1 Sept 2026
Triangularity: A poet explores the world's wonder and complexity
Writer, publisher, and digital media artist Kyle Flemmer takes the mike to interview acclaimed poet and essayist Alice Major about her new book, Triangularity: Essays on Poetry, Science and Spirit, recently published by the University of Alberta Press (https://ualbertapress.ca/9781772128741/triangularity/).
Alice, known for her thoughtful explorations at the intersection of art and science, delves into the central metaphor of her new collection: the triangle, her model for exploring for the dynamic relationship between science, poetry, and religion—three realms that have shaped human understanding for centuries.
Throughout the episode, Alice shares how her personal journey has informed her writing. She reflects on her upbringing and early experiences with faith, her enduring sense of wonder about the universe, and how these influences have woven themselves into her creative practice. The discussion touches on the ways in which scientific accuracy and religious language can both enrich and complicate poetic expression.
Alice describes how she navigates the tension between empirical truth and metaphorical resonance, striving to honor both the rigor of scientific thought and the imaginative possibilities of poetry.
Kyle and Alice also explore the cognitive processes behind creativity. Alice discusses how the mind’s search for patterns and meaning is central to both scientific inquiry and poetic invention. She offers insights into her writing process, revealing how curiosity, observation, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty drive her work.
The conversation highlights the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, suggesting that poetry and science are not opposing forces but complementary ways of engaging with the mysteries of existence.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Alice approaches the craft of writing, drawing connections between seemingly disparate fields. She shares anecdotes from her career, including moments of inspiration and challenge, and offers advice for writers seeking to bridge gaps between disciplines in their own work.
In addition to discussing Triangularity, Alice gives listeners an exclusive preview of her forthcoming poetry collection, Principle of Locality, set to be released by Turnstone Press in spring, 2027. She hints at the themes and ideas that will shape this new book, continuing her exploration of the intersections between science, language, and the human spirit.
Whether you’re a writer, a lover of poetry, or simply curious about the interplay between science and the arts, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the ways in which creative and analytical thinking can inform and inspire.
Alice Major (https://www.alicemajor.com/) is a Canadian poet, writer, and essayist, who has published 15 books, including 13 collections of poetry and a collection of essays on poetry and science. Her work has appeared in anthologies, journals, and magazines around the world, and she has presented papers at a number of conferences.
On Creative Writing is extremely grateful to writer, publisher, and digital media artist Kyle Flemmer (https://kyleflemmer.com/) for interviewing Alice. Kyle is from Calgary in Treaty 7 territory. In 2014, he founded The Blasted Tree Publishing Company (https://www.theblastedtree.com/), a small press focused on experimental poetics and visual art. Flemmer’s books include Barcode Poetry (https://kyleflemmer.com/projects/barcodepoetry/index.html), Supergiants (https://bookstore.wolsakandwynn.ca/products/supergiants), TzAR: Pixel Art Anthology, and The Wiki of Babel.
