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Sharon Bridgforth
"Author of Note"
Summer/Fall 2005
| Name, Gender, and Birthplace: |
| Sharon Bridgforth, Kinda Female, Chicago, IL |
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| Current or Recent Project: |
 This piece began with my interest in looking at the blues (music) as a lifestyle/and how ancestral/spiritual/and human experiences might cross connect and inform such a lifestyle. I think that my love of exploring word rhythms/of working with the idea of "words" as music kind of allowed the piece to have it's own mind. For me the challenge is always funding/producing support for such non-linear/non-commercial work however since i've been around for a bit/over the years i have developed on-going long-term relationships with organizations and institutions around the country. "love conjure/blues" (the performance) was originally produced by the center for african and african american studies (u.t. austin). I am currently working on putting a touring production of the piece together so that i can insure that it has a long life. For more stay tuned to http://www.sharonbridgforth.com |
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| What is your earliest memory of being a writer? |
| I fell in love with Langston Hughes when i was a teenager. I loved him maddly/his sense of humor-his love of black people globally-his ability to capture the blues & jazz on the page. Reading langston hughes lead me to james baldwin nikki giovanni audre lorde and later toni morrison and so many others. Reading langston hughes made me want to write. My attempt at writing happened when i was around 16/after reading the song of solomon (the bible) but if not for langston i would not have imagined myself a writer. |
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| When were you first published? |
| Back in the late 70's (i'm 45) i was published in a zine called Black Thoughts that U.C. Berkeley put out. I think it was via the black studies department. Anyway it was back in the day. I was hanging out in the bay area enjoying the scene/reading here and there-taking dance classes and going to free jazz concerts. It was a sweet and wonderful time. Lots of movement in the air. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time with the right poem. I still have that magazine/somewhere in the back of my closet. |
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| How do you identify and nurture ideas for new projects? |
| For me it is all about feeling. I usually get a haunting/a feeling that i can't put words on for a long time. I look for music to match the feeling and play the music over and over and over till i get a general vibe on what's brewing. Then i nurse the baby till it comes out and has some legs. Reading autobiographies about musicians and singers helps keep me motivated and clear. Overall i focus on the writing/on at least getting a good first draft out before i do the work of finding producers/collaborators/publishing opportunities for the work. It usually takes me quite a few drafts and quite a few public experiences with a piece before it is really finished. |
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| Who are your influences? |
| Some of my primary influences have been: Toni Morrison, Ntozke Shange, Langston Hughes, Laurie Carlos, my family, my ancestors. From them i've learned: to place the fiction form inside an african-american voice; to use the page as a canvas; to write bio mythography; to encourage those in the room to bring all of themselves/open, present and engaged in the process of making work; to bring a bit of juke joint, a taste of ritual, some ancient art and magic. With love conjure/blues it has all come together. It is the most complete expression of my vision as an artist to date. |
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| Name 3 books that you believe should be part of everyone's book collection. |
| Core of Fire, by Aina Olomo 47, by Walter Mosley Anger, by Thich Nhat Bahn |
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| Do you believe LGBT authors have an obligation to the LGBT community? |
| I think that the LGBT community is as segregated as the american population at large is. Racism is alive and kicking in the LGBT community. So to me the first thing that comes to mind when i see "the LGBT community" is which one are we referring to? The LGBT community of color (and we can break that down 100 ways) or the white LGBT community. However if i am going to dream a just and equitable LGBT community (that includes not only people of color but transgender people and women) i think that LGBT authors have the responsibility of "voice" and therefore must speak to and document their truths/their stories while being mindful of all opportunities to challenge oppression. I think it is also important that we encourage and make opportunities for others to write their truths/their stories as well. |
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| What advice would you give aspiring writers? |
| Just do it. Learn your craft/then throw out what doesn't work for you. Find a nurturing supportive writing group. Be present in your everyday life. Your art is not separate from your life/at least not a healthy life. Create a life that allows you to write. When you focus on doing the work/opportunities organically come. Sometimes you have to create the opportunities yourself. |
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Sharon's Favorites
| Color |
| Blue |
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| Food |
| Gumbo |
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| Gadget |
| My ibook |
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| Drink |
| Coffee |
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| Movie |
| Daughter's of the Dust |
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| Singer/performer |
| My daughter - Sonja Perryman |
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