Emily Iris Degn’s work honors our tethers to the Earth and the wildness of the human experience. She is a published eco-poet, nature essayist, and short fiction writer. She is also a nature artist, and experienced environmental travel journalist, both of which deeply inform her creative written work. Her areas of expertise include climate justice, artivism, intersectional environmentalism, ecofeminism, land and conservation ethics, sustainable foodways, and nature spirituality.
Warmly, The Wild is a love letter to nature, from nature. Written over the course of many years spent outside while exploring the continental U.S. and Canada, the collection reflects on humankind’s relationship to wildness. Centered on interconnection, the poems tell stories like parking lot trees being just as wild as protected national parks, bring attention to disappearing landscapes, ask questions about urban greenery, and conjure up visions of a childhood spent in the great outdoors. The poetry delves into terrains that raised us and the way that a sense of place defines who we end up becoming. Warmly, The Wild, at its core, is a meditation on the tether between humankind and nature, which, in the end, are the same.
Warmly, The Wild comes out on Oct. 17, 2025. If you’d like to purchase a copy now at a discounted price, go to https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/warmly-the-wild-by-emily-iris-degn/ — the sale is running now until Aug. 22, 2025, so place your order now during presales before it hits the market and goes full-price!
“This poetry feels like watching a sunset on a perfect day, ethereal and timeless. Emily captured how wonderful nature truly is.”
–Leah Thomas, author of The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and TIME100 NEXT member
“Evocative, lush, and earnest, Warmly, The Wild is a beautiful ode to nature and what makes our lives worth living.”
–Juhea Kim, author of Beasts Of A Little Land and City Of Night Birds
“Warmly, the Wild will forever find a home on my shelf of nature-based poetry, for this is my love, what I turn to in quiet afternoons: perfectly rendered words that speak to the vibrant joys of the natural world, give voice to the sorrows, remind us to notice and give thanks. I, too, crave The Wild, and this gorgeous collection offers just that.”
–Laura Pritchett, winner of the PEN USA Award in Fiction and Director of the MFA in Nature Writing at WCU
We are made of stardust, trees, oceans, and each other.
On an emotional and biological level, we are nature. We are made from the same carbon and matter of the entirety of the natural world- that includes every human around us. In my written and visual work, I aim to explore that interconnection.
I am available for podcast or media interviews, Earth-centered event organizing, poetry readings, workshops or classes, and nature art installation work.
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This is where my heart is. My poems have been featured in various publications, including:
Capsule Stories (available at Barnes and Noble)
For Women Who Roar (the third book)
Coffin Bell Journal (piece published with them nominated for a Best of Net Award)
Salmon Creek Journal
On Concepts Edge
Tipton Poetry Journal ft. Brick Street Poetry, Inc.
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I have a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, and am passionate about bringing the scientific knowledge I gained to creative spaces. My essays have been published here:
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I have always created art, and nothing has inspired me more than the natural world around me. I work with a variety mediums, including paints (watercolor, acrylics, and natural pigments), foraged plants, sea glass, gathered wood, twine, sea shells, and rocks.
I will soon have some paintings listed on this website so that you can buy originals, but prints will also soon be available. I am very much inspired by artists like Andy Goldsworthy and my Nordic ancestors.
As far as my paintings go, I do commission work, but have also had pieces published in magazines and journals around the world, such as Beyond Queer Words.
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I have been a photographer since 2012. My specialty is nature photography, but I am also passionate about outdoor portraits. I work with hand-me-down cameras for the sake of the environment, so the cracked lenses tend to make some beautiful light work.
My work has been published, but I will soon have an option to buy prints directly from me.
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I teach environmental classes locally and virtually, all centered around intersectionality and peace. I bring in my environmental degree for the science, and work to get people involved in environmentalism- whether that means spending more time in nature or going to climate protests.
I have taught classes for all ages (most recently focusing on college students), but especially love working with children. I like to incorporate art into my lessons with them, as I’ve found it helps them to focus and express themselves.
Eco-education and coaching
As someone with a degree in Environmental Studies, I’m working to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to live in harmony with nature. I offer education on topics like how to get started with a zero-waste lifestyle, how to begin your vegan journey, how to practice slow living, how to celebrate Earth-forward holidays, and so much more.
Workshops
Local classes
Bring Mother Nature into your home.
I’ve always seen the Earth as a muse for my artistic pursuits, and my photography is no exception. My photography prints feature Icelandic glacial lagoons, pine forests on the shores of the Salish Sea, the sweeping peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and so much more.
Nature photography
10% of all sales are donated to organizations that protect our wild places.
I’m available for commissioned paintings (send me an email with your idea)… but soon you’ll be able to shop for prints.
I specialize in nature paintings that highlight the wonder of the natural world. My style varies, but I have done abstract, surrealist, realistic, and my own whimsical style when painting. I’m a big fan of playing with colors, so expect colorful results.
Art that honors the Earth
Stay wonderstruck with me.
I am a published eco-poet, traveler, professional nature painter, environmental writer, photographer, and so much more. If you’d like to learn more about me and why I make the Earth the priority in my work, read on!