Simon Armitage on Awful AI Poems, Nature’s Inspiration, and the Future of Art

Simon Armitage on AI and Poetry: "Reassuringly Awful"

Simon Armitage, Britain's Poet Laureate since 2019, recently joined the Country Life Podcast for an insightful conversation. Known as a poet, author, musician, and proud Yorkshireman, Armitage shared candid thoughts about his role and creative process.

What Being Poet Laureate Actually Means

Contrary to popular belief, Armitage revealed that his duties as Poet Laureate involve very little formal obligation. Rather than constant public appearances or official poems, his work remains largely personal and flexible. One telling story was about a primary school teacher who declined to include his Christmas poem among the top six in the class—a reminder that even acclaimed poets face unexpected feedback.

Nature as a Source of Inspiration

Nature has been a consistent influence in Armitage's work. His latest collection, Dwell, draws heavily from his time spent at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. This setting deeply informs the poems, connecting place and creativity. Armitage will return there for the Heligan Homecoming Festival, running from June 13-22, 2025, alongside guests like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Dawn French.

AI and the Future of Art

Armitage shared his experience experimenting with AI-generated poetry. His verdict? The results were "reassuringly awful." While early AI attempts lack the nuance and depth of human work, he acknowledges that the technology will improve. This progress, he suggests, could challenge how art is made and valued.

He speculates that as AI-generated art gets better, traditional high-end craftsmanship may gain renewed respect because it's harder to replicate. On the other hand, avant-garde and experimental art might be most at risk, since its styles and methods are more easily mimicked by AI.

What Writers Can Take Away

• AI tools currently have limitations in creative writing, especially poetry.
• Human originality, especially in traditional forms, remains difficult for AI to match.
• Experimental art styles may face new challenges as AI evolves.
• Keeping nature and personal experience at the heart of writing sustains authenticity.

For writers interested in exploring AI’s impact on creative fields, staying informed and adaptable is key. Practical training on AI tools and their applications can offer useful insights. Resources like Complete AI Training provide courses that cover AI’s role in creative work, including poetry and copywriting.

Simon Armitage's Dwell is available now from Faber & Faber (£10). The Heligan Homecoming Festival offers a chance to experience the gardens that inspired it, along with a lineup of notable guests.