What is a self-portrait poem?

The self-portrait poem embodies many of the best aspects of poetry: imagery, authenticity, and a strong sense of personal voice. In addition to their poetic value, self-portrait poems are confessional and have deep personal value, helping poets connect with themselves and enhance feelings of self-love.

In this generative workshop, participants will traverse the self-portrait poem and what it means to present yourselves—as chaotic and complicated as we are—as the subjects of our poems. We'll take inspiration from visual arts as well as contemporary poetry to draft new work and expand our poetic selves.

About the teacher:

Kali Meister received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee and an MFA in creative writing from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. She is also an established writer, public speaker, academic and actress. Her writing has been featured in several lit reviews, newspapers and magazines including 34 Orchard, Caduceus, Pitkin Review, Low Explosions, and Knoxville Metro Pulse. She was the 2008-2009 John C. Hodges Writer in Residence for the University of Tennessee Knoxville Libraries.

She is the founder of She Wonder Production, a film production company that focuses on the female experience and narrative. Her short films have been selected for numerous regional film festivals including the Knoxville 54 Hour Film Festival, The Knoxville Film Festival, The Chattanooga Horror Film Festival and The Knoxville Horror Film Festival and have won awards for best screenplay, best performance, and best overall short film.