Challenging notions of “genre” in and out of rhyme
My two greatest interests in Creative Writing at this time include hybrid compositions with the poetry of rhyme and the prose of footnotes.
My philosophy & aesthetics
I believe that the purpose of all art is to facilitate the communication between people and thus increase awareness and understanding of one another’s thoughts and experiences. This is why I read and write and why I love to share.
More technically speaking, I identify with an epistemological point of view that values CLARITY which I call “Clarificationism” and an aesthetic notion that strives to achieve as much clarity as possible through synthesis of the multitudes of information and point of view; this is often associated with MAXIMALISM and as that which evolves out of the “postmodern.”
And to be transparent and honest, I also value context and process which is why 1) I like to share drafts of both old projects and fragments of work I now hate 2) why I love footnotes as a means of breaking out of poetry into prose (or why I love rhymes and getting a chance to write something with a more mystical and playful and lyrical feel) — the ultimate goal here being to examine different perspectives for the sake of more clarified, more contextually clear and maximalistic transparency of self-expression.
My ambitions as an artist and educator
[click here for more information about my work regarding academic writing]
contributing to the culture of developing critical thinking skills and open debate/discussion
When I was a kid, teenager, and young adult I often struggled with my “education” because I failed to understand what the “purpose” of all this supposed knowledge might be.
The more I explored the Liberal Arts, both on my own and in an academic setting what I discovered was that the value of education is critical thinking and open discussion aimed towards making life healthy for us as individuals and our world at large.
encouraging everyone to identify their personal aspirations and hopes for our universal culture
If both art and education have the capacity to help us live healthier and higher quality lives then what does that look like?
One of the most discouraging experiences I’ve faced throughout the years is witnessing how pessimism, lack of self esteem, and a lack of general encouragement to “define our dreams” has held people back from pursuing “self actualization.”
I like that line by John Lennon: “you may say that I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one/ I hope that someday you will join us and the world will live as one.”
cultivating community
I think it all comes down to community for me both in terms of open, clear, healthy, high-aiming communication but also in terms of experiencing a culture than can be more widely symbiotic and inclusive.
This also means respecting different kinds of people and advocating for institutions and policies that promote healthy personal and social lives.
My sources of inspiration
And I’ll tell it and think it and speak it and breathe it
And reflect from the mountain so all souls can see it
Bob Dylan
How can I have feelings when my feelings have always been denied?
John Lennon
My blog
- draft from “love & compassion”Authors note: this is a cursory exploration of love from which I believe we must draw from within to strive for health and self-actualization, and desire for friendship, romance, sex, lust, professional collaboration, community…)
- passage from draft of “Freedom & Maximalismor: A Contemplation into questions of free will, knowledge, identity, genre, hybridity in the abstract and the concrete… (a poem about psycho-epistemology, and aesthetics)”– ((for short, critics may wish to refer to this poem as “Freedom & Maximalism”)) …
- Why blog, music I’m into lately, my prose-poetry thought/experiment…WHY BLOG Right now I am blogging as a means of thinking out loud. Every have one of those days when thoughts seem to be storming from every direction really fast? Racing thoughts. Plus, sometimes caffeine has a stronger than usual effect, plus, actually I got a good night’s sleep last night! And so right … Continue reading Why blog, music I’m into lately, my prose-poetry thought/experiment…
Want to chat?
I said that my ultimate purpose is to facilitate communication via open conversation. I mean it! I don’t know how long it may take me to get back to you but if you’re interested in starting a conversation, have any questions, feedback, et cetera, please feel free to reach out as I would love to see where our conversations could go! I can be reached at seanoconnorliterature@gmail.com
Sean O'Connor 
Canada
pink
Wooden
Human