Tag: Flagstaff

Katherine Larson: Scientist, Poet, and Voice of the Natural World

Katherine Larson is a celebrated American poet, molecular biologist, and field ecologist whose unique blend of scientific insight and lyrical artistry captures the delicate interplay between nature and human experience. As the 2010 winner of the prestigious Yale Series of Younger Poets Competition and the author of the acclaimed collection Radial Symmetry (Yale University Press, 2011), Larson’s work has resonated with readers and critics alike, establishing her as one of Arizona’s most compelling contemporary voices.

Early Life and Educational Roots

Born into a family that valued both education and the natural world, Katherine Larson’s early experiences laid a strong foundation for her dual passions. Her father, a professor of forestry and environmental science, and her mother, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher with a passion for science, instilled in her an early love for learning and the environment. Growing up with these influences, Larson developed a curiosity about the world that would later become the cornerstone of her poetry and scientific research.

After graduating from Flagstaff High School in 1996, Larson pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English. This unique combination of studies allowed her to bridge the gap between the analytical world of science and the expressive realm of literature. Her academic journey continued as she earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Virginia, where she was recognized as a Henry Hoyns Fellow—a testament to her emerging talent and dedication to her craft.

The Emergence of a Poetic Voice

Larson’s poetry is characterized by its keen observations of the natural world and its exploration of the human condition through the lens of science. Her work has been featured in numerous anthologies and respected literary journals, including AGNI, Poetry, Boulevard, The Kenyon Review, The Massachusetts Review, Notre Dame Review, and Poetry Northwest. Influenced by literary giants such as Marianne Moore, Elizabeth Bishop, Pablo Neruda, and Tomas Tranströmer—as well as by Irish poets Medbh McGuckian, Ciaran Carson, and Seamus Heaney during a formative semester in Ireland—Larson’s verses seamlessly blend scientific precision with lyrical beauty.

Her acclaimed poetry collection, Radial Symmetry, reflects this synthesis. Praised for its “extraordinary wakefulness” and its immersive, nuanced portrayal of the natural world, the collection invites readers to experience nature not as a distant, abstract force but as a tangible, ever-present influence on everyday life. Reviews in The Independent and The Paris Review have lauded Larson for her ability to transform the natural environment into a living, breathing narrative that speaks to both our sensory experiences and our inner lives.

Interdisciplinary Projects and Collaborations

Katherine Larson’s commitment to exploring the intersection of nature and art extends beyond the page. In 2009, she collaborated with artist Heather Green on The Ghost Net Project at the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center. This innovative project involved the creation of 25 shadow boxes constructed from salvaged shrimp-boat wood, each paired with a poem by Larson. The installation examined cultural and ecological relationships in the Gulf of California—a region where Larson had spent six months living and working. The project not only highlighted her creative vision but also underscored her dedication to environmental advocacy and cultural dialogue.

A Life Bridging Science and Art

Balancing her career as a research scientist in molecular biology with her poetic pursuits, Larson embodies the rare synthesis of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. Her work in the lab informs her poetry, providing a meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of natural processes. In turn, her writing brings a poetic sensibility to her scientific endeavors, allowing her to communicate complex ideas with clarity and beauty.

Living in Tucson, Arizona with her husband and daughter, Larson remains deeply connected to the landscapes that have inspired her work. Her poetry not only reflects the physical beauty of the Southwest but also serves as a meditation on the intricate relationships between human beings and the environment. Through her writing, she encourages readers to look more closely at the world around them, to appreciate the interplay between nature and culture, and to find meaning in the rhythms of the natural world.

Awards, Honors, and Continuing Influence

Katherine Larson’s work has garnered numerous accolades over the years. In 2010, she was selected by esteemed poet Louise Glück as the winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets Competition—a recognition that marked a significant milestone in her career. Her collection Radial Symmetry went on to win the Kate Tufts Discovery Award in 2012, along with the Levis Reading Prize from Virginia Commonwealth University and the ForeWord Magazine Gold Medal Prize in the Poetry Category. These honors reflect her talent and the broad appeal of her work.

Larson’s influence extends far beyond her published collections. Through her teaching, public readings, and active participation in literary communities, she continues to inspire emerging poets and artists, encouraging them to embrace the natural world as a source of endless creativity.

Uncle Don Fanning: Flagstaff Poet, Storyteller, and Community Catalyst

Uncle Don B. Fireland Fanning is a beloved and influential poet from Flagstaff, Arizona, whose work has resonated through decades of heartfelt expression and creative activism. Since penning his first poem in 1973, Fanning has built a legacy defined by his vivid storytelling, fearless social commentary, and a unique blend of personal and political insights. His poetry finds sacred space within the profane, transforming everyday struggles and triumphs into lyrical narratives that both challenge and inspire.

A Lifelong Journey in Poetry

Growing up in Flagstaff, Uncle Don absorbed the rugged beauty of northern Arizona and the rich cultural tapestry of the local community. From his early days, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture the complexities of life through his words. Over the years, his poetry has evolved into a powerful convergence of personal experience and political reflection—imbued with fantasy, humor, and a deep love for the land and its people.

Community-Building and Creative Workshops

A true champion of community-driven creativity, Uncle Don has dedicated himself to fostering artistic expression among local writers. Alongside his wife, Chaparral Fireland, he co-hosts creative writing workshops that emphasize collaborative storytelling and the sharing of diverse voices. These workshops serve as nurturing spaces where aspiring poets can explore their own creativity, learn from one another, and develop their unique voices. For Uncle Don, poetry is not only a form of personal expression but also a tool to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Stickering to His Beliefs

One of the most innovative aspects of Fanning’s activism is his use of stickers as an extension of his art. As detailed in the Arizona Daily Sun’s feature “Stickering to His Beliefs,” Uncle Don took to the streets of Flagstaff to distribute stickers bearing his messages of social change, environmental stewardship, and honest self-expression. These stickers, often seen on telephone poles, walls, and community bulletin boards, became a visual signature of his commitment to making art accessible and sparking dialogue in unexpected places. His bold, unapologetic approach to activism through these simple yet powerful messages continues to inspire those who encounter them.

The Convergence of Personal and Political

At the heart of Uncle Don’s poetry is a seamless blend of the personal and the political. His work delves into themes of love, loss, and human resilience while offering incisive commentary on the challenges facing modern society. Whether he’s addressing the nuances of a personal struggle or critiquing broader social issues, his verses resonate with a raw honesty that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences. Through his poetry, he challenges the status quo and celebrates the strength found in vulnerability and communal support.

A Citizen of the World with Deep Local Roots

While deeply rooted in Flagstaff, Uncle Don sees himself as a citizen of both the United States and the world. His work is infused with a global consciousness that enriches his local perspective. His enduring love for his community—despite its many contradictions and challenges—has made him a beacon of inspiration for both emerging and established poets. His ability to listen to those who need to be heard and to fight for those who need a voice defines his legacy as a storyteller and advocate for change.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Uncle Don B. Fireland Fanning’s creative journey spans over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on Flagstaff’s literary community and beyond. His poetry has become a testament to the power of the spoken word to foster connection, challenge societal norms, and celebrate life’s multifaceted nature. Through his workshops, his poetry, and his innovative use of stickers, Fanning has empowered countless individuals to embrace their creativity and share their stories with the world.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who continue to be inspired by his work, and his influence remains a vital part of Arizona’s cultural heritage. For anyone seeking to explore the transformative power of poetry and the art of community activism, Uncle Don’s work offers a profound and enduring message of resilience, authenticity, and hope.

To learn more about the life, work, and lasting impact of Arizona’s poets, peruse this page HERE.