Syd Staiti and Trisha Low: September 26, 2019

Following Elise Ficarra's introduction, Syd Staiti reads and comments on their pieces entitled “Stranded,” an as-yet untitled work, and “The Note."

After an introduction by Elise Ficarra, Trisha Low reads an extended excerpt from her new book, Socialist Realism.

Syd Staiti and Trisha Low take questions and comments from audience. The writers are asked about the experience of their reading together for the first time, and the possibility of collaboration (of which they are doubtful). They discuss similarities and differences in their approaches and the pace of their practice as writers, as well as the story of their meeting and the development of their relationship. They remark on genre, the mediums of their works, and the relationship of art to social conflict. Staiti, in response to a question from the audience, reflects on the Bay Area writers’ “scene” and on artistic scenes in general. May-lee Chai, in the audience, asks about their writing processes and both describe their practices and methods. A conversation follows on the poetics and critical thought in the respective writers’ work. In response to a question about the relationship between realist philosophy and artistic practice, Low and Staiti share their thoughts on being artists, the compulsion to make art, and the role of art in their lives. To close, Staiti revisits the initial question they were asked from the audience.