WKU English Department Hosts Notable Writer Janée Baugher

Visiting Writers Series at WKU Welcomes Ekphrastic Poet

On the last Tuesday evening of February 2024, the English Department at Western Kentucky University (WKU) warmly welcomed esteemed writer and poet, Janée Baugher, as part of their Visiting Writers Series.

This series forms an integral part of WKU’s dedication to enriching the academic and cultural lives of its community by inviting accomplished authors to share their valuable insights and experiences.

About Janée Baugher and Ekphrastic Poetry

Janée Baugher, a passionate poet known for her fascination with visual arts, engaged the audience by sharing her ingenious approach to writing. She explained that she writes in a ‘spirit of discovery’, going to the page without preconceived thoughts and allowing herself to be surprised by what materializes.

One of Baugher’s areas of specialization is ekphrastic poetry, a genre that involves the interpretation and narration of visual artworks, often paintings, through emotional and vivid poetry. She gave readings from her poems inspired by the works of renowned artist Andrew Wyeth, providing an immersive example of ekphrastic poetry to the audience.

Audience Engagement and the Value of Ekphrastic Writing

Baugher enlightened the audience about her creative journey of ekphrastic writing and how it became central to her work. She shared this unique genre’s transformative power, highlighting how its application enriched her writing skills and broadened her perspective.

During a question and answer session, Baugher further demystified her ekphrastic writing process. She emphasized the concept of ‘what is within you and beyond you’, referencing the profound influence of creativity and subconscious thinking on her writing.

Reflections and Reactions

Faculty members and students praised the reading and Baugher’s engaging discussion. A WKU professor reflected on the uniqueness of the session, stating how the combination of the poet’s voice and visual artwork added immense value to her poems.

As the VII installments of the Visiting Writers Series concluded, it left the audience with a broader understanding of ekphrastic poetry, inviting them to explore new avenues in their creative writing exercises. Through continuing this series, WKU’s English Department fosters an inclusive and stimulating space for students and the writing community.