Troy Jollimore, a celebrated poet and professor at California State University, Chico, discusses his creative process and the interplay between poetry and philosophy. A recipient of multiple awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award, he explores recurring themes in his work such as love, beauty, and the contrasts between reality and dreams.

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In an email interview following a reading in Venice, California, Jollimore addresses the nature of artistic themes, asserting that all creators—be they poets, philosophers, or musicians—circle back to a set of core ideas throughout their lives. He notes this obsessive return can shape one’s identity. Jollimore particularly reflects on the themes of childhood and the search for beauty as central to his work.

Regarding his acclaimed first collection, *Tom Thomson in Purgatory*, Jollimore shares that the long persona poem structure was somewhat unintentional, emerging organically during the writing process. He expresses a reluctance toward labeling works as 'concept books,' viewing such classification as a marketing strategy rather than an artistic one.

When discussing poetic repetition, Jollimore acknowledges the potential pitfalls. He references the sonnet variations in his second collection, *At Lake Scugog,* which arose naturally rather than as a conscious decision. He finds freedom in revisiting themes and motifs, stemming from the imperfections that allow for ongoing exploration.

Jollimore posits that poetry inherently involves repetition through its formal structures like rhyme and meter. He embraces the process of writing without fear of self-repetition, asserting that any poem must evolve and offer something new upon completion.

He touches on how poetry can help navigate the tension of uncertainty in life, suggesting it opens avenues for accepting complexity rather than succumbing to simplistic narratives. In his latest works, he grapples with perception and the limitations of understanding, examining how such constraints both inspire and challenge him as a poet.

Through exploring received forms like the pantoum, Jollimore expresses appreciation for their ability to convey repetition and offer new meanings upon rereading. He acknowledges the fine balance between using traditional forms and ensuring they don’t equate to stale practice.

Humor, he admits, entered his work unexpectedly; despite initial reservations about being typecast as a humorous poet, he recognizes the vitality and relatability humor can bring to poetry, reflecting the complex human experience.

Jollimore concludes by discussing his ongoing projects, which include essays that delve into the meanings of 'reality' in various art forms and the impact of cinema on his poetic practice. He continues to write poems and seek out new inspirations.