Shauna Paull, long-time creative advisor of literary arts at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, is moving on to new horizons.
Paull has been teaching writing classes at the Shadbolt for 23 years.
She’s taken her role as a working artist and poet seriously, particularly when it comes to community development.
“All of our work kind of comes to life in a circle of other writers or learners. … Building community has been kind of an essential ethos of my working life,” Paull said.
She has taught and programmed a wide variety of writing classes at the Shadbolt, including memoir, poetry, an open studio for fiction writers, a long-term journal-writing class, a morning writing class and a youth class that runs the length of a school term (September to May).
“My teaching has been such a gift,” she said.
“There are always these surprises that happen when, finally, folks feel comfortable to express themselves.”
Paull’s presence in the community is clearly felt – she’s flagged down by a young teen saying hello in the Shadbolt’s atrium. Colleagues greet her with wide smiles.
One of her students described the Shadbolt writing community as “sanctuary.”
“That felt right to all of us,” Paull said.
When asked if she had book or author recommendations, Paull said it’s important to read as many Indigenous authors as possible.
She suggested writers Lee Maracle and Jordan Abel, as well as Matthew James Weigel’s Whitemud Walking.
As Paull moves forward, she hopes to do more mentoring and teaching in Vancouver, as well as keep time for her own practice.
Her 2021 book of poetry, blue gait, is nominated for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize, B.C.’s top poetry award.
On Sunday, June 19 is Fowler’s last community read with the Shadbolt.
She says the community readings are part of her responsibility as a teacher.
“That’s what writers do: we read to each other – even though some people think that it’s totally dorky. It’s how the word comes to fullness, right?”
Shadbolt Writing Community, end of session reading
- When: Sunday, June 19, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Studio 209 (6450 Deer Lake Ave.)
- Cost: Free admission
