a profound commitment to raising awareness.
Fragments from Before the Fall is out now and available via amazon. You can watch the digital launch on our YouTube. Connect with JP on their website and @jpseabright on other platforms.