traci kato-kiriyama
Visiting Poet
traci kato-kiriyama is the author of Navigating With(out)Instruments (Writ Large Press, 2021), a hybrid work of poetry, micro essays, and what the author calls “notes to self,” though kato-kiriyama’s notes are often directed toward wider audiences: to newcomers, to readers, to Asian American Artists community, to Nikkei community, to the world. Their notes to self are inclusive, accessible, and actionable guides for living a creative life that centers community and resists loneliness even as they tackle the challenges of writing about such difficult subjects as cancer, depression, and the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Poet and cofounder of Women Who Submit Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo draws on kato-kiriyama’s opening dedication of Navigating With(out) Instruments when she says, “traci kato-kiriyama’s poetry is a gift to ‘the bridge builders, fire starters, subtle markers, direct talkers, humble sages, teachers, nurses, healers, counselors, therapists, misfit and alien beings’ of Los Angeles, both old and new. tkk’s poems are rooted in activism and reach out to us from the page with their abundant love.” traci kato-kiriyama is based on unceded Tongva land in the south bay of Los Angeles and is an award-winning multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary artist, recognized for their work as a writer/performer, theatre deviser, cultural producer, and community organizer. She is a storyteller and Artivist who has presented for over 25 years in hundreds of venues throughout North America as a writer, actor, poet, speaker, guest lecturer, facilitator, Artist-in-Residence, and organizing / arts & culture consultant. Their work is also featured in a wide swath of media and print publications, including NPR; PBS; Elle.com; Entropy; Chaparral Canyon Press; Tia Chucha Press; Bamboo Ridge Press; Heyday Books; Regent Press.