Patricia Smith, an American poet, spoken-word performer, playwright, author, writing teacher, and former journalist, will join Lawrence as its next Creator-in-Residence.
A four-time individual National Poetry Slam champion and winner of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize in 2021, Smith will work with writers and performers on campus. She plans to help students strengthen their voice and take their art form and craft to the next level.
Smith started down the creative path in life as a child, when her father came to Chicago from Arkansas in the Great Migration. He brought with him storytelling prowess that instantly fascinated Smith and sparked a desire in her to tell her own magical stories.
Several major influences on her creative work over the years have helped Smith shape and explore various forms of expression. “I’ll have to say my father, who encouraged my voice; Gwendolyn Brooks, who encouraged my vision, and the poetry slam, which taught me the importance of empathy and audience.”
Creatives often struggle to find their voice; Smith will be a tremendous resource for those students wanting to strengthen their creative voice.
“It’s important because it’s what differentiates you from all other artists,” Smith said. “It’s your signature. It’s your stamp. And you never really know. You can come to trust your voice, but that doesn’t mean you stop searching.”
Smith does not attribute one specific thing to inspiring her creative work.
“When you’re a writer, you’re a witness, and there’s nothing that doesn’t at least give you the beginning of an idea,” Smith said. “It’s a fascinating life—there are stories everywhere.”
Smith describes the creative process as something that “knocks you to your knees.”
“The ‘creation’ is what prompts you to stand up again,” she said.
The Lawrence community will doubtless be energized by Smith’s new role as Creator-in-Residence. Her expertise and creative vision will complement an already vibrant student community.
“The key is to learn as much from the students as you’re hoping to teach them,” Smith said. “That no matter what their major, no matter the path they’ve already carved, the arts are the answer to so many questions.”
To improve as a writer, Smith urges people to stop concentrating so much on technique and remember joy, empathy, and patience.
“Don’t forget to live what you love,” Smith said. “I hope I, and the students I work with, give the community another way of thinking of something they thought they knew.”
In helping others find their voice, Smith offers a piece of advice.
“In most cases, they’ve found their voice; they just don’t trust it,” she said. “I talk a lot about the quirky, roundabout path to finding my own—it’s not always an easy process— and help them see the voice inside that’s begging them to listen.”
