This week we interview Laura Dougherty and explore her powerful expression of art via her poems and writing.
Laura Dougherty is a Los Angeles native currently living in Hollywood. She studied English undergrad at UC Santa Barbara and writes freelance. Her poetry and nonfiction writing have been featured in editorials and collaborative creative projects. She is currently working on a collection of poems and essays showcasing her sardonic humor and lyrical language strongly influenced by flowers and resentment for capitalism.
1. What does writing mean to you?
"Writing is the only act that feels as natural to me as breathing. I don’t second-guess myself. I’ve only recently admitted that this is a way in which I give away love, often unintentionally. Sharing my words feels a thousand times more terrifying than sharing my body with someone. I think writing is more sacred to me."
2. How would you relate this expression to mental health? Has it helped you personally?
"Writing etches a form of self-awareness into our perception. It’s a way to purge and quiet our minds IF we allow ourselves that freedom. Making to-do lists helps compartmentalize, journaling or morning pages are tools for our intentions. My non-academic writing journey found me exactly when I needed to feel seen. Once I was brave enough to open myself, I found an incredible support system and the most wonderful souls made their way into my life over the years. I’ve found belonging with strangers."
3. What would you want women to know about their self-worth?
"Self-worth exists without the comparison to others or need for identity. Our self-worth is not debt. We don’t owe anything to anyone, especially when we’re struggling to balance our own finances. What I’ve learned is, seriously, ask for what you want - communicate what turns you on, add $10,000 to that requested salary, pay $2 more for organic tampons, and don’t wait on anyone to grant you permission for anything. Every time you demand what you want and speak what you desire, you’re confirming your worth. If you believe in manifesting, you’ll know you must show up for the work everyday."
4. From your collection of poems which one is most special to you and why?
"I wrote the poem “Psalms of Sirens” after unexpected meetings with men I used to think heroes. A large part of my writing is unintentionally inspired by the Bible. I found my style imitating the prose, the language. With scrutiny, though. I was always a bit of an outsider in my religious schooling growing up, and I think this poem reflects me feeling like an outsider in love as an adult. The things we make an authority are not always worthy of the way they touch our lives."
5. What does it mean to you to empower womxn?
"To empower women. I believe it means walking the walk, taking up the torch, and not talking shit about who’s wearing stilettos to the collective fight. There is a magmatic competition in LA amongst women, and it has almost zero to do with which industry. If you are a woman and exist in a society, you are subliminally pitted against other women as soon as you learn object permanence. So, we learn this fierceness as little children that cannot be conceived by the adult men, yet the glass ceiling seems to be what men find grounding even in this decade. When we learn to practice gratitude, we see how others have helped clear a path for us. They show us how to show up for each other."
6. If you were to name this selection of poems as a whole what title would you give it?
Part II: Would you be able to share a sentence or two to why a particular poem you've written is so crucial and relevant to our social or political climate?
"I believe I would add these to two different collections I have been working on. “Prose and Petals” encompasses my earlier writing in 2016, heavily influenced by - you guessed it - flowers and criticism of societal structures and behavior.
“Lamentations from the Corner of La Brea” includes poetry, prayers, and politics.
“Up Laurel Canyon” hurts my heart to read, to be honest. It is very raw and personal. I feel this poem has allowed me to compartmentalize the entirety of my experience dating in LA and turn it into something sad and beautiful. An ode to the unavailable, if you will.
“Petal for Your Thoughts” is like a metaphor for a business owner acknowledging the discrepancy in pay of employees in their industry, and then using that glass ceiling (and mis-categorized contractor labor) to profit off a $7,000 floral installation. I was disgruntled in my experiences with the floral industry. There’s a lot of charm that disguises the inexperience and ineptitude of influencers in any industry, and California is a tough state to be a business owner. I wouldn’t trade any of these things for the world, though. It was bittersweet to part ways. Flowers will always be beautiful, and they will exist whether capitalized upon or not."
7. What is your favorite jewelry piece from the "Dea" Collection?
"My favorite piece is the Tara Gold Hoops. They're chic, sweet and add visual interest to any outfit!"
Petal For Your Thoughts by, Laura Dougherty
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