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Casey Garfield is a nonbinary poet, publisher and pal, based in Exeter with roots in Norwich.
Casey originally wrote under a different name, attempting to bring poetry to any audience it might resonate with, reading at libraries, arts centres, festivals, punk shows in living rooms, and drag shows in the back room of a nacho restaurant alike. Their poems were published in journals and literary magazines, diy zines, as posters, as badges, on stickers, and sold in a bar vending machine.
In 2023 they retired their old name and body of work by holding a funeral for their former name, during which they performed a final reading as their old identity before having the audience shoot them to death with party poppers, follow a pre-prepared poetry ritual to channel the immortal spirit of queer joy and poetry into their body, and were revived as Casey Garfield.
Since becoming Casey Garfield, they have written the pamphlet 'stories in which' (Salo Press, 2024) and the micro-chapbook 'hi hello I love you my name is Casey Garfield' (Ghost City Press, 2024).
Casey has held writing workshops for schools and charities across Norfolk and for the NHS Wellbeing Service, as well as more relaxed community gatherings they call "uneventful events", such as 'Lay down in the grass and say what clouds look like with Casey Garfield' and 'Eat 100 satsumas with Casey Garfield'.
Their recent practice has focused on exploring health and rest, sharing queer joy, and celebrating comfort wherever it can be made and found. They are currently working on a manuscript exploring their ongoing long covid experiences and recovery, a solo show attempting to become the Poet Laureate of Taco Bell UK, and being the happiest they've ever been.
"Never before have I read poetry so hilariously raw and aggressively lovely. This is the non-toxic, honest optimism we need to tackle this world. Casey Garfield is a star in the making."
- Cathleen Davies
“Casey Garfield is good at holding hands: with friends, with lovers, with readers. I can't really express the delight I felt as I was told stories about werewolves, Taco Bell cashiers, and portraits who long to see the sky. But the closest I can get is the feeling of holding hands with people I love and hearing their stories: that's what is marvellous here, how gently we are picked up and put down again after each poem."
- Lewis Buxton
"Seems lovely but not the tone of the event I'm sorry to say. Would you like to suggest another poet or shall I?"
- SJ Fowler
"I took Casey Garfield's poetry to the hospital accompanying a friend, just in case an opportunity arose for it to help. It didn't, but I know that it would have helped. Their poems are a deeply positive experience."
- Natalie Ayres