Who Are You? Gina Sherman
Name: Gina Sherman
Year of Birth: 1983
Place of Birth: Aberystwyth
In no more than six lines please describe what you do in “the poetry world.”
Apples and Snakes South West Producer- meaning I try my best to make awesome spoken word things happen around the region. I run regular spoken word nights in Plymouth (FORKED) and Exeter (@Bike Shed Theatre), set up development opportunities like commissioning, supporting and mentoring poets or delivering masterclasses on poetry world-y things. I have also worked in some fantastic partnerships delivering a variety of one off events and poetry related projects.
Where do you live now?
North Devon
What puts a genuine smile on your face?
Kindness and sunshine (together is best)
What keeps you awake at night?
My daughters!
Which living poet do you most admire?
Oh this is so tricky, I admire so many but the first spoken word artist I saw live was Kat Francois and I was amazed by her storytelling, physical agility and her bravery, she had me breathless.
Which dead poet do you most admire?
David Bowie
What irritates you most about yourself?
Everything!
What irritates you most about others?
Bad listeners and lack of empathy. (Related?)
What has been your finest hour?
Now is good!
What’s your favourite album / cd?
To Bring You My Love- P.J Harvey
What’s your favourite indulgence?
Binge boxset sessions and far too many biscuits
What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
La La Land
Politically, do you swing to the Left or to the Right?
Ardent Lefty
What is your favourite poem?
In a Bath Teashop by John Betjeman
Where would you most like to go on holiday?
You offering? I’m not fussy but I has to be hot OK.
If you ran the Arts Council what would you really want to do?
Put the Artists in charge and run for the hills.
Do you like shopping in malls?
1 part yes 2 parts no.
Least favourite kind of art event to go and see?
I feel bad saying this but an open mic with no time limit can be rather draining, or one of those 5 day live art things.
How often do you write poetry?
Not often enough
How often do you read poetry?
Whenever I can
What single thing would make your artistic life easier?
Time - specifically creative time/space
Where do you want to be this time next year?
At an inspirational life altering, life affirming poetry gig.
Do you believe in life after a bad gig?
Most definitely (I’m still standing!)
Do you believe in life after death?
I think it’s a beautiful idea. I guess I believe in genetics and the art of remembering.
How would you like to be remembered by the poetry world?
As a happy, helpful, nice person.