Natalie Hawes (N.K. Hope) - 2023

Something that impacted me this semester was the idea that everyone can contribute to a more sustainable society and that we can all do it in our own ways. Doing things my own way is really all I’ve known throughout my life; I have trod many paths, but all those paths have been unique to me, my experiences as an individual, and the circumstances I’ve endured throughout.

Applying my experiences to climate change initially felt complicated in my mind. There are so many crises happening across the planet that are interrelated. In my own sphere, my powers to create change felt very miniscule. However, I began to ponder what I could do and I used this project as an opportunity to practice rising up to, and growing more resilient towards, the challenges I saw before me.

I have always loved poetry. I have always loved visual art. And I have always loved books. I decided that I would combine these several passions together to produce a project entitled, Industrialized Omens, under the pseudonym N.K. Hope. The title of my chapbook represents problems, specifically problems we have created as inhabitants of this earth.

As cultures and civilizations, we have asked for proof, but in the way of natural disaster. Unless the world is burning, flooding, and cracking down the center, we don’t think that climate issues are valid enough to address through our governments. Why would we wait for these prophecies to be fulfilled by our own inactivity?

My poetry and graphic designs address my anxiety about these global issues; I am deeply fearful of not just climate change, but how we talk to each other about climate change. We have grown increasingly hostile towards each other and discussions seem to be monetized, where we are rewarded for falling into sides and groups and organizations. We must seek higher values in ourselves, ones based on love of life and neighbor, the joy of involvement and community, and the vibrancy of diversity, both in society and in the ecosystems we are a part of.

That’s one reason that I picked the pseudonym N.K. Hope for myself.

N.K. hearkens back to my own initials, but Hope came from what I was left with after creating my book. I had to decide whether to falter or become more stalwart. There is much to be done and I understand that more deeply and intentionally now. To rise up to meet the challenges of a modern age, we must be full of hope and my dream is to continually inspire that in myself and those that I meet along our path forward as human beings.