The Fitzcarraldo Editions Archive: Sheila Heti in conversation with Juliet Jacques
Jul 1, 2024
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Sheila Heti discusses revealing the hidden self in writing, capturing the 'spirit of the age', and unconscious life processes with writer Juliet Jacques. Topics include autobiographical writing, contemporary culture, the impact of diary writing on personal growth, the evolution of punk rock genre, and exploring personal and familial influences on artistic creation.
Exploring modernist ideas shaped Sheila Heti's writing journey in Ticknor.
Sheila Heti's evolution entails a shift from imitation to a voice unique to her time.
How Should A Person Be delves into ethical dilemmas and societal reflections.
Pure Color questions human tendencies towards criticism and acceptance in creation.
Interviews balance personal revelations with artistic integrity and encounter the artist's essence.
Deep dives
The Origin of Ticknor and its Character
Ticknor, the protagonist of Sheila's first novel, originated from a biography she stumbled upon in a cafe. Inspired by the devoted relationship described in the book, Sheila projected complex emotions onto the characters. The novel focused on Ticknor's feelings of inadequacy compared to Prescott, symbolizing Canada and America culturally. Sheila's exploration in Ticknor marked a departure from her fables, seeking to establish a distinctive voice beyond critics' expectations.
Exploring Modernism and Literary Influences
Sheila's embrace of modernist ideas, reminiscent of writers like Thomas Bernhard, shaped her novel Ticknor. The stream of consciousness technique employed echoes the works of Virginia Woolf and James Joyce. Sheila's relationship with modernism, spanning from Kafka to contemporary authors, highlights her journey in reconciling emulation with creating a voice unique to her time and experiences.
Transitioning Through Literary Styles and Movements
Sheila's literary evolution involved a progression from mirroring established greats like Kafka and Brecht to embracing a style reflective of her contemporary milieu. This transition epitomized a maturation in her approach to writing, emphasizing engagement with present realities over mere imitation of past luminaries. She navigated the modernist impulse to innovate with an emphasis on crafting a voice pertinent to her era.
How Should a Person Be and Ethical Reflections
In her novel 'How Should a Person Be,' Sheila delves into ethical quandaries, integrating reflections on reality shows and ethical dilemmas. The book challenges conventions not only in its characters but also in its form, structuring a narrative that mirrors societal and personal introspections. Through her exploration of reality television and ethical conundrums, Sheila questions the essence of being human and the complexities of moral decisions in a modern context.
Creation and Criticism in Art
The book explores the idea of creation and criticism in art, drawing a parallel between the first draft of creation by God and the critiques offered by humans on the flawed world they inhabit. It delves into the concept that despite the miraculous nature of life, humans tend to focus more on criticism, reflecting on the limitations of human perspective when faced with the wonders of existence.
Characters and Relationships
The novel features characters Mira and Annie, with Mira attending a school for art critics and Annie embodying a fish, politically oriented persona. The book navigates the complexities of love, highlighting the challenges of affection between individuals from varying backgrounds and interests, presenting a reflection on the innate differences that shape human connections and relationships.
Philosophical Exploration
Pure Color delves into profound philosophical questions through fable-like storytelling, contemplating the essence of existence and the impact of individual perspectives on the world. The narrative delves into the first draft of creation, guiding readers through a metaphysical journey that questions human tendencies towards criticism and the pursuit of gratitude and acceptance.
The Art of Interviewing
The discussion on interviews highlights the inherent risks and complexities involved for both interviewers and interviewees. It showcases the delicate balance required to discuss one's work and ideas without compromising the mystique of the art. The exploration of interviews as a form of encounter with the artist's essence and the challenges of balancing personal revelations with artistic integrity are illuminated.
Friendship and Evolution
The conversation concludes with a reflection on friendship and continuity, drawing parallels between personal evolution and enduring interests. It captures the essence of same-as-it-ever-was experiences within friendships, where connections remain unchanged despite the passage of time, embodying a sense of familiarity and comfort in the evolution of both individuals over the years.
Sheila Heti, author of Alphabetical Diaries, Pure Colour, Motherhood and How Should A Person Be?, among other works, speaks to writer, journalist and filmmaker Juliet Jacques, whose published works include Monaco, Variations and Trans: A Memoir, about her writing to date. The discussion touches on revealing the hidden face of the self in writing, taking contemporary culture seriously as subject matter, the possibility of capturing ‘the spirit of the age’ in a time of fragmentation, and the unconscious processes that shape our lives. Recorded at Young Space in May 2024. Edited by Frankie Wells. Music composed by Kwes Darko.
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