Part of the Cascadia 2050 mission is: to inspire artists and poets of the next generation to consider bioregionalism and intuitive poetic approach as a way to foster a more just and sustainable Cascadia by 2050. To this end, one of our goals is to interview people who help us spread awareness by having practices in their lives that reflect these values. This interview with Postcard Poet Laura Gamache, a Seattle who has published poetry in the usual places, such as chapbooks, journals and anthologies, and also unusual places, such as buses, is the first of the series. She teaches through Writers in the Schools and Seattle Arts & Lectures, and on the Jack Straw Cultural Center website her bio says she received an MFA from the University of Washington and hasn’t written fiction since. Her most recent book comes out of the 2025 Poetry Postcard Fest, which also gave us a chance to celebrate it going into its 20th year!
If you’re interested in joining Cascadia 2050, we’d love to hear from you.
For more interviews by master interviewer Paul Nelson, check out the Cascadian Prophets podcast online, or on Spotify.
If Laura’s work appealed to you, consider signing up for the Poetry Postcard Fest!
I really like her use of what she calls “record-keeping.” Adding her initials, the day or date, and the # of the postcard. Using a frame to structure her watercolor, then she can PLAY!
That really was a fabulous interview Zack! And how lovely to meet Laura Gamache. I distinctly remember receiving her Iceland sketch and poetry from last year. And it was in a beautiful envelope as well. I’m so grateful for the POPO fest. An event that has truly brought creativity and community together in one of the most meaningful ways. Thanks to Paul and all the folks who make it happen.