The Precipice of Doing-Bodies: An OS [re:con]versation with Lee Gough

[Lee Gough is the author of Recall, an OS 2020 Digital Chapbook selection. Read more about this series, with the theme “Bloom, Mutation, Entropy, Catalyst, Brine.” You can find the entire series at the OS Open Access Library, here.]

Greetings comrade! Thank you for talking to us about your process today!
Can you introduce yourself, in a way that you would choose?

I am Lee Gough (She/her/hers)

Why are you a “poet”/ “writer”/ “artist”?

I am a poet because the only materials you need are a brain, an able body and something to write with. I have these things. It’s intrinsically an anti-capitalist activity because it has no value in our economy as it is.

When did you decide to use the language you use for yourself (and/or: do you feel comfortable calling yourself a poet/writer/artist, what other titles or affiliations do you prefer/feel are more accurate)?

I actually prefer the broader term artist because I make visual art too. It’s all one.

What’s a “poet” (or “writer” or “artist”) anyway?
What do you see as your cultural and social role (in the literary / artistic / creative community and beyond)?

Ideally we are contributors to a world where actions, including reading, speaking and writing, are merely considered. We’re increasing living in a fuck-you society in…