A Night of Poetry and Reflection: An Evening with Edward Doyle-Gillespie
Last December, I had the pleasure of hosting an enlightening conversation with Edward Doyle-Gillespie, a poet and alum of the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program at Johns Hopkins University.
As the Associate Director of the MLA program, I've had the privilege of engaging with Edward Doyle-Gillespie in previous events, but this occasion felt particularly special. We delved into the intricacies of his new book, exploring the themes of poetry, the MLA experience, and the intersection of his diverse roles as a poet, teacher, alumni, and Baltimore resident.
Ed shared insights into his journey as a writer, noting the significant impact of the MLA program on his approach to poetry and teaching. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, a core value of the program, which has enabled him to view his work and the world through a multifaceted lens.
One of the most captivating moments of the evening was Ed's reading of selected poems from his book. His words painted vivid images, from a solitary chimney in the woods to the magical realism of storytelling. These readings offered a glimpse into his ability to weave together the personal and the historical, the real and the imagined, the theoretical and the artistic.
The conversation also touched on the challenges and rewards of the publishing process. Ed's advice to aspiring writers in the audience was to persevere, seek feedback, and embrace the journey of bringing their work to the world.
As the Capstone - Graduate Project instructor in the MLA program, I am continually inspired by the diverse and creative work of our students. In the graduate project, students have the option to write a traditional article or embark on a more creative project, such as a collection of poetry (mirroring Ed’s endeavors), a novel, an opera, a comedy show, or an educational website, all grounded in research. The possibilities are endless. This flexibility allows students to tailor their capstone to their interests and strengths, but also to apply their Liberal Arts knowledge to their current / future careers or launch their artistic career as a writer, novelist or … poet, like Ed.
As we wrapped up the event, I couldn't help but feel inspired by Ed's dedication to his craft and his commitment to remain connected to the Liberal Arts.
For those who missed the event, I encourage you to explore Ed's work and to consider the ways in which poetry and interdisciplinary studies can enrich your own perspectives and understanding.
Thank you Ed for a wonderful evening!
-Tristan
