Let’s meet Nathaniel Chin, a poet, self-styled philosopher, and artist. Someone who enjoys expressing himself through writing and considering it a therapy, Natty Chin is one of the contributing poets to the Perspective to Pen anthology.
Read on as poet Nathaniel Chin talks about himself, write-ups, his personal blog, the role of poetry, and much more.
1. Let’s begin with a brief introduction of yours and an overview of ‘Perspective to Pen’ anthology.
Hello, I’m Natty Chin. I’m a poet, self-styled philosopher, occasional artist and day-dreamer in a middle-management job to pay the bills.
Perspective to Pen – is a diverse collection of personal experiences, thoughts and revelations from extremely talented, complex and amazing writers who wanted to give something back to the community and world at large in 2021. Specifically, the writing primarily speaks of spiritual experiences, race, identity, resistance and lust.
Related reading: Poetry Review: ‘Perspective to Pen- An Anthology’
2. We learnt that all the royalties of the Perspective to Pen book is going to Amnesty International. What’s the catalyst behind that?
The catalyst behind this was to support those who cannot support themselves and do not have a voice, through supporting the work that Amnesty International does, particularly at a time when our disconnection over the last year makes us less cognisant of those across the world who have been disconnected for a lifetime.
3. What do you love the most about being a writer?
The best thing about being a writer is the ability to express whatever you want on paper. To speak to those who feel they lack a voice and to person a kind of therapy on oneself. Most of all it is a great medium for personal and collective, non-judgemental growth.
Related reading: “I used to write under a pseudonym, until the release of ‘Perspective to Pen’ poetry anthology,” – Lisa Bain
4. You run a blog named The Philosopher’s Poet. Please tell our readers about your blog, motives, and how it helps you?
Although I haven’t updated it in a while (although rest assured that new content is coming) the blog initially served as a platform for self-reflection and learning for myself and others (via my ups and downs). It will still serve this function, but I am also working on expanding the content to discuss philosophical and spiritual principles and thought.
5. What, according to you, is the role of poetry in our lives and the world today?
I believe that the role of poetry today is to provide a safe space for expressing ideas, feelings and opinions without being judged and for people to connect with one another. Poetry played a great part in the expansion of the human conscience in 2020 and will continue to do so in 2021.
6. Whom do you consider your icons when it comes to writing? Any favourite authors?
Funnily enough most of my favourite poets are those on Instagram! Mostly my peers and others I have come across on the platform who have greatly encouraged me and have impressed upon me with their raw emotion, form and playful words. 🙂 I don’t have a particular, famous poet but I have been known to dabble in some Gahlil Gibran.
Related reading: “Poetry provides emotional release and lets people know they’re not alone in their thoughts”— Robert A Cozzi
7. Three life lessons that poetry taught you.
- The world is not black and white
- There is more than one way and experience to gain insight and enlightenment
- That it’s ok to express your feelings, even if they aren’t necessarily ‘positive’. As beings, we have the right to be authentic and that means acknowledging our lows as well as our highs.
8. A Quick-Fire Round:
– How do you define success?
The ability to understand one thing about your thoughts and/or actions brings you one step towards knowing yourself.
– The best bit of writing advice you’ve ever heard?
Shit happens
– One habit that you think makes you more productive?
A strong black coffee in the morning
9. What’s next in the roadmap for poet Natty Chin?
When I find out what it is I’ll let you know. 🙂
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