Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Davis.
Theresa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started writing and performing poetry after the death of my father almost 15 years ago. The first time I performed a poem was at Java Monkey Speaks hosted by Kodac Harrison. I was introduced to Slam Poetry in 2005. Slam poetry, is a competition where members of the audience score poems. In 2011 I won the Women of the World Poetry Slam. I have competed on multiple teams and in several competitions nationwide. When Kodac retired from hosting the open mic, he passed the gauntlet to me,
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I write from many places, family, love, rage, or inspiration. I’d say my work is a combination of personal narratives and social commentary. I tend to write on themes that connect to others regardless of where we come from. I am a firm believer that our stories bump into each other because we all share space on the quilt of humanity. When telling my stories or sharing my poetry, I am blown away when a listener tells me how they connected with my words.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
I believe in creating community. There are so many literary events happening all over Atlanta. It’s hard sometimes putting yourself out there, but there is a community out there for you.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am the host of Java Speaks, a weekly open mic that happens every Sunday night at Java Lords (our previous venue of 17 years, Java Monkey Coffee House in Decatur, was recently damaged in a fire and will be closed for several months). I also curate and produce shows around the city.
MadMen & Poets, a collaboration with Dad’s Garage where funny poetry and comedy improv collide. Our next show is Saturday January 12, 2019 at Dad’s Garage.
Xchange open mic every second Saturday of the month at the Arts Exchange located at 2148 Newnan Street in East Point. 7:30pm
Cliterati Opne No Mic every third Thursday at Charis Books and More 7pm
Art Amok Slam, every first Tuesday at the Red-Light Cafe, 8pm/$5
My books “After This We Go Dark” and “Drowned: A Mermaid’s Manifesto” both published by Sibling Rivalry Press are available at bookstores and on-line.
Contact Info:
- Address: Theresa Davis
- Website: http://rockstarpoet.wixsite.com/theresadavis
- Email: piratepoetshows@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shepiratepoet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockstarpoet/
- Twitter: @piraterockstar
Image Credit:
Rainbow pic by KMoments Photography
Pirate by Terri Rice
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
