Poems From Unborn Part Of Her Mind (Press, 28 July 1979)

Jan Kemp, a 30-year-old poet from New Zealand, recently concluded a tour across the country alongside fellow poets Sam Hunt, Alistair Campbell, and Hone Tuwhare. Over four weeks, they visited schools, colleges, and universities, receiving overwhelming responses from audiences of various backgrounds. Kemp expressed her views on poetry, stating it is a blend of gift and hard work, often a solitary process. She likened writing poetry to sculpting, where the poet must chisel away at initial ideas to uncover deeper meanings. During her tour, Kemp experienced a burst of creativity, writing five new pieces that she attributes to the pre-tour tension and the need to present her public self. She believes poetry can resonate with people from all walks of life, serving as a form of artistic expression. Reflecting on her journey as a poet, she noted that self-discovery often follows the publication of one’s first book, continually questioning her identity as a poet. Kemp grew up in Morrinsville and later moved to Auckland, where she was inspired by a supportive English teacher who encouraged her passion for writing. After completing her studies, she spent a year teaching primary school children, which she eventually left to pursue more writing-focused opportunities, including taking an MA in English and travelling abroad for four years. Through her travels, she gained insight into global issues and the struggles of many people, which influenced her writing. Her latest collection of poetry, "Diamonds and Gravel," features poems written during her time overseas. Post-tour, Kemp intends to work part-time in a bookshop while continuing to share her poetry through readings and discussions in schools. She expressed a desire to engage further with educational institutions, hoping to promote poetry among students. When addressing discrimination as a woman poet, Kemp stated she focuses primarily on her work rather than her gender and does not embrace a radical feminist stance. Instead, her feminism is rooted in her commitment to producing quality poetry that reflects her experiences as a woman. She believes that art should unify rather than create division, encouraging understanding among people. Kemp aims to maintain a certain mystery in her poetic works, striving to ensure her narratives remain both personal and impactful. She highlighted the importance of being truthful in writing and how the creative process often involves deep introspection where the poet listens to their inner self. Her poetic journey began in earnest with her early works, and she continues to evaluate her style and approach as she matures as a writer. A notable work from her early career is the poem "Against the Softness of Woman," written at 20, which reflects on personal relationships and independence. Through her poetry, she seeks to explore themes of self-discovery and resilience, conveying complex thoughts and emotions in her distinct voice.

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