Experience the Magic of Poetry in Motion: Discover the Art of Expressive Writing

Aby Joyner, a student, has a unique way of sparking her creativity. After finishing Erin Crosby Eckstine’s book “Junie,” she jotted down intriguing words like “drip,” “tangles,” and “ember” in her Notes app. These words aren’t just random; they fuel her poetry. “Words inspire me,” she explains. “When I’m stuck, I choose one and just write.”

For Joyner, poetry has been a lifeline. When COVID-19 hit, it offered a way to process her feelings. She even started a poetry club at her high school, The Governor’s Academy in Newbury, Massachusetts. The need for creative expression grew, leading her to explore photography, which transformed her artistic journey.

In AP Photography, she discovered the works of Sally Mann. One particular image—a girl in a tutu blowing bubbles—struck a chord with her. “It captured childhood carefree,” she recalls. With this inspiration, Joyner began to blend photography and poetry, deeply exploring portraiture. “Both are about capturing a moment,” she reflected.

Her love for portraiture blossomed as she experimented with a medium format film camera. She enjoyed engaging with strangers, learning their stories, then capturing their essence through her lens and words. These experiences gave birth to her second book, “Womanhood Elucidated,” which reflects the varied experiences and emotions of women.

Joyner’s ambition reaches far beyond her current projects. During college interviews, she mentioned her dream job: traveling the world to create transformative poetry and photography. Unlike other schools, Washington and Lee University took her ambition seriously. “They told me they could help me make it happen,” she said, surprised but encouraged.

At Washington and Lee, Joyner found her voice evolve, especially in an Environmental Poetry Workshop. “That class changed my writing,” she noted. She also gained insights into the world of publishing while interning for the literary magazine Shenandoah. “Editing others’ work made me see my own more clearly,” she said.

On campus, she co-founded a poetry club, fostering a shared passion for writing. She even received a 2025 Kendrick Award to explore the homes of famous poets in New England. Joyner plans to camp near the sites, capturing photos and writing poems inspired by their environments. “I want to understand why so many poets come from there,” she shared.

Aby Joyner wants her art to resonate emotionally. “In a world of distraction, art helps people feel and think,” she says. Grateful for the opportunities around her, she aims to publish her third book this summer. “My goal is to make people experience real emotions,” she added.

This approach resonates with many. Recent studies show that art can improve mental health by enabling emotional expression and understanding. Joyner’s work exemplifies how creativity can become a powerful tool for connection and healing, especially during challenging times.

In a society often driven by quick distractions, her journey reminds us of the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and connecting through art.



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