Book Interview: Delving into the “BARE” Vulnerability of Jackie Shawn
Get an inside look into poetess, filmographer, and designer, Jackie Shawn’s newest poetry collection ‘BARE: The Most Vulnerable Rhythms.’
Embark on a transformative journey into the soulful realm of Jackie Shawn's latest poetry collection, "BARE: The Most Vulnerable Rhythms."
In this exclusive interview, Jackie shares the intimate inspiration behind her chosen title, tracing her poetic roots back to childhood crushes and the profound impact of open mic sessions during her university years.
As a multifaceted creative with a diverse background in the entertainment industry, Jackie's words serve as a powerful conduit for the unheard, exploring themes of personal vulnerability, identity, and the untold stories of black women.
Additionally, learn how her academic journey, experiences in casting and advertising, and a commitment to making her own "yesses" have shaped her artistic perspective, resulting in a collection that encourages readers to embrace true emotions and create their own narratives in a world hungry for authenticity.
The book is titled "BARE: The Most Vulnerable Rhythms." Can you share what inspired you to choose this title and how it reflects the essence of your poetry collection?
I have been writing poetry since I was 8 years old. I started writing when I first had a huge crush on this boy. I didn't know how to tell someone I liked them.
I was a kid and filled with nervous butterflies. So, I decided to write him a poem. I never shared it with him, but I guess that's why I wrote BARE.
Writing poetry has always been my way of showing how I truly feel. Whenever I wrote these words, I felt as though I was writing myself in my most vulnerable position.
In the book description, you mention that the poems are for the unheard, allowing people to see themselves in their purest form. How do you believe poetry serves as a medium to achieve this connection and self-expression?
I attended my first open mic at my university in my freshman year. It completely altered my outlook on poetry's impact on others.
I knew the impact it had on me, but the impact on others was unknown to me. After reading my piece "Black is Queen", black girls would snap at certain parts and say "I know that's right", and even come up to me to delve more into the topics I spoke about.
That's when I realized I had more to share. I realized that I wasn't alone in writing my poetry and that I could inspire and help others who feel similar to me.
Your background involves various roles in entertainment, from directing to production design. How does your experience in these fields influence your approach to crafting and presenting poetry?
Growing up, my teachers would say I was a jack of all trades. Funny because my name is Jackie.
I have always been passionate about creating and telling the stories of my community. Whether that is through directing, photography, videography, or writing.
At the end of the day, I am a creative. God gave me a spirit of unlimited creativity. He has created me to be a multifaceted leader in the creative community.
My experiences in the art world as a black woman have contributed tremendously to my writing.
I write from my experience of being a hard-working black woman in an industry that doesn't support you. My book encapsulates all of it.
The book encourages readers to embrace their true emotions and express them freely. How do you navigate the balance between personal vulnerability and creating a universal connection with your audience through your poetry?
I think my book is very black-woman-coated, but it has a special place for everyone.
It's not only a personal journey, but it touches on relationship issues, anxiety, loss, depression, family, joy, & growth.
These topics are universal for every reader who reads my book.
I am a black woman, so it will always have something to do with that.
There is nothing wrong with being specific, it's up to the audience if they want to understand it. I invite you!
You've mentioned your interest in shedding light on misrepresented communities. How does your poetry contribute to this mission, and what impact do you hope it has on readers' perspectives?
My book talks about black women and the pain and hurt we experience. So many times, our stories are not represented in the media and my words help to tell our lost stories.
I hope my readers gain wisdom and compassion for the complexity of black women.
As a student at the University of Oklahoma with a unique major in Entertainment Performance & Production Studies, how has your academic journey influenced the themes and styles in your poetry?
So I created my own major using the Multidisciplinary Studies Track and I have called it (changed a couple of times) Creative Production & Interdisciplinary Arts.
I began my college career as an acting performance major, but God had more in store for me. I got connected with more creatives and grew in my love for creative production.
I have a huge background in interdisciplinary arts that includes design (Photoshop & illustration), screenwriting, video editing, art/ creative direction, acting, singing, dancing, and fashion.
