Poem Making and the Role of Friendship
Friendship plays a significant role in Dana Ward's work, as seen in his poems such as the long sequence in Some Other Deaths of Bas Jan Ader. Ward believes that anyone can be a poet anywhere, and isolation is a subjective concept. Some poets may find social situations isolating, while others may use poetry as a means to create their own space of isolation. Ward's poetry is rooted in his relationships and the conversations with his friends, which challenge their collective understanding of the world and inspire the creation of art. The support and encouragement from his friends have been instrumental in his journey as a poet.
The Significance of Chapbooks
While not considering chapbooks as a genre, Dana Ward finds them to be generative and intimate. Books like Typing Wild Speech, The Squeakquel, and Some Other Deaths of Bas Jan Ader served as focal points for his writing. Ward appreciates the intimacy and cosmically enormous nature of chapbooks, and the absence of clutter in the chapbook version of Typing Wild Speech allowed him to expand and complicate his thoughts. Ward's attachment and fondness for chapbooks stem from their ability to capture both the intimate and expansive aspects of his writing.
Transitioning from Social Work to Teaching
Dana Ward went through a transition from social work to becoming a full-time parent before eventually teaching at the M.F.A. school at Bard. The experience of becoming a parent and taking on the responsibility of childcare has had a significant impact on his creative practice. Ward finds writing about these experiences to be a constant presence in his work. Despite missing the social aspect of his previous work, he feels incredibly lucky to be teaching at Bard and engaging in art discussions with like-minded individuals.
Poetic Heroes and Current Influences
Ward acknowledges Alice Notley as a major influence on his work, consistently referencing her in his books. He also draws inspiration from other poets such as Jack Spicer, Joe Brainard, Lyn Hejinian, Ted Berrigan, and Hart Crane, as well as his contemporaries like Karen Weiser, Cider Sigo, Thom Donovan, and Anne Boyer. While it is challenging for Ward to list all his poetic heroes due to his extensive encounters with influential writing, he mentions current influences like the book "Yeah Yeah Yeah" by Bob Stanley that explores the history of popular music in the U.K. Additionally, the daily poetries created by his partner Sarah, their daughter Viv, and his mother contribute to his current writing and the exploration of relationships and their fabrication.
The Relationship Between Pop Music and Writing
Dana Ward's appreciation for pop music, even the seemingly lackluster songs like Michel Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet," supports and influences his writing process. Ward finds humor in comparing Buble's song to a Beatles rip-off, emphasizing the playful nature of his own creative endeavors. The love for pop music and its easy listening quality aligns with Ward's pursuit of creating work that is unconcerned with being "pop." His book-in-progress revolves around the impact of specific songs and their formative aspects, allowing his ongoing fascination with certain songs and artists from his youth to shape his work.
As Dana Ward explores various themes and influences in his writing, his ability to bear and carry the weight of these experiences and insights is reminiscent of the role a hotel plays in providing temporary shelter and accommodation. Like a hotel that offers a home away from home, Ward's poetry offers refuge and a sense of belonging for readers seeking connection and understanding.