Beneath the Surface: Skin Remembers

Our skin, the largest organ in the human body, is deeply sensitive and receptive. The power of touch can offer a momentary tingle, a second of solace, a warning of danger. Skin reveals. Skin remembers.  In this generative writing workshop, we will first read and discuss poetry and creative writing on all things skin-related to explore how texture, tone, and sensory description maps the boundary that both exposes and protects. Afterwards, participants will generate and develop their own writing to explore these themes and delve deep into the surface of the skin we’re in (focus will be on poetry, but other genres are also welcome). Some examples of writing prompts that will be offered (including but not limited to):

- A touch that you will always remember but can never return to

- The healing power of touch

- Cultural significance of skin

- A memory of being uncomfortable in your own skin

- Something that got under your skin

- Skin-to-skin contact

- Skin hunger

- Your most memorable sunburn

- How skin can reveal emotions: red with embarrassment, green with disgust, or pale with fear.

- Tattoos, scars, identity etchings

- Personal narrative of living with chronic skin conditions

There will be time during class for an optional, low-stakes sharing of your work. This will be an immersive and welcoming workshop in which all are welcome to attend and participate.  Hope to see you there!

Instructor

Lizzie Cusick is a poet and dermatologist who recently received her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She teaches medical humanities at the University and is interested in writing as a means of attending to both the body and natural world with deep care and close observation. She is currently working on completing her first book of poems for publication.