My academic journey has always been in my own hands. I decided to make the most out of my college career and gain as many skills and knowledge to help market myself.
Being an entrepreneur and an independent person has influenced my style of poetry, but also the trials I have gone through to figure out who Jackie is has influenced my book.
The chapters, Birth, Battle, Beauty, Belong, & Bloom are the ups and downs of finding out my identity.
Your internship with O'Connor Casting in Chicago and your current work with OKRP suggest a diverse involvement in the entertainment industry. How do these experiences inform your creative process when working on poetry?
Yeah, I get in where I fit in. I think being around the entertainment industry has taught me that if you want things to happen, make it happen.
Working for a casting company, I met actors who were multifaceted like me, who were writers, business owners, etc.
It pushed me to be more.
OKRP pushed me in my design skills. I was a creative intern who helped run campaigns and create stories for others.
The book emphasizes the idea of being "bare" as a way to navigate the complexities of the world. Can you share a specific poem from the collection that encapsulates this theme and walk us through the inspiration behind it?
"On Track", page 47. This poem, I wrote literally on a train on my way to work. I was surrounded by all these people going to work and different places to live their day out.
I always like to break the rhythm of flow to understand what it is I really am doing. I don't want to be a robot.
As I was writing it, I realized I have a fear of being left behind. I have a fear of not progressing and disappointing others around me.
And I realized the people around me probably have a similar fear. And that in turn is how I created the poem.
In the last line, I wrote it a stop before mine—
"Eventually, there will be no track to ride
so my life is the chase, the search to find…"
I had the biggest epiphany that my worry doesn't need to happen, this is life.
Issa Rae's quote about making your own "yesses" resonates with you. How has this philosophy shaped your artistic journey, and what advice do you have for aspiring artists looking to create their own opportunities?
Yeaaaaa Issa Rae is my girl.
“I found that every time I asked permission the answer tended to be no, so I had to make my own yeses.”
I first heard this quote junior year of high school and it has stuck with me. With God's guidance, I have been blessed with everything I need.
He has always made a way and equipped me with just what I need. Issa Rae's quote reminds me that there is always a way.
She reminds me to not give up on my dreams even if I have to do it myself.
Every artist that has an idea or an unfinished concept, “make it happen.” Create your own yesses.
I started my own production company, my own major, my own website, my own community of black creatives, and now my own book. The sky is yours!
The description mentions your love for perspective, female beauty, and social media marketing. How do these elements manifest in your poetry, and how do they contribute to the overall narrative of "BARE: The Most Vulnerable Rhythms"?
I am a storyteller. I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria surrounded by so many cultures and perspectives.
My biggest influences were my mother and other women leaders similar to her. I consistently give back to the women who made me who I am today and I am forever thankful.
There is a poem specifically dedicated to my MOM in the book (page 63).
These elements are all things that help BARE become possible. Without my reach in the social media world, I wouldn't have as many people ordering my book right now.
Without my mom inspiring me and growing up in Nigeria, I wouldn't have had as much of a story to tell.
My testimony is the overall narrative of BARE.
You can buy BARE: The Most Vulnerable Rhythms on Amazon.
Jackie Shawn is a senior at the University of Oklahoma studying on a personally designed major track called Creative Production & Interdisciplinary Arts.
She has worked on sets as Director, Producer, Actor, Writer, Production Designer, & so much more.
She enjoys storytelling through different media platforms in order to shed light on misrepresented communities.
With the love of perspective, female beauty, & social media marketing she hopes to continue creating art that allows for the beautiful duality of her people to show.
She lives by Issa Rae’s quote, “I found that everytime I asked permission, the answer tended to be no, so I had to make my own yesses.”
“BARE” is her first published poetry book.
She started writing in high school as a spoken word poet and hopes to continue sharing her love of words to the world.
She looks forward to growth in her vocabulary through her journey on this earth.
She gives God all the glory.
Follow her on
Instagram: @jackieshawnnn
Don’t forget to also check out her website: jackietheartist.com for more examples of her amazing artistry